Starting a young horse is one of the most rewarding parts of horsemanship—but it also presents one of the biggest tack challenges: their bodies change constantly . Between ages two and six, a horse’s back undergoes enormous muscular and skeletal development, which means a saddle that fits perfectly today may be uncomfortable in six months. Research shows that young horses rapidly develop topline muscles, and their vertebrae don’t fully mature until around six years of age, so

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever run a clinic, hosted an event, or even just sent a group email, you’ve probably muttered this under your breath: “Why can’t people just read the damn instructions?” It’s not just you. It’s a widespread issue. From missed deadlines to misinterpreted forms, the inability (or unwillingness) to follow clear directions seems to be on the rise. But why? Let’s unpack it. 1. Cognitive Overload: Too Much, Too Fast We live in a world of constant input—not

Best Time for Horses, Property Projects, and New Adventures Retirement is the perfect time to indulge in the passions you’ve always dreamed about—and if horses are part of your life, the possibilities are endless! Whether you own a few acres or a sprawling property, here are creative ideas to keep you active, connected, and loving every moment with your horses. 1. Create a Horse Haven Upgrade Your Paddocks: Add shade trees, safe fencing, and automatic waterers for convenienc

Pausing Before Providing Advice The horse world thrives on community spirit. We share arenas, clinics, and long days at shows, often cheering each other on. But sometimes, good intentions can cross into uncomfortable territory—like jumping in to “help” without being asked or offering unsolicited advice. It might feel harmless, but it can undermine confidence and create tension. Here’s why respecting boundaries matters, how to spot if you do this unconsciously, and how to resp

Mum, Partner, Kids, Work-Life & Horses Balance Being a mum is a full-time job—and adding horse ownership into the mix can feel impossible. Between school runs, work, and family commitments, where do you find time for grooming, riding, and bonding with your horse? The good news: it is possible with a little creativity and planning. Here are some practical tips and outside-the-box ideas to help mums keep their equestrian dreams alive. 1. Embrace Micro-Moments You don’t need ho

Here's to the Overthinkers and "Try Hards"... I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m an overthinker AND try-hard. Not the casual kind—the world-class, Olympic‑level kind. And while overthinking is sometimes useful in life, when it comes to training horses… well, it can turn a perfectly good ride into a mental pretzel. Over time, I’ve realised something important: horses don’t live in our heads—they live in the moment. And when we don’t, the disconnect becomes obvious. When Over

Healthy pasture isn’t just about good looks — it’s your first line of defence against toxic weeds, metabolic upsets, photosensitisation, and neurological syndromes like Australian stringhalt . This guide covers how to prevent and control weeds , when to spray vs when to hand‑pull , how to use Grazon effectively , and how to identify the most dangerous weeds for horses in Australia (with pictures and trusted references). Why Weed Control Matters to Horse Health Toxin risks ri

Life in the Fast Lane Life today moves fast—work, family, errands, and social commitments can make horse ownership feel like an impossible dream. But here’s the truth: you can fit horses into your modern lifestyle with a little planning and creativity. Whether you’re juggling kids, a career, or both, these tips and a practical weekly guide will help you stay connected to your horse without burning out. Top Tips for Busy Horse Owners Plan Ahead: Treat horse time like an appo

How to Test Yourself Off‑Horse As riders, we spend a lot of time correcting our horses’ posture, balance and movement—yet rarely pause to ask what our own bodies bring to the equation . Your flexibility profile can profoundly influence balance, core control, stability in the saddle and even injury risk. This guide helps you determine whether you’re a hypermobile rider , a within‑range “normal” mobility rider , or an overly tight rider . You’ll also find simple, step‑by‑step o

Soft Starts and Second Chances: A Horsewoman’s Reflection There’s something deeply humbling about working with two horses at opposite ends of their life and training journeys. Thor, my curious and confident 2-year-old (Friesian x Andalusian), and Maestro, my seasoned yet complexly sensitive 17-year-old (Friesian x Stockhorse), couldn’t be more different—and yet, they both teach me something new every day. Owning horses at opposite ends of their life and training journeys is l

Proven Techniques for Learning Off-Horse Learning a dressage test or memorising a show jumping course can feel overwhelming—especially under competition pressure. The secret? Tailor your approach to your learning style and use proven techniques to lock it in. Let’s break it down. Step 1: Identify Your Learning Style I've written previously on learning styles when it comes to selecting a coach that matches your style —visual, auditory or kinaesthetic. In summary: Visual Learne

Here’s How to Spot the Good, Avoid the Fads, and Find What Works for You and Your Horse The internet is a goldmine of horse training advice—but let’s be honest, it can feel more like a minefield. One minute you’re watching a helpful groundwork video, the next you’re knee-deep in a “must-follow” method that promises miracles. So how do you avoid falling into a training cult or fad? And how do you figure out what’s genuinely good for you and your horse? Let’s break it down. Why

Why Learning with Horses is so Humbling Learning horse riding or handling often feels like a rollercoaster. You grasp a new skill, feel confident, then suddenly hit a wall where nothing seems to work. This back-and-forth between understanding and confusion can be frustrating. Yet, this experience is a natural part of the learning process. Imagine it like Newton’s pendulum, where the balls swing back and forth, gradually losing energy until they come to rest. Your progress in

Half, Light & Full Seat work with Lagoballo’s 7-Point Seat for Balance, Safety & Harmony in the Saddle Your seat is the foundation of your riding. It influences your horse’s balance, comfort, and willingness to move. Understanding when to use half seat , light seat , or full seat can transform your ride—and Lagoballo’s 7-Point Seat Concept helps you get it right every time. Why Link the 7-Point Seat? The three seat types aren’t just about lifting or lowering your pelvis—th

Riders often struggle with learning feel when riding! It is an interesting and light bulb moment if you pursue this approach (this is all part of my equine awareness training methodologies). Read on as I think I can help you get that inkling of unlocking finding/teaching the right feel ! Developing an independent seat and subtle, effective leg aids starts with understanding what feel actually means in your own body. Many riders are told to “wrap the leg on,” “guard with the

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