There’s something about Australian summers—humid, sticky, deceptively cloudy—that tricks you into thinking, “It’s not that hot today.”  And that’s exactly when the heat can catch you off guard. I learned that the hard way. I’m usually organised when I’m at the paddock: my big water bottles, electrolytes, cooling towel—the whole routine. But for once, I forgot my usual set‑up. No large water bottles. No reminder to sip consistently. No plan for the humidity that was already si

Electrolytes Explained: When Your Horse Needs More Than Just Water Electrolytes are essential minerals—sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—that regulate hydration, nerve function, and muscle contractions in horses. While forage and feed provide some electrolytes, they often fall short during periods of heavy sweating, stress, or illness. Knowing when and how to supplement electrolytes can make the difference between a healthy, hydrated horse and one at risk of

The Challenge We All Face I’ll be honest—I struggle with this too. I think in this day-and-age, where technology has enabled things to be instantaneous, an environment has been created where we multi-task or handle a lot of things all at once—making us flounder and sometimes get overwhelmed. I think this also translates into the equine world too! When I’m in-hand or riding, I sometimes give too many cues : a rope wiggle here, a rein adjustment there, a leg aid that overlaps w

Why This Philosophy Works In horse training, rushing rarely leads to progress. My mantra is: “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”  It reminds us that quality beats speed . When we slow down, we create clarity, confidence, and softness—laying the foundation for faster, more reliable responses later. What Does “Slow and Smooth” Mean? Taking time for each cue so the horse understands. Moving with rhythm and consistency, not jerky or rushed. Allowing the horse to process and respo

I want to take a moment to address something that happens far too often in the photography industry, and it needs to be spoken about openly. When you purchase images under a Personal Use Licence , that licence clearly outlines what you can  and cannot  do with those images. Personal use means exactly that — not for business, not for advertising, not for websites, not for marketing, and not for anything that generates income or promotes a commercial activity . Using those imag

Why Does Bracing Happen? If your horse feels stiff or resistant on one side of their body, it’s often due to asymmetry in flexibility, strength, or balance . This can show up as difficulty bending, falling in or out on circles, or resisting lateral aids. The goal isn’t to force softness—it’s to encourage equal bend and relaxation . ✅ In-Hand Exercises Lateral Flexion at the Poll and Neck: Stand at the girth and gently ask for bend toward the softer side first, then the stiffe

In the horse world, we often hear training described through scientific frameworks and methodologies— especially operant conditioning. These models can be useful for explaining the mechanics  of learning, but they fall short when it comes to the heart of horsemanship: feel, softness, timing, emotional awareness and connection . Horses aren’t machines responding to inputs. They’re sentient, emotional beings who pick up on intention, energy, body language, breathing, and the qu

Why This Matters When someone takes over a post, it can feel like an authoritarian move —silencing the original voice and overshadowing their effort. Most people share content to help, inspire, or inform based on what they know. Hijacking that moment doesn’t just derail the conversation; it discourages others from posting at all. If we want healthy online communities , we need to think about how and when we comment . I also acknowledge that no-one is perfect and we all make m

Oh Sugar! Why Insulin Resistance in a Concern Insulin resistance (IR) in horses is a growing concern, especially among easy keepers, ponies, and breeds with a “thrifty” metabolism. It’s a condition that can sneak up quietly—until your horse starts showing signs like a cresty neck, unexplained laminitis, or stubborn weight gain. Managing IR is a long-term commitment, but with the right knowledge, support, and veterinary partnership, it’s absolutely doable. 🧪 What Is Insulin R