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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

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

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

Seat First, Reins Last At Lagoballo, my training mantra is simple: seat and body aids first, reins last. This approach transforms communication with your horse into a conversation of feel, not force. When we ride from the seat and body, we create harmony—when we ride from the reins, we risk tension. Why This Matters The reins should never be your first language. They are the punctuation, not the sentence. When riders rely on reins for control, horses often brace, hollow, or l

The Low-Down on Bareback Pads Starts Here Bareback riding is a fantastic way to improve your balance, feel your horse’s movement, and build a stronger connection. But riding without a saddle doesn’t mean riding without support. A good bareback pad can make the experience safer and more comfortable for both horse and rider. Here’s what to look for—and why I personally choose the Barefoot Physio Bareback Pad . What Makes a Great Bareback Pad? When selecting a bareback pad, cons

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

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

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

Why Riding with Me at Lagoballo Is a Game-Changer Horse riding isn’t just a sport—it’s a soulful experience that builds confidence, deepens your connection, and creates a powerful bond between you and your horse. If you're in Canberra and looking for more than just standard lessons, welcome to Lagoballo . I’m Laura (Loz) Ushay, and I do things differently. What Sets Me Apart At Lagoballo , I blend biomechanics (the sexy word for how horses and humans move and function physica

An Aussie Guide for Horse Owners, Riders, and Trainers When it comes to our horses, ensuring their comfort and welfare is always at the...

Loz & Maestro half-passing in life at a 2025 clinic - bareback pad & bitless! From First Lessons to Owning Maestro and Managing Hypermobility There’s a certain magic to horse riding—the blend of freedom, partnership, and challenge that hooks you in. For me, that magic didn’t arrive in childhood, but rather in my 30s. Starting a horse journey as an adult comes with its own set of joys, hurdles, and discoveries, especially when managing medical quirks like hypermobility. Here’s

Canberra Equine Services: A Comprehensive Guide Canberra, the capital city of Australia and surrounding regions, are home to a vibrant equine community. For horse owners and enthusiasts alike, being aware of the available services in the area is crucial for the effective care and management of their equine companions. This blog post highlights key equine services in Canberra, including farriers, bodyworkers, veterinarians, transport companies, feed stores, horse products, clo

Building Lasting Strength and Symmetry Through Patience and Practical Exercises Bringing a horse back into work—whether after a break,...

Practice is a Powerful Tool that Shapes our Behaviours and Instincts The phrase "practice makes perfect" is often used to emphasise the...