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

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

Flow, Function, and Feel—Learning from the Inside-Out Eight horses. Three days. One clinician with a deep understanding of equine anatomy and movement. Thirza Hendriks ’ recent clinic (held at beautiful Anamir Equine near Canberra) was a masterclass in functional biomechanics, blending in-hand and ridden work to help horses move with greater ease, efficiency, and flow. Clinic Format: Three Lessons, Three Days, Eight Horses Each participant received one lesson, per horse per

Understanding Timing, Aids, and Adaptation Across Environments Raising and training a young horse is a journey that requires patience, empathy, and a good understanding of equine learning. One of the most crucial – yet often underestimated – aspects of this journey is giving your young horse time to process. In this blog post, we’ll explore what it means to let your young horse process, why it’s essential, and how you can apply the right timing and aids in a variety of settin

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...

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

An Aussie Guide for Horse Owners, Riders, and Trainers When it comes to our horses, ensuring their comfort and welfare is always at the...

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

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

Reflections on Energy, Pressure, and Building Better Partnerships Hey there, fellow horse owners! Today, I wanted to jump in with some...