The ride where getting off was the bravest—and smartest—thing I did (apologies for the swear words therein contained) I share plenty of good moments with my horses: the breakthroughs, the softness, the connection and those rides where the hard work finally seems to click. But not every ride is like that. Sometimes it is shit. Yep, shit! Sometimes your experienced horse becomes completely overwhelmed, your own survival instincts start screaming, and the best decision you can m

One of the biggest mistakes I see in horse training is the belief that more is better. More exercises. More repetitions. More time spent drilling. More things to tick off the training plan. In reality, piling exercise upon exercise into a session can quickly overload a horse both mentally and physically. Rather than asking, "What can I teach my horse today?", a more valuable question is: "What does my horse need from me today?" When we shift our focus to the horse's mindset a

What I would observe before deciding whether a young horse is a suitable prospect—and worth progressing to an independent veterinary pre-purchase examination. Buying a horse is deeply personal. Buying one under two years old can feel even more so, because you are assessing the horse in front of you while imagining the partner they may become. This checklist is not designed to find a “perfect” youngster. That horse does not exist. Nor can one viewing predict future soundness,

My young horse’s first rides during a six-day Mark Langley Horsemanship intensive at Skylark, Victoria. Thor turned three on 9 September. Some horses might celebrate with carrots, a birthday photo and perhaps an undignified party hat. Thor celebrated with some “pre-flight checks,” a saddle, and me climbing aboard for our very first ride together during a six-day Mark Langley Horsemanship intensive at Skylark, Mark and Jenny Langley’s beautiful property in Rosewhite, Victoria.

When it comes to feeding horses, most discussions focus on what we're feeding. But perhaps we should spend more time thinking about how and where we're feeding. Traditionally, horses evolved to graze with their heads down for much of the day. More recently, many horse owners have embraced the idea that feeding from the ground is always best. While there are certainly benefits to ground feeding, I've come to believe that the "best" feeding position depends on the individual ho

As horse owners, we naturally want the best for our horses. We invest in lessons, clinics, training programs and equipment, all in pursuit of helping them reach their potential. But what if the very thing holding your horse back isn't a training issue at all? What if it's discomfort? Before we ask our horses to carry us, learn new skills, improve their movement or overcome behavioural challenges, we need to ensure they're physically comfortable in their bodies. No amount of t

With spring knocking on our doorstep and the days growing warmer, perhaps it's time to press pause on our training schedules and remember why we fell in love with horses in the first place. Instead of reaching for the saddle and bridle, what if we went back to our roots and focused on simply being with our horses? Spring is the perfect season to slow down and reconnect. Spend some time giving your horse a good scratch and a thorough groom, helping them shed those annoying bit

One of the things I see most often in horses isn't poor training, bad behaviour, or even a lack of talent. It's anxiety. Not anxiety in the way many people describe it. Not simply the horse that spooks, bolts, spins, or reacts dramatically. Those behaviours are often the visible symptoms of something much deeper. What I'm talking about is the horse that struggles to regulate its nervous system in a human-created world. I think we, as horse mums and dads, need to do better. We

In the equestrian world, it’s natural to reflect on what might have caused a horse’s discomfort, behavioural changes, or lameness. Horses are complex athletes, and when something goes wrong, owners often look back over every decision — including their lessons. And a common question arises: “If I had one lesson with an instructor and my horse later developed issues… is that the instructor’s fault?” Let’s explore why the answer is almost always no , and why consistent training,

Introducing a bit and bridle to a young or green horse doesn’t have to be a wrestling match, a drama scene, or something you “just get done.” When done thoughtfully, it can be a calm, easy, even curious experience for the horse — and that first impression sets the tone for their entire future with bridling. Here’s the simple, treat‑charged, horse‑friendly method I used with my youngster.(It took us under five minutes to get the bit in for the first time, and now he literally

Looking for a way to keep your horse mentally stimulated and physically active without leaving your property? Building fun obstacles at home is a great way to strengthen your bond, improve your horse’s confidence, and add variety to your training sessions. Best of all, many obstacles can be made with simple, affordable materials. Why DIY Obstacles Are Great for Horses Mental Engagement: Horses love challenges! Obstacles encourage problem-solving and boost confidence. Physica

Humans Need to be the Horse's Psychiatrist and Listen to Troubleshoot When a horse shows anger, it’s not about defiance or dominance—it’s a cry for help. Horses are prey animals, hardwired for survival, and their behaviour is a reflection of how safe and understood they feel. Anger is often a sign that something in their world isn’t right. As horse owners and trainers, it’s our job to listen. What Does “Angry” Look Like in a Horse? Anger in horses can show up in subtle and ob

Ever heard someone say, “You need more feel” ? It sounds mysterious, almost magical—but feel isn’t magic . It’s an art, supported by science. The science explains biomechanics, learning theory, and how horses respond to pressure and release. The art is knowing when to apply an aid, how much , and when to soften . That’s where experience, awareness, and empathy come in. What Is ‘Feel’? Feel is the ability to sense and respond to what your horse needs in the moment. It’s knowi

From 14–17 May, Maestro, Thor and I attended The Mindful Rider Canberra clinic — a biannual highlight made even more special as I help organise these events locally. This time, we were immersed in not one, but two consecutive 2-day intensive clinics with Ann Montgomery, and once again, the experience proved just how powerful her coaching approach truly is. A Setting Designed for Learning Our journey took us to the stunning Kalaragan Equine property near Murrumbateman, NSW. Ho

Why Hip-Opening Matters Tight hips can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and even impact your posture. The good news? You don’t need an hour-long yoga session to start improving flexibility. These two simple stretches take less than five minutes and can make a noticeable difference when done consistently. Stretch 1: Modified Child’s Pose How to Do It: Kneel on the floor with your knees wider than hip-width. Sit back toward your heels and extend your arms forward, lowering

Overloaded with Courses and Conflicting Advice? We’ve all been there—one quick search for “how to improve my horse’s canter” turns into hours of scrolling through videos, blogs, and online courses. Suddenly, you’ve signed up for five different training programs, each promising miracles. The result? Confusion for you and your horse. I get it! We want to educate ourselves to be the best for our horse's and their welfare. However, it is a slippery slope to ride. We are only huma

The Weight Factor: Smart Buying and Training Tips When choosing a horse or planning a training program, understanding breed categories and their functional movement is essential. Horses are generally grouped into light, medium, and heavyweight breeds, each with unique biomechanics, strengths, and challenges. Lightweight Breeds Agile, quick, and naturally forward-thinking. Ideal for speed and endurance disciplines. Easier to achieve uphill balance but can be sensitive and reac

“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This phrase has followed me through many parts of my life, but nowhere does it feel more relevant—or more misunderstood—than in horse training. We often hear slow down as the antidote to rushing, tension, and confusion. And yes, rushing can absolutely create brace. But I want to open a deeper conversation around this idea: 👉 Can moving too slowly also create brace? 👉 And are we sometimes mistaking stillness and micro‑control for quality

The other day I had the loveliest brunch with some horse gal pals—good food, great company, and (of course) deep horse chat. At one point someone asked a deceptively simple question: “Do you need a bit to get collection?” What followed was a genuinely fascinating conversation, with a whole range of perspectives and experiences shared around the table. It stayed with me long after the last coffee, and I realised it was something I really wanted to write about—and hear your tho

Post-Bodyworker Return-to-Work You’ve booked the bodyworker, given your horse a couple of rest days, and now you’re ready to ride. But instead of feeling supple and balanced, your horse moves like six different drunk horses in one body. Sound familiar? Here’s why—and what to do about it. Why It Happens Bodywork releases tension and restores mobility, but it also changes how your horse feels in its own skin. Muscles that were tight are now freer, and old compensations have shi