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

Practical Strategies to Enhance Connection, Safety, and Confidence Around Horses Anyone who spends time around horses knows that these magnificent animals are keenly attuned to our energy, emotions, and intentions. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a weekend trail enthusiast, or simply enjoy tending to horses at the paddock, your ability to self-regulate—stay grounded and centred—has a direct impact on your safety, your horse’s behaviour, and the overall experience for both of

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

From the Lagoballo team (Loz, Maestro, Thor, Gwen and all the bun buns: Milkshake, Toastie, Fudgie, Ollie, Tiggie, Bumbles, Flurry, Pepper, Pikelet, Zebbie, Hi-ho, Dusty, Igloo & Nimbus), we wish you a beautiful Christmas for 2025! We hope you are all safe, enjoying whatever celebrations/festivities you have planned and that you get some amazing equine/bun-bun-related pressies! Ensure you give your horse's some love, cuddles and treats at this glorious time of the year. Looki

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

How to Keep Yourself – and Your Horse – Balanced When Riding and Turning Building on our last blog about harnessing the magic of body cues to guide your horse through a turn , today we’re diving into a vital but easily overlooked skill and advancement to enhancing your riding: staying “lifted” and avoiding the dreaded “man hole” when your horse drops its back or hollows out in a turn. This subtle art is the difference between a ride that feels smooth and connected, and one wh

Why the Shoulder-In Fixes So Many Things for Horses If you’ve spent time working on your horse’s balance and strength, you’ve probably heard about the shoulder-in . It’s one of those exercises that seems simple on the surface—but in reality, it’s a powerhouse for improving your horse’s body and mind. So why does this one movement solve so many problems? Let’s break it down. This post builds on the introduction to laterals. You can read more on this here . What Is Shoulder-In?

The Importance of Proper Body Stacking for Riders Riding is not just about the horse; it's equally about the rider's body position and balance. One of the most critical aspects of effective riding is the concept of body stacking. Proper body stacking refers to the alignment and positioning of a rider's body parts in relation to each other and the horse. This technique is essential for achieving optimal performance, maintaining balance, and ensuring safety. In this blog post,