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 kinesthetic. In summary: Visual Learner

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

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

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

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

There’s a certain kind of quiet magic that happens when a coach truly sees  both horse and human — not just as a combination, but as a conversation. That’s the energy that filled the air at Tori Jeffress ’ recent clinic in Marulan NSW , where I spent the time behind the camera, capturing the moments of softness, focus, and transformation unfolding in every arena corner. Even though I wasn’t riding, it was impossible not to be drawn into the atmosphere Tori creates: calm, atte

Every horse owner has, at some point, gone on the hunt for the unicorn —the flawless, sound, vice‑free horse with the temperament of a saint, the athleticism of a champion, the body of a young warmblood and the emotional stability of a retired therapy pony. But somewhere along the buying journey, that dream morphs into something else entirely. Something… slightly unhinged. Welcome to the hunt for the Delusicorn :✨ The delusion of finding the unicorn. It’s a journey fuelled by

Towing Vehicle Preparation is Key Breaking down while towing your horse float is every rider’s nightmare—but with the right preparation, you can minimise risk and stress. Here’s how to make sure your towing setup is protected and ready for the road. 1. Insurance That Covers Float Towing Not all policies are created equal. Check that your insurance includes: Float towing coverage  for the distances you travel. Weight limits  that match your float and vehicle setup. Emergency t

Preparation is Key Horse riding isn’t just about what happens in the saddle—it starts with how you prepare. The right outfit can make the difference between a comfortable, confident ride and one filled with distractions. Here’s the order I follow (and a few tips to make your gear work harder for you): 1. Underpants Start with a seamless, breathable pair. Avoid bulky seams—they can cause rubbing during long rides. 2. Sports Bra Choose one with high support and moisture-wicking

When most riders think about improving their skills, they focus on cues, aids, and technique. But there’s a deeper layer that often gets overlooked: horse riding biomechanics —the science of how horses and humans move and function together. Understanding this can transform your riding from good to exceptional. What Is Biomechanics in Horse Riding? Biomechanics is the study of movement—how muscles, joints, and bones work in harmony. In riding, it’s about: How your body positio

Keeping Your Bunny Hoppy, Healthy, and Safe If you’re the proud owner of a bunny, you’ve probably noticed those little claws growing steadily longer every week. While it might be tempting to leave nature to its own devices, a rabbit’s claws need regular attention—especially for our domestic friends who don’t get to dig and scurry about like their wild cousins. In this post, I’ll break down why trimming your rabbit’s claws is important, how often you should do it, the tools yo

Why Skipping the Fruit Bowl Is Essential for Your Rabbit’s Health Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for rabbits. If you’re caring for a fluffy companion, prevention is always better than cure. In this blog post, I’ll share practical, vet-approved strategies to help you keep your rabbit’s digestive system ticking along — with a special focus on why feeding no fruit at all is non-negotiable. What Is GI Stasis? GI stasis occurs

What is Fly Strike in Rabbits? Fly strike, also known as myiasis, is a serious and often life-threatening condition that affects rabbits, especially during the warmer months in Australia. It occurs when flies—commonly the green bottle fly—lay their eggs on the rabbit’s skin, usually around the rear end or any area soiled with urine or faeces. The eggs hatch into maggots within hours, and these maggots can burrow into the rabbit’s flesh, causing severe pain, infection, and eve

A Step-by-Step Guide for Calm, Happy Clipping Introducing your horse to electric clippers can be a bit daunting, especially if they've never encountered the buzzing, vibrating machines before. But with patience, positive reinforcement, and a gentle approach, even the most wary horse can learn to accept clipping as part of their grooming routine. Whether you're a long-time horse owner or just starting out, this friendly guide will walk you through the process step by step, mak

There’s something pretty special about the horse world. It’s not just the riding, the training, the dusty boots or the early mornings. It’s the people. The ones who understand the horse hair on your clothes, the late-night feed runs, the heartbreaks, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. Finding your  horsey peeps—the ones who get you because they also get horses—is one of the greatest gifts this lifestyle brings. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t always happen qui