How Self-Assessment Can Make You a More Mindful, Effective Rider If you're passionate about horses, you've probably spent more hours in the saddle than you care to count—only to discover, occasionally, that old habits have snuck back in. Maybe your horse in really lazy or is heavy in the contact. Don't fret! There's a refreshingly simple tool that can help you reset and ride with renewed awareness, it's what I like to call, the "horse shopping list" . This clever twist on int

How to Use Intentional Self-Assessment to Improve Your Body Mechanics in the Saddle If you’ve ever caught yourself gripping the reins too tightly or tensing your shoulders while riding, you’re not alone. Bad habits can sneak up on even the most experienced riders, often going unnoticed until they start to affect your comfort and communication with your horse. But what if there was a simple tool to help you reset those habits and ride with more awareness? Enter, what I like to

Why Bridle Brands Matter for Ultimate Bridle Fit When it comes to horse riding, the bridle isn’t just a piece of tack—it’s your main line of communication with your horse. A well-designed bridle can make the difference between a responsive, comfortable ride and a frustrating one. So, with the thousands of options out there, what can you look for to help make the right choice. Professional Choice As a professional bridle and bit fitter for the Canberra region I look for the br

Maintaining the health and well-being of your horse is crucial for their performance and enjoyment of life. Horses can face a variety of health issues throughout their lives, from minor ailments to serious conditions. Understanding these issues and how to prevent them will help you keep your horse healthy, happy, and active. Understanding Common Health Issues in Horses Horses are vulnerable to several common health issues. These can arise from improper management, diet defici

From Heavy to Harmonious: Unlocking Forward Energy Heavy breeds like Friesians, Andalusians, Gypsy Cobs, and draft crosses are stunning, powerful horses—but when it comes to uphill movements, forward thinking, and collected work, they face unique challenges. Unlike lighter breeds such as Thoroughbreds, Arabians, or Warmbloods, heavy horses are built for pulling, not lifting. This means they often carry more weight on the forehand, and even some have a forward-placed sternum,

A Guide for Riders to Match Style and Comfort for Every Horse in Australia When it comes to riding, your horse’s comfort and style are paramount. (It's good to look schmick!) The English saddle pad might seem like a simple accessory, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your horse’s back and completing your look, whether you’re in the show ring, clinics, lessons or out on the trails. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular English saddle pad brands readily a

How to Choose, Fit, and Use the Best Girth for Your Horse’s Comfort and Performance When it comes to English riding, the girth can make all the difference to your horse’s comfort, movement, and overall performance. Whether you’re an avid competitor, a weekend trail rider, or a trainer seeking the best for every horse in your care, choosing the right girth isn’t just a matter of style—it’s a matter of well-being. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll unravel the types of Engl

Sit Down with a Cuppa and Get to Know Ben It's time to sit down and get to know one of our regular coaches that coaches regularly in the Canberra region and a big favourite here at Lagoballo . Ben Netterfield is the visionary behind Dare To Coach , a platform dedicated to empowering equestrian coaches and riders to reach their full potential. With a passion for education and a deep understanding of the challenges faced in the horse industry, Ben created Dare To Coach to prov

How Do Equine Owners Fill the Gap and Why Root Cause Thinking is the Key Do you frequently find yourself unsure about how to advance or progress with your horse? Or do you sense that something is lacking in transitioning your horse from moving adequately to moving with complete ease? Or do you want to understand how to read their behaviours and patterns to enhance your connection more? (Whether this be on the ground or ridden.) Horsemanship, connection and advancement of ridi

Bungendore: From Paddock to Plate Perfection Just 40 minutes from Canberra, Bungendore is a charming country town that blends heritage, creativity, and paddock-to-plate goodness. Whether you're on a rest day from a horse clinic or simply craving a slower pace, Bungendore offers the perfect mix of food, nature, and boutique shopping. Here's your guide to a delightful day out. Just an easy, scenic and short 10-minute drive from Bungendore Showgrounds (where the Mark Langley Ho

Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Personal Approaches to Equine Training When it comes to training horses, the debate between the use of scientific methods and more intuitive, emotion-driven approaches is ongoing. While science-backed methodologies have brought about substantial improvements in safety, consistency, and welfare, they often fall short of addressing the complex emotions experienced by both horse and rider. In this blog post, we’ll examine why scientific methods in h

How Introducing Challenges Fuels Growth for Both Horse and Rider Horse riding is more than just a hobby for many. It's a passion that combines the joy of bonding with a majestic animal and the thrill of overcoming challenges. However, as equestrians strive to improve their skills, they can sometimes find themselves caught in a cycle of frustration. Riding challenges can lead to plateaus, making it hard to maintain enthusiasm. Every horse rider—whether just starting out or wit

Horses are beautiful, gentle creatures—but they’re also powerful, sensitive, and sometimes unpredictable. It’s tempting to offer a treat or give a pat when you see a horse, but doing so without the owner’s permission can lead to serious consequences. From life-threatening health issues to behavioral problems that last a lifetime, here’s why you should never feed, approach, or handle someone else’s horse—and what you should  do instead. Why You Shouldn’t Feed Other People’s Ho

Why it is Important to Help Reduce Friction in the Saddle If you’ve ever experienced discomfort during short or long horse rides, you’re not alone. Friction, heat, and sweat can lead to chafing and even saddle sores—making what should be an enjoyable ride feel like a challenge, and not so enjoyable. That’s where Premax Chamois Cream for Women  steps in. Why It Works pH Balanced for Women : Designed specifically for female riders, this cream helps maintain a healthy skin envir

Unlocking smoother, more responsive rides with simple body cues Have you ever watched an experienced rider turn their horse as if by magic, with hardly a flick of the reins? It’s not sorcery – it’s the power of subtle body aids at work! Many riders (especially when starting out) think turning a horse is all about pulling the rein, but in truth, your body is the first and most important cue your horse will feel. Let’s break down how you can cue your horse to turn using a simpl

Mastering Hand Control with Exercises Whether you're a weekend rider or training for your first competition, one skill that can transform your relationship with your horse is learning how to keep your hands steady. Noisy hands—those that bounce, jerk, or fidget—can confuse your horse, disrupt communication, and make your ride less enjoyable. In this post, we'll explore practical exercises to refine your hand position, discuss the role of Equisk gloves in supporting riders, an

For Riders Who Have Pivo Online Lessons or Own their Own Ceecoach Devices When you’re riding and using tech like Pivo  for virtual lessons or Ceecoach  for real-time coaching, audio quality and connectivity matter. Here’s why: Pivo requires Bluetooth : Your phone sits on the Pivo device for filming, so a wired headset simply won’t reach. Bluetooth is essential for freedom of movement. Ceecoach supports both wired and Bluetooth , but wireless gives riders more comfort and elim

Specifically for the Black Ceecoach Plus Model Clear communication is key during riding lessons, clinics, or group rides. The Ceecoach Plus  system is a favorite among equestrian coaches for hands-free communication, and pairing it with Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Mini  headphones gives you comfort and safety with open-ear technology. Here’s how to connect them seamlessly. This set-up is my preferred device combination and has incredible sound, connection and longevity. If you need h

Student's Needing their Own Headphones for Lessons When it comes to equestrian training, clear communication between rider and coach is essential. Ceecoach systems are designed for this purpose, but the headset you choose can make or break the experience. While Bluetooth options exist, many riders prefer corded headphones  for their reliability, zero latency, and simplicity. Why Choose Corded Headphones for Ceecoach? Stable Connection:  No risk of Bluetooth dropouts during le

Essential Do's and Don’ts for Australian Horse Owners Keeping horses healthy and happy starts from the ground up—literally. Good paddock management is crucial not only for your horses’ nutrition and wellbeing, but also for maintaining resilient pastures and preventing weed invasions. In Australia, where the climate can swing from lush to drought-prone, knowing how to care for your paddocks is a must for every horse owner. Here’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining healthy pa