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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

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

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

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

Post-Bodyworker Return-to-Work You’ve booked the bodyworker, given your horse a couple of rest days, and now you’re ready to ride. But instead of feeling supple and balanced, your horse moves like six different drunk horses in one body. Sound familiar? Here’s why—and what to do about it. Why It Happens Bodywork releases tension and restores mobility, but it also changes how your horse feels in its own skin. Muscles that were tight are now freer, and old compensations have shi

Horse Riding: Why It’s a Long Journey (and What NOT to Do) Horse riding isn’t something you master overnight. It’s a lifelong journey of learning, adapting, and growing alongside your horse. There will be highs—those magical rides where everything clicks—and lows where you feel stuck or frustrated. That’s normal. Here’s why patience matters and what you should avoid along the way. Why Riding Takes Time Complex Partnership: Riding isn’t just about you—it’s about building trus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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