The Weight Factor: Smart Buying and Training Tips When choosing a horse or planning a training program, understanding breed categories and their functional movement is essential. Horses are generally grouped into light , medium , and heavyweight breeds , each with unique biomechanics, strengths, and challenges. Lightweight Breeds Agile, quick, and naturally forward-thinking. Ideal for speed and endurance disciplines. Easier to achieve uphill balance but can be sensitive and r

“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This phrase has followed me through many parts of my life, but nowhere does it feel more relevant—or more misunderstood—than in horse training. We often hear slow down as the antidote to rushing, tension, and confusion. And yes, rushing can absolutely create brace. But I want to open a deeper conversation around this idea: 👉 Can moving too slowly also create brace? 👉 And are we sometimes mistaking stillness and micro‑control for quality

Recently, I had the pleasure and opportunity to do something I truly believe every horse owner and rider should experience at least once: a professional bit and bridle fitting. I booked in both Maestro and Thor with Free Flow Equine (Susan Rousak), and what unfolded was one of the most fascinating and eye‑opening sessions I’ve had in a long time. What stood out most wasn’t just finding the right equipment—it was watching the horses functionally change how they used their bodi

The other day I had the loveliest brunch with some horse gal pals—good food, great company, and (of course) deep horse chat. At one point someone asked a deceptively simple question: “Do you need a bit to get collection?” What followed was a genuinely fascinating conversation, with a whole range of perspectives and experiences shared around the table. It stayed with me long after the last coffee, and I realised it was something I really wanted to write about—and hear your tho

Lately I’ve been asking myself a very serious, highly scientific question: Has everyone lost the actual plot? Like, what the actual fuck?! Because honestly… the level of rudeness out there right now makes me wonder if basic manners have gone the way of floppy disks and dial‑up internet — nice ideas from a bygone era. And for reasons unknown to science, horse people  seem to have taken this decline in politeness and sprinted with it like their lives depended on it. Whatever Ha

Safety First when Towing Your Horse Float When it comes to towing your horse float, safety and comfort aren’t negotiable—they’re essential. Every bump, sway, and jolt on the road doesn’t just affect your vehicle; it impacts your horses’ wellbeing and your fuel economy. That’s why upgrading to the Curt Rebellion XD Drop Hitch  is one of the smartest investments you can make. The Problem with Standard Hitches Traditional hitches do the job, but they don’t absorb shock. Every po

Post-Bodyworker Return-to-Work You’ve booked the bodyworker, given your horse a couple of rest days, and now you’re ready to ride. But instead of feeling supple and balanced, your horse moves like six different drunk horses in one body. Sound familiar? Here’s why—and what to do about it. Why It Happens Bodywork releases tension and restores mobility, but it also changes how your horse feels in its own skin. Muscles that were tight are now freer, and old compensations have shi

When it comes to protecting our horses’ legs in the paddock, I’m pretty picky. Paddock boots need to do a lot: protect against knocks, cope with mud and wet conditions, stay put, and most importantly, keep horses comfortable. After trying quite a few options over the years, there are two turnout/paddock boots I genuinely rate and happily recommend . If you’re dealing with winter mud, rocky paddocks, sensitive skin, or horses that seem determined to remove or destroy their boo

The Low-Down on Bareback Pads Starts Here Bareback riding is a fantastic way to improve your balance, feel your horse’s movement, and build a stronger connection. But riding without a saddle doesn’t mean riding without support. A good bareback pad can make the experience safer and more comfortable for both horse and rider. Here’s what to look for—and why I personally choose the Barefoot Physio Bareback Pad . What Makes a Great Bareback Pad? When selecting a bareback pad, cons