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Here's to the Overthinkers and "Try Hards"... I’ll be the first to admit it: I’m an overthinker AND try-hard. Not the casual kind—the world-class, Olympic‑level  kind. And while overthinking is sometimes useful in life, when it comes to training horses… well, it can turn a perfectly good ride into a mental pretzel. Over time, I’ve realised something important: horses don’t live in our heads—they live in the moment.  And when we don’t, the disconnect becomes obvious. When Over

Healthy pasture isn’t just about good looks — it’s your first line of defence against toxic weeds, metabolic upsets, photosensitisation, and neurological syndromes like Australian stringhalt . This guide covers how to prevent and control weeds , when to spray vs when to hand‑pull , how to use Grazon effectively , and how to identify the most dangerous weeds for horses in Australia  (with pictures and trusted references). Why Weed Control Matters to Horse Health Toxin risks ri

Life in the Fast Lane Life today moves fast—work, family, errands, and social commitments can make horse ownership feel like an impossible dream. But here’s the truth: you can  fit horses into your modern lifestyle with a little planning and creativity. Whether you’re juggling kids, a career, or both, these tips and a practical weekly guide will help you stay connected to your horse without burning out. Top Tips for Busy Horse Owners Plan Ahead:  Treat horse time like an appo

How to Test Yourself Off‑Horse As riders, we spend a lot of time correcting our horses’ posture, balance and movement—yet rarely pause to ask what our own bodies bring to the equation . Your flexibility profile can profoundly influence balance, core control, stability in the saddle and even injury risk. This guide helps you determine whether you’re a hypermobile rider , a within‑range “normal” mobility rider , or an overly tight rider . You’ll also find simple, step‑by‑step o

Soft Starts and Second Chances: A Horsewoman’s Reflection There’s something deeply humbling about working with two horses at opposite ends of their life and training journeys. Thor, my curious and confident 2-year-old (Friesian x Andalusian), and Maestro, my seasoned yet complexly sensitive 17-year-old (Friesian x Stockhorse), couldn’t be more different—and yet, they both teach me something new every day. Owning horses at opposite ends of their life and training journeys is l

Proven Techniques for Learning Off-Horse Learning a dressage test or memorising a show jumping course can feel overwhelming—especially under competition pressure. The secret? Tailor your approach to your learning style and use proven techniques to lock it in. Let’s break it down. Step 1: Identify Your Learning Style I've written previously on learning styles when it comes to selecting a coach that matches your style —visual, auditory or kinaesthetic. In summary: Visual Learne

Here’s How to Spot the Good, Avoid the Fads, and Find What Works for You and Your Horse The internet is a goldmine of horse training advice—but let’s be honest, it can feel more like a minefield. One minute you’re watching a helpful groundwork video, the next you’re knee-deep in a “must-follow” method that promises miracles. So how do you avoid falling into a training cult or fad? And how do you figure out what’s genuinely good for you and your horse? Let’s break it down. Why

Why Learning with Horses is so Humbling Learning horse riding or handling often feels like a rollercoaster. You grasp a new skill, feel confident, then suddenly hit a wall where nothing seems to work. This back-and-forth between understanding and confusion can be frustrating. Yet, this experience is a natural part of the learning process. Imagine it like Newton’s pendulum, where the balls swing back and forth, gradually losing energy until they come to rest. Your progress in

Half, Light & Full Seat work with Lagoballo’s 7-Point Seat for Balance, Safety & Harmony in the Saddle Your seat is the foundation of your riding. It influences your horse’s balance, comfort, and willingness to move. Understanding when to use half seat , light seat , or full seat  can transform your ride—and Lagoballo’s 7-Point Seat Concept  helps you get it right every time. Why Link the 7-Point Seat? The three seat types aren’t just about lifting or lowering your pelvis—th

Riders often struggle with learning feel when riding! It is an interesting and light bulb moment if you pursue this approach (this is all part of my equine awareness training methodologies). Read on as I think I can help you get that inkling of unlocking finding/teaching the right feel ! Developing an independent seat and subtle, effective leg aids starts with understanding what feel  actually means in your own body. Many riders are told to “wrap the leg on,” “guard with the

There’s something about Australian summers—humid, sticky, deceptively cloudy—that tricks you into thinking, “It’s not that hot today.”  And that’s exactly when the heat can catch you off guard. I learned that the hard way. I’m usually organised when I’m at the paddock: my big water bottles, electrolytes, cooling towel—the whole routine. But for once, I forgot my usual set‑up. No large water bottles. No reminder to sip consistently. No plan for the humidity that was already si

Electrolytes Explained: When Your Horse Needs More Than Just Water Electrolytes are essential minerals—sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—that regulate hydration, nerve function, and muscle contractions in horses. While forage and feed provide some electrolytes, they often fall short during periods of heavy sweating, stress, or illness. Knowing when and how to supplement electrolytes can make the difference between a healthy, hydrated horse and one at risk of

The Challenge We All Face I’ll be honest—I struggle with this too. I think in this day-and-age, where technology has enabled things to be instantaneous, an environment has been created where we multi-task or handle a lot of things all at once—making us flounder and sometimes get overwhelmed. I think this also translates into the equine world too! When I’m in-hand or riding, I sometimes give too many cues : a rope wiggle here, a rein adjustment there, a leg aid that overlaps w

Why This Philosophy Works In horse training, rushing rarely leads to progress. My mantra is: “slow is smooth and smooth is fast”  It reminds us that quality beats speed . When we slow down, we create clarity, confidence, and softness—laying the foundation for faster, more reliable responses later. What Does “Slow and Smooth” Mean? Taking time for each cue so the horse understands. Moving with rhythm and consistency, not jerky or rushed. Allowing the horse to process and respo

Why Does Bracing Happen? If your horse feels stiff or resistant on one side of their body, it’s often due to asymmetry in flexibility, strength, or balance . This can show up as difficulty bending, falling in or out on circles, or resisting lateral aids. The goal isn’t to force softness—it’s to encourage equal bend and relaxation . ✅ In-Hand Exercises Lateral Flexion at the Poll and Neck: Stand at the girth and gently ask for bend toward the softer side first, then the stiffe

In the horse world, we often hear training described through scientific frameworks and methodologies— especially operant conditioning. These models can be useful for explaining the mechanics  of learning, but they fall short when it comes to the heart of horsemanship: feel, softness, timing, emotional awareness and connection . Horses aren’t machines responding to inputs. They’re sentient, emotional beings who pick up on intention, energy, body language, breathing, and the qu

Oh Sugar! Why Insulin Resistance in a Concern Insulin resistance (IR) in horses is a growing concern, especially among easy keepers, ponies, and breeds with a “thrifty” metabolism. It’s a condition that can sneak up quietly—until your horse starts showing signs like a cresty neck, unexplained laminitis, or stubborn weight gain. Managing IR is a long-term commitment, but with the right knowledge, support, and veterinary partnership, it’s absolutely doable. 🧪 What Is Insulin R

There’s a certain kind of quiet magic that happens when a coach truly sees  both horse and human — not just as a combination, but as a conversation. That’s the energy that filled the air at Tori Jeffress ’ recent clinic in Marulan NSW , where I spent the time behind the camera, capturing the moments of softness, focus, and transformation unfolding in every arena corner. Even though I wasn’t riding, it was impossible not to be drawn into the atmosphere Tori creates: calm, atte

From Stoic to Soft: How Horses Thrive with Pressure That Invites Thinking When it comes to training horses, the method you choose doesn’t just shape their behavior—it shapes their mindset. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how positive pressure  creates horses that think, troubleshoot, and express themselves with softness. It’s a far cry from the shutdown, stoic responses often seen in horses trained with traditional pressure-based methods. Let’s unpack what positive pressu

Slow Is Not Always Soft, But Fast Needs to Be Soft: Rethinking Responsiveness in Horsemanship When we think of softness in horsemanship, we often associate it with slowness—gentle movements, quiet steps, and a calm demeanor. But as I learned through my time (years) with various coaches and studies, softness is not about speed. In fact, a horse can move quickly and still be soft. Conversely, a horse standing still can be anything but relaxed. The Myth of Stillness = Calm It’s