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Why Ulcers Are So Common in Performance Horses Gastric ulcers are one of the most widespread health issues in horses, especially those in training or competition. Studies show that up to 90% of performance horses experience some form of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS). Why? Because their natural digestive system is designed for constant grazing , not the stop-start feeding patterns we often impose. When horses go for long periods without forage, stomach acid continues t

From Prepping Your Gear to Caring for Your Horse – A Month Out Guide Dressage might look effortless from the side-lines, but anyone who’s competed knows it’s all about preparation. The week leading up to a dressage competition is crucial for both you and your horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or gearing up for your first event, this guide will help you tick every box during the month leading up, so when you trot down that centre line, you’re ready to shine. This comprehe

Understanding, Practising, and Building Softness with Your Horse Horse riding is a journey of communication, trust, and subtlety. One of the most discussed—and often misunderstood—aspects of this partnership is “contact.” Whether you’re an experienced equestrian, a riding instructor, or just passionate about horses, understanding contact can make a world of difference to your riding and your horse’s comfort. Let’s pull back the curtain on what contact really means, how to tel

From One-Upping to Uplifting: Building a Better Learning Space Hosting or attending a horse clinic should be one of the most enriching experiences in your horsemanship journey. It’s a chance to learn, grow, connect, and celebrate progress—whether you're refining groundwork, tackling ridden challenges, or simply soaking up wisdom from a seasoned clinician. But let’s be real: sometimes the vibe gets hijacked. Not by the horses, but by humans. Personal Experience I've attended c

Your horse can't tell you when something hurts. But they're telling you every single ride. A tail swish here. A resistance to the leg there. A head toss you've started dismissing as "just her being difficult." These aren't attitude problems — they're a language. And the Ridden Horse Pain Ethogram (RHpE) is the key to understanding it. We've taken that science and turned it into something practical: a free-to-reuse, fillable PDF checklist you can use during or after every ride

Ever heard someone say, “You need more feel” ? It sounds mysterious, almost magical—but feel isn’t magic . It’s an art, supported by science. The science explains biomechanics, learning theory, and how horses respond to pressure and release. The art is knowing when to apply an aid, how much , and when to soften . That’s where experience, awareness, and empathy come in. What Is ‘Feel’? Feel is the ability to sense and respond to what your horse needs in the moment. It’s knowi

Why “Naughty” Often Means Discomfort When a horse resists, pins its ears, or refuses to go forward, it’s tempting to label them as “naughty” or stubborn. But here’s the truth: horses rarely misbehave without a reason. They’re prey animals, hardwired for survival, and their behaviour is often a direct response to discomfort, confusion, or pain. Ignoring these signals can damage trust and escalate problems. The good news? With observation and empathy, you can learn to tell the

From 14–17 May, Maestro, Thor and I attended The Mindful Rider Canberra clinic — a biannual highlight made even more special as I help organise these events locally. This time, we were immersed in not one, but two consecutive 2-day intensive clinics with Ann Montgomery, and once again, the experience proved just how powerful her coaching approach truly is. A Setting Designed for Learning Our journey took us to the stunning Kalaragan Equine property near Murrumbateman, NSW. Ho

Help Find Clarity and a Pathway in your Equine Journey Starting your riding journey can feel overwhelming. There’s so much information out there—different disciplines, opinions, and yes, sometimes rude comments from those who forget what it’s like to be a beginner. Here’s the truth: learning means making mistakes , and that’s okay. Every rider, even the best, started where you are now. Why Beginners Feel Lost Endless advice online (and at the barn) can be confusing. Pressure

Horses are Giant Dogs or Teddy's, Right? We all love our horses and want to be kind—but when kindness turns into over-softness , it can create dangerous gaps in communication. A horse that doesn’t respect boundaries or understand clear cues can become unpredictable, putting both horse and rider at risk. Why Being Too Soft Is Dangerous Horses thrive on clarity and consistency , not endless negotiation. Overly permissive handling can lead to: Pushy behaviour (crowding, nibblin

Why Not Being Good at Everything is 100% AOK We live in a world where riders often expect horses to be “all-rounders”—perfect at everything from dressage to trail riding. But here’s the truth: not every horse is suited to every discipline , and that’s not a flaw—it’s reality. Maestro’s Story Take my horse, Maestro . He’s brilliant in the arena, responsive, and athletic. But trail riding? Not his strength. His cortisol bolt habituations —that instinctive surge of stress hormon

Ethical Horse Training Check-ins Ever felt your horse tune you out mid‑training session? Sometimes a clear, decisive cue—what riders call “going big”—can reset awareness and keep you safe. But when does that cross into harsh, abusive training? The difference lies in intent, timing, and welfare . Core Message “Going big” should never mean punishment. It’s about clarity , not fear. Horses learn through pressure and release , but if the pressure becomes relentless, confusing, or

Find the perfect pair for your boots and your ride Whether you're booted up for a lesson, a competition, or a casual ride, the right sock can make all the difference. Let’s explore what to look for—and why your go-to choice, Ariat Slimline Performance, stand out among top brands available in Australia. Why Riding Socks Matter Comfort in Boots – Riding often means long hours in tall or paddock boots. A good sock provides seamless comfort and padding, preventing hot spots and

Why Hip-Opening Matters Tight hips can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and even impact your posture. The good news? You don’t need an hour-long yoga session to start improving flexibility. These two simple stretches take less than five minutes and can make a noticeable difference when done consistently. Stretch 1: Modified Child’s Pose How to Do It: Kneel on the floor with your knees wider than hip-width. Sit back toward your heels and extend your arms forward, lowering

When we talk about bridle fit, most riders immediately think of the bit or the noseband. While both are important, one of the most overlooked yet influential parts of the bridle is the headpiece – and more specifically, where and how the straps are positioned and attached. The placement of the cheek pieces, noseband and throat lash can make a significant difference to your horse’s comfort, freedom of movement, and willingness to accept contact. Small design choices in a bridl

Overloaded with Courses and Conflicting Advice? We’ve all been there—one quick search for “how to improve my horse’s canter” turns into hours of scrolling through videos, blogs, and online courses. Suddenly, you’ve signed up for five different training programs, each promising miracles. The result? Confusion for you and your horse. I get it! We want to educate ourselves to be the best for our horse's and their welfare. However, it is a slippery slope to ride. We are only huma

Overuse or Underuse of Aids? What's the Perfect Balance? One of the biggest challenges riders face is knowing how much leg or rein pressure to use. Too much, and your horse may feel trapped or tense. Too little, and your horse might ignore the cue altogether. So how do you find that perfect balance? Let’s break it down. Why It’s Hard to Judge Horses are sensitive creatures, but sensitivity varies by breed, training, and temperament. Riders often compensate unconsciously—addin

Matching Rider and Horse: Why Your Body Shape, Size, and Flexibility Matter When we dream of owning a horse, we often focus on temperament, training level, or breed. But there’s another critical factor that often gets overlooked: our own bodies. The truth is, rider biomechanics and physical attributes play a huge role in comfort, balance, and long-term success in the saddle. 1. Seat Bone Width & Horse Shape Your pelvis determines how comfortably you can sit on a horse. Hyperm

Does Your Horse Do This? Here’s Why It Matters and How to Fix It Do you have a horse that: Isn’t safe to lead? Invades your space when being led? Begs for treats incessantly? Gets aggressive around food? Charges with teeth bearing or pinned ears? Barges through gates? Rears up or kicks/strikes out at people? Do you have to hold and "control" your horse directly under their chin (where the halter meets and lead rope)? Do you feel like you horse just barges around you? If any o

The Weight Factor: Smart Buying and Training Tips When choosing a horse or planning a training program, understanding breed categories and their functional movement is essential. Horses are generally grouped into light, medium, and heavyweight breeds, each with unique biomechanics, strengths, and challenges. Lightweight Breeds Agile, quick, and naturally forward-thinking. Ideal for speed and endurance disciplines. Easier to achieve uphill balance but can be sensitive and reac