As a 40+ mature-aged rider (well, mentally I am closer to 12 as we have to have fun riding like we a kid again - keeps you young at heart!), I am finding that I am driven towards overall comfort and functionality of rider tights these days. As I have gotten older, and potentially wiser, I have found what is influencing my choices in rider attire: fit to my changing body shape (think perimenopause & menopause impacts) range of motion not drawing attention to my lumps and bumps

Signs, Exercises, and Tips for In-Hand and Under Saddle Work Horses, just like humans, can develop tension in their ribcage and diaphragm, which can restrict movement, affect breathing, and impact overall performance. Recognising the signs of tension and knowing how to help your horse release it can make a world of difference to their comfort and athletic ability. In this post, we’ll look at how to identify tension, exercises to help your horse, and the differences between wo

Immersive Horse Education at its Finest Spending six days immersed in horsemanship with Mark Langley , in Bungendore, was nothing short of transformative. This clinic wasn’t just about learning new techniques—it was about slowing down, thinking differently, and building a deeper connection with our horses. Here are the biggest lessons I walked away with: 1. Master Leading and Make It the Baseline Before anything else, get your horse confident and reliable on the lead rope. A

Minimising Stress and Maximising Safety for Horses and Humans Introducing a horse, or a group of horses, to a new paddock can be an exciting time for both you and your equine friends. However, it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully to reduce stress, avoid injury, and ensure everyone’s safety — two-legged and four-legged alike. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for Australian conditions, with tips on the best time of day and practical advice to make the transit

How Self-Assessment Can Make You a More Mindful, Effective Rider If you're passionate about horses, you've probably spent more hours in the saddle than you care to count—only to discover, occasionally, that old habits have snuck back in. Maybe your horse in really lazy or is heavy in the contact. Don't fret! There's a refreshingly simple tool that can help you reset and ride with renewed awareness, it's what I like to call, the "horse shopping list" . This clever twist on int

How to Use Intentional Self-Assessment to Improve Your Body Mechanics in the Saddle If you’ve ever caught yourself gripping the reins too tightly or tensing your shoulders while riding, you’re not alone. Bad habits can sneak up on even the most experienced riders, often going unnoticed until they start to affect your comfort and communication with your horse. But what if there was a simple tool to help you reset those habits and ride with more awareness? Enter, what I like to

Why Bridle Brands Matter for Ultimate Bridle Fit When it comes to horse riding, the bridle isn’t just a piece of tack—it’s your main line of communication with your horse. A well-designed bridle can make the difference between a responsive, comfortable ride and a frustrating one. So, with the thousands of options out there, what can you look for to help make the right choice. Professional Choice As a professional bridle and bit fitter for the Canberra region I look for the br

Maintaining the health and well-being of your horse is crucial for their performance and enjoyment of life. Horses can face a variety of health issues throughout their lives, from minor ailments to serious conditions. Understanding these issues and how to prevent them will help you keep your horse healthy, happy, and active. Understanding Common Health Issues in Horses Horses are vulnerable to several common health issues. These can arise from improper management, diet defici

From Heavy to Harmonious: Unlocking Forward Energy Heavy breeds like Friesians, Andalusians, Gypsy Cobs, and draft crosses are stunning, powerful horses—but when it comes to uphill movements, forward thinking, and collected work, they face unique challenges. Unlike lighter breeds such as Thoroughbreds, Arabians, or Warmbloods, heavy horses are built for pulling, not lifting. This means they often carry more weight on the forehand, and even some have a forward-placed sternum,