A Guide for Horse Owners and Caretakers Laminitis is one of the most serious health concerns facing horses in Australia and around the world. Whether you care for a backyard pony or manage a professional stable, understanding this condition is vital for the wellbeing of your horses. In this blog post, we’ll break down what laminitis is, why it happens, the warning signs to watch for, and what you can do to prevent and manage it. With prompt action and the right knowledge, you

A Step-By-Step Guide for Building Confidence and Curiosity In-hand training is a fantastic way to develop trust, improve communication, and build your horse’s confidence around new objects. One simple but effective tool you can use is a flag. Introducing your horse to a flag in a safe and gradual manner can help them become more resilient and less reactive to unfamiliar sights and sounds. Here’s a step-by-step approach to introducing in-hand training with your horse and a fla

Sharing our journey so far and what’s next on the path to a well-rounded, confident young horse Bringing up a young horse is as rewarding as it is challenging. Over the past two years with my gelding, Thor, I’ve focused on building a strong foundation—one that will set him up for a happy, confident, and safe life, no matter the pathway he ends up taking. Here’s a look at what we’ve done to date, along with some thoughts on what else can help shape a well-adjusted young horse.

Simple Exercises to Check Your Body Engagement in Rising Trot The rising trot is a fundamental skill for any rider, but mastering the technique is more than just standing up and sitting down in the saddle. It’s about engaging your body correctly and moving in harmony with your horse. If you’ve ever felt out of sync, bounced, or found yourself gripping tightly with your legs, it could be a sign that your functional mechanism in the rising trot needs a tune-up. Let’s explore ho

How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck in the Saddle At some point, every horse rider, from the eager beginner to the seasoned competitor, hits a plateau. Progress stalls, frustration creeps in, and doubts start to nibble at your confidence. If you’re finding yourself stuck in your horse riding journey, you’re definitely not alone. But the good news is, there are ways to get moving forward again—sometimes, it’s just a matter of shifting your mindset, changing up your approac

Introduction: The Importance of Structured Learning in Horse Riding Whether you’re a new rider just finding your seat or an instructor guiding students through their first canter, you’ve probably noticed a pattern in horse riding lessons: instructors rarely introduce more than three new concepts at a time. This isn’t just a teaching quirk—it’s rooted in how the human brain (and even the horse’s mind) absorbs, processes, and stores new information. Let’s explore why the “rule

Why Riding with Me at Lagoballo Is a Game-Changer Horse riding isn’t just a sport—it’s a soulful experience that builds confidence, deepens your connection, and creates a powerful bond between you and your horse. If you're in Canberra and looking for more than just standard lessons, welcome to Lagoballo . I’m Laura (Loz) Ushay, and I do things differently. What Sets Me Apart At Lagoballo , I blend biomechanics (the sexy word for how horses and humans move and function physica

Exploring How Horses’ Sensory Strengths Shape Their Behaviour Individually and in Groups Horses are fascinating creatures, not just for...

Yes, I have a horse that has always been more external. What do I mean by this? A horse that is external, generally, will be a horse that...

Practical Tips for Preparation, Punctuality, and Progress in the Saddle Whether you’re just starting out with horse riding or are already...

How to Use Body Condition Scoring to Keep Your Horse Healthy and Happy Monitoring your horse’s body condition is essential for ensuring...

Introduction: What is the 7-Point Seat? Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just getting started, you’ve likely heard the phrase...

The Link Between Leading Skills and Loading Your Horse Safely Horse floating can be a stressful experience for both horse and handler....

Essential Techniques, Red Flags, and Recommended Gear for Handlers Leading a horse confidently and correctly is one of the most important...

Canberra Equine Services: A Comprehensive Guide Canberra, the capital city of Australia and surrounding regions, are home to a vibrant equine community. For horse owners and enthusiasts alike, being aware of the available services in the area is crucial for the effective care and management of their equine companions. This blog post highlights key equine services in Canberra, including farriers, bodyworkers, veterinarians, transport companies, feed stores, horse products, clo

Exploring the Styles, Sports, and Tack of Two Iconic Riding Traditions Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or just starting out on your...

Building Respectful Boundaries with Positive Reinforcement Giving your horse a treat can be a rewarding way to bond and reinforce...

Building Lasting Strength and Symmetry Through Patience and Practical Exercises Bringing a horse back into work—whether after a break,...

Are you ever in a situation where you have to lead more than one horse on the ground? It can be quite nerve wracking when you need to do...

Understanding Australian Stringhalt: A Path to Recovery Australian Stringhalt is a perplexing condition that affects horses, causing them...