I’m not perfect, and neither is my horse. Recently, I was riding Maestro in the arena, just quietly going about my business. Nothing dramatic, nothing “Instagram-worthy”—just a thoughtful ride. Now, Maestro is usually ridden bitless, but on this day I chose to check in with him in a bit to see how he was feeling about it. What followed was actually quite a conversational ride. No antics. No tension. Just questions and answers. I was helping him soften, reach, and organise his

There are few things in this world that feel as deeply, viscerally wrong as animal cruelty. It cuts through politics, culture, upbringing and belief systems. It’s not a “difference of opinion”. It’s a moral catastrophe. Animals are, by nature, vulnerable. Most of them are prey species — wired for fear, highly sensitive to pain, and entirely dependent on the world around them to be safe. They don’t have a voice. They don’t get to vote. They can’t report abuse. They trust by de

Why Ulcers Are So Common in Performance Horses Gastric ulcers are one of the most widespread health issues in horses, especially those in training or competition. Studies show that up to 90% of performance horses experience some form of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Why? Because their natural digestive system is designed for constant grazing , not the stop-start feeding patterns we often impose. When horses go for long periods without forage, stomach acid continues t

From Prepping Your Gear to Caring for Your Horse – A Month Out Guide Dressage might look effortless from the side-lines, but anyone who’s competed knows it’s all about preparation. The week leading up to a dressage competition is crucial for both you and your horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or gearing up for your first event, this guide will help you tick every box during the month leading up, so when you trot down that centre line, you’re ready to shine. This comprehe

Understanding, Practising, and Building Softness with Your Horse Horse riding is a journey of communication, trust, and subtlety. One of the most discussed—and often misunderstood—aspects of this partnership is “contact.” Whether you’re an experienced equestrian, a riding instructor, or just passionate about horses, understanding contact can make a world of difference to your riding and your horse’s comfort. Let’s pull back the curtain on what contact really means, how to tel

From One-Upping to Uplifting: Building a Better Learning Space Hosting or attending a horse clinic should be one of the most enriching experiences in your horsemanship journey. It’s a chance to learn, grow, connect, and celebrate progress—whether you're refining groundwork, tackling ridden challenges, or simply soaking up wisdom from a seasoned clinician. But let’s be real: sometimes the vibe gets hijacked. Not by the horses, but by humans. Personal Experience I've attended c

Your horse can't tell you when something hurts. But they're telling you every single ride. A tail swish here. A resistance to the leg there. A head toss you've started dismissing as "just her being difficult." These aren't attitude problems — they're a language. And the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) is the key to understanding it. We've taken that science and turned it into something practical: a free-to-reuse, fillable PDF checklist you can use during or after every ride

Humans Need to be the Horse's Psychiatrist and Listen to Troubleshoot When a horse shows anger, it’s not about defiance or dominance—it’s a cry for help. Horses are prey animals, hardwired for survival, and their behaviour is a reflection of how safe and understood they feel. Anger is often a sign that something in their world isn’t right. As horse owners and trainers, it’s our job to listen. What Does “Angry” Look Like in a Horse? Anger in horses can show up in subtle and ob

Ever heard someone say, “You need more feel” ? It sounds mysterious, almost magical—but feel isn’t magic . It’s an art, supported by science. The science explains biomechanics, learning theory, and how horses respond to pressure and release. The art is knowing when to apply an aid, how much , and when to soften . That’s where experience, awareness, and empathy come in. What Is ‘Feel’? Feel is the ability to sense and respond to what your horse needs in the moment. It’s knowi