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

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

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 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

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

From Stoic to Soft: How Horses Thrive with Pressure That Invites Thinking When it comes to training horses, the method you choose doesn’t just shape their behavior—it shapes their mindset. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how positive pressure  creates horses that think, troubleshoot, and express themselves with softness. It’s a far cry from the shutdown, stoic responses often seen in horses trained with traditional pressure-based methods. Let’s unpack what positive pressu

Slow Is Not Always Soft, But Fast Needs to Be Soft: Rethinking Responsiveness in Horsemanship When we think of softness in horsemanship, we often associate it with slowness—gentle movements, quiet steps, and a calm demeanor. But as I learned through my time (years) with various coaches and studies, softness is not about speed. In fact, a horse can move quickly and still be soft. Conversely, a horse standing still can be anything but relaxed. The Myth of Stillness = Calm It’s

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

A Supportive Guide for Owners, Riders, and Trainers If you’ve noticed your horse taking choppy steps or struggling to step under with their hindquarters, you’re not alone. Many horses—whether young, green, or seasoned—can develop short, stiff strides that affect their comfort and way of going. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your horse move more freely, comfortably, and confidently. Let’s dive into the causes, practical bodywork, groundwork, and riding ex

Essential Items and Surfaces to Help Build Your Horse’s Confidence Whether you’re prepping your horse for trails, competitions, or just a more relaxed experience at the paddock, desensitisation is a crucial part of equine training. Horses, by nature, are prey animals—meaning they’re hardwired to react to anything unfamiliar or potentially threatening. With the right approach, you can help your horse become calmer and more confident in a variety of scenarios. Here’s a guide to

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

Your Guide to Staying Safe, Calm, and Connected in the Saddle If you’ve ever found yourself in the saddle with a horse that suddenly spooks or bolts, you know that heart-in-mouth feeling all too well. While it’s a nerve-wracking experience, the secret to handling these moments lies in one powerful approach: de-escalation. Let’s explore how you can turn a tense situation into a learning opportunity for both you and your horse, keeping safety and confidence front and centre. Un

Managing, Exercising, and Caring for Your Senior Equine Mate As horses age, their needs and capabilities change, requiring a thoughtful approach to training and management. Whether your old mate is a retired champion or a beloved paddock companion, understanding how to care for and exercise an older horse is vital. This guide will help you identify what constitutes an “older” horse, recognise their limits, spot warning signs, and offer practical steps for keeping your senior

Tight, clamping thighs are a common challenge for many riders, yet they’re often misunderstood or dismissed as simply a “bad habit.” In reality, thigh tension is usually the result of a combination of biomechanics, muscle imbalance, skeletal structure, and nervous system responses. In this blog, we’ll explore  why  riders clamp with their thighs, how it affects both horse and rider, and practical ways to improve freedom, comfort, and harmony in the saddle. What Happens When t

Reflecting on Old Riding Habits and Embracing Better Ways for Our Horses For as long as I can remember, horses have been at the heart of my life. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of connection, freedom and partnership that comes from working alongside these magnificent animals. But with every journey, there are moments that stop us in our tracks—hard realisations that challenge everything we thought we knew. Today, I want to share the toughest lesson, and an honest trut

Time to Process and Create a Calm Nervous System If you’ve ever worked with horses, you know that timing is everything. One simple yet powerful technique that’s gaining attention among horse trainers and riders is the idea of giving your horse “3 Mississippi's”—a short pause—before asking them to come back to you after a cue or correction. It sounds almost too simple, but this approach can transform your relationship with your horse. Here’s why it works. The Power of the Paus

Embarking on the journey of horse ownership is both exciting and challenging. For new horse owners, understanding how to train their horse effectively while building a solid bond is crucial. This blog post provides you with essential advice, exercises for groundwork (in-hand) and riding, and emphasizes the importance of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Understanding Your Horse’s Needs Before diving into training, it is important to understand your horse’s ne

A beautifully kind, fellow rider recently said to me, “You’re very dressage-focused.”  And she’s right— dressage  is at the heart of my approach. But here’s the thing: dressage literally means training  in German. It’s not just about competition (and I don't actively pursue this); it’s the original foundation for riding, developed centuries ago to create balance, harmony, and communication between horse and rider. However, the comment got me thinking... what makes a good trai