Featured Posts

Recognising Horses as Sentient Beings, Not Just Athletes Horses have long been valued partners to humans – from working on farms and racing tracks to competing in equestrian sports or simply being our companions. Yet, despite our close relationship, there remains a troubling trend: treating horses as if they are nothing more than machines, purely valued for their athletic performance and utility. When horses are viewed through this narrow lens, their sentience – their ability

Preparation is Key Horse riding isn’t just about what happens in the saddle—it starts with how you prepare. The right outfit can make the difference between a comfortable, confident ride and one filled with distractions. Here’s the order I follow (and a few tips to make your gear work harder for you): 1. Underpants Start with a seamless, breathable pair. Avoid bulky seams—they can cause rubbing during long rides. 2. Sports Bra Choose one with high support and moisture-wicking

When most riders think about improving their skills, they focus on cues, aids, and technique. But there’s a deeper layer that often gets overlooked: horse riding biomechanics —the science of how horses and humans move and function together. Understanding this can transform your riding from good to exceptional. What Is Biomechanics in Horse Riding? Biomechanics is the study of movement—how muscles, joints, and bones work in harmony. In riding, it’s about: How your body positio

Embracing the Journey, Commitment, and Sentience of Horse Riding Whether you're at a local ag show or scrolling through social media, it's hard to miss the sheer admiration for riders effortlessly guiding their horses through challenging routines. But amid the applause and wow-factor videos, a common misconception lurks—many expect horses to deliver flawless, instant results, as if they're programmed robots rather than living, breathing beings. It's a mindset that often leave

A candid look at the admin, logistics, and challenges of running an equestrian event Hosting a horse riding clinic sounds glamorous to riders keen to sharpen their skills, but few realise the sheer volume of work happening behind the scenes. From juggling marketing to wrangling payments, the organiser’s arvo is rarely dull. Here’s an inside look at the admin tasks, logistics, and constant adjustments crucial to pulling off a successful clinic. Marketing and Promotion It all k

A Supportive Guide for Owners, Riders, and Trainers If you’ve noticed your horse taking choppy steps or struggling to step under with their hindquarters, you’re not alone. Many horses—whether young, green, or seasoned—can develop short, stiff strides that affect their comfort and way of going. The good news? With the right approach, you can help your horse move more freely, comfortably, and confidently. Let’s dive into the causes, practical bodywork, groundwork, and riding ex

Essential Items and Surfaces to Help Build Your Horse’s Confidence Whether you’re prepping your horse for trails, competitions, or just a more relaxed experience at the paddock, desensitisation is a crucial part of equine training. Horses, by nature, are prey animals—meaning they’re hardwired to react to anything unfamiliar or potentially threatening. With the right approach, you can help your horse become calmer and more confident in a variety of scenarios. Here’s a guide to

A Step-by-Step Guide for Calm, Happy Clipping Introducing your horse to electric clippers can be a bit daunting, especially if they've never encountered the buzzing, vibrating machines before. But with patience, positive reinforcement, and a gentle approach, even the most wary horse can learn to accept clipping as part of their grooming routine. Whether you're a long-time horse owner or just starting out, this friendly guide will walk you through the process step by step, mak

There’s something pretty special about the horse world. It’s not just the riding, the training, the dusty boots or the early mornings. It’s the people. The ones who understand the horse hair on your clothes, the late-night feed runs, the heartbreaks, the breakthroughs, and everything in between. Finding your  horsey peeps—the ones who get you because they also get horses—is one of the greatest gifts this lifestyle brings. It’s not always easy, and it doesn’t always happen qui

Choosing the Right Whip for Your Riding Discipline and Horse When it comes to horse riding and training, the choice of whip can make a significant difference in communication, effectiveness, and overall experience for both horse and rider. There are a variety of whips on the market, each designed for specific purposes and disciplines. In this blog post, I’ll break down the main types of horse riding whips, their pros and cons, and share why I personally recommend the Fleck dr

If you’ve ever wanted to hose off your horse on a scorching hot day — but the nearest tap is a kilometre away, or you’d rather not drag your sweaty horse all over the property — I’ve got a genius little hack for you. It’s simple. It’s portable. And it saves you (and your horse!) from the heat-induced grumps. Introducing… the Beach and Soul 10L Pressure Shower. Yes, seriously. Why This Little Unit Is a Game Changer You know those moments when your horse is overheating after a

Why Letting Go of Perfect Might Be the Key to Unlocking Greater Learning and Enjoyment for You and Your Horse Perfection is an alluring concept, especially in the world of horse training. Many riders and handlers strive to achieve that flawless halt, the seamless transition, or the perfectly timed cue. But what if our relentless pursuit of perfection is actually holding us back—both in our progress and in the joy we find with our horses? The Academic Approach: Progress Throug

How Proper Weight Distribution Transforms Your Riding and Your Horse's Movement If you’ve ever spent time in the saddle, you’ll know that riding is about much more than just sitting atop a horse. The way you distribute your weight can make all the difference—not only for your own comfort and security, but for your horse’s ability to move freely and perform at their best. Enter the 7-point seat , a concept you might have come across on Lagoballo’s website blog, which breaks d

How to Recognise and Support Horses Processing Trauma Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) isn’t exclusive to humans; horses can also suffer from lingering psychological effects after experiencing traumatic events. Whether it’s an accident, neglect, abuse, or even an intense training session, horses can develop symptoms that impact their behaviour, wellbeing, and ability to trust humans and other animals. Recognising the Signs of PTSD in Horses Spotting PTSD in horses can be

Your Guide to Staying Safe, Calm, and Connected in the Saddle If you’ve ever found yourself in the saddle with a horse that suddenly spooks or bolts, you know that heart-in-mouth feeling all too well. While it’s a nerve-wracking experience, the secret to handling these moments lies in one powerful approach: de-escalation. Let’s explore how you can turn a tense situation into a learning opportunity for both you and your horse, keeping safety and confidence front and centre. Un

Causes, Solutions, and Support for Stress-Related Habituated Responses Neck tension in horses is a common issue that can affect performance, comfort, and overall well-being. There are several factors that contribute to this tension, ranging from physical to psychological causes. Physical causes can include poor saddle fit, incorrect riding techniques, dental issues, or even underlying musculoskeletal problems. Horses may also develop tension from repetitive movements or injur

Have you ever noticed which side your horse’s mane falls on and wondered if it means something? Could it be linked to body symmetry , strengths or weaknesses , or even fascia patterns influenced by whorls ? This question has fascinated horse owners and trainers for years, and at Lagoballo, we’re curious too. We know that whorls—those unique hair patterns on a horse’s body—can sometimes indicate underlying tension or directional pull in the fascia. So, could the mane’s natural

Did you know that a quick 30-second check  could make all the difference in diagnosing whether your horse has gastric ulcers—and even help determine if they’re acute, moderate, or severe ? Ulcers are one of the most common yet overlooked health issues in horses. They can cause discomfort, behavioural changes, and even impact performance. The good news? You don’t need hours or expensive equipment to start spotting the signs. 👉 Watch the Practical Why This Quick Check Matters

Simple Solutions for Healthier Grounds, Safer Horses, and Hassle-Free Handling If you’ve ever spent time around horse paddocks, you’ll know the humble gate is a hotspot for trouble. From muddy bogs to injured horses and busted gear, it’s often the most problematic spot in the whole paddock. Installing an electric bungy fence just before the gate is a simple, cost-effective fix that can save you a heap of headaches. Here’s why it’s worth making this quick improvement to your s

A Guide to Assessing Equine Muscle Health and Addressing Common Issues Horses are remarkable athletes, and their muscle health plays a crucial role in their performance, comfort, and overall well-being. Whether you’re a rider, owner, or equine enthusiast, understanding how to evaluate the state of a horse’s muscles can make a significant difference in how you care for them. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to distinguish between atrophied, healthy, and tight muscles, how