A Day in the Life of a Remote Worker, Horse Lover, and Canberra Volunteer I not only own and run Lagoballo , I also nerd it up by working for Microsoft. A lot of people wonder what it is like working for one of the largest organisations in the world. When people ask what it’s like working at Microsoft, I think of two things: world-class software, hardware and innovation and, perhaps less predictably, world-class horses (ha ha!). As someone who's managed to blend my Senior Pro

Why Heat Management Matters When the mercury climbs above 30°C, horses are at risk of heat stress, dehydration, and discomfort. As responsible owners, we need to take proactive steps to keep them cool and happy. Here are practical, horse-friendly strategies you can start using today. 1. Hose Them Down (But Skip the Scraper!) A cool rinse is one of the fastest ways to lower your horse’s body temperature. ✅ Tip:  Don’t scrape off the water—letting it evaporate helps cool the sk

Things to Consider if your Stable Your Horses Creating a safe and comfortable stable environment for your horse is crucial for their well-being and performance. A well-designed stable not only enhances the horse's quality of life but also makes it easier for owners to manage their care. Below, you'll find valuable tips on stable design, maintenance, and how to create the perfect environment for your equine friend. Importance of a Safe and Comfortable Stable A safe stable is m

Helping Your Horse Self-Manage Nervous Reactions for a More Relaxed Partnership Horses are remarkable animals, well known for their sensitivity and intuition. As prey animals, their nervous systems are hardwired to respond quickly to perceived threats, often through instinctive reactions known as fight, flight, fidget or freeze. Understanding these responses is essential for every horse owner or rider aiming to foster a calm and trusting relationship with their horse. In this

Understanding Tough Days, Trauma Triggers, and Why True Horsepeeps Choose Education Over Giving Up Ever had a ride where your horse feels like they’ve forgotten everything you’ve worked on? They push through the reins, hunker down, or even bolt. It’s frustrating—but it’s also normal. These are what I call “reset rides.” Why Reset Rides Happen Horses, like humans, have good and not-so-good days. Stress, past trauma, or environmental triggers can cause them to revert to old beh

Setting up for a Smooth Transition with Confidence and Clarity Switching to a bitless bridle or sidepull can be a fantastic way to improve communication and comfort for your horse—but timing and preparation are everything. So, how do you know your horse is ready? And what exercises can help set the stage for success? Signs Your Horse Is Ready Before you ditch the bit, check for these indicators, when ridden/under saddle: Softness in the poll and jaw  – Your horse should yield

Ready to Help Your Horse Find Suppleness? Lateral movements are the building blocks of advanced riding. They improve suppleness, balance, and communication between horse and rider. But for many riders, laterals feel intimidating—where do you start, and how do you know what to do with your body? Let’s break it down step by step. Why Learn Laterals in This Order Starting with simpler movements and gradually increasing complexity helps both horse and rider develop confidence and

Setting your Horse up for Success with the Right Fit and Design When it comes to riding bitless, the bridle isn’t just a piece of tack—it’s your main line of communication with your horse. A well-fitted bitless bridle can make the difference between a soft, responsive ride and a frustrating one. So, what should you look for when choosing a bitless bridle, and why does fit matter so much? Why Bitless Bridle Fit Is Different Unlike a traditional bridle, a bitless bridle transfe

Think you’re riding from your seat and legs—not just your hands? Here’s a fun way to find out! At Lagoballo , we love exercises that build independence and harmony, and this challenge will show you how well you can influence your horse using your 7-point seat . Why Try This Challenge? Riders often rely on reins more than they realise. These exercises help you: Improve balance and feel. Communicate through your seat and core. Build trust and responsiveness in your horse. Safet