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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 r

“Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This phrase has followed me through many parts of my life, but nowhere does it feel more relevant—or more misunderstood—than in horse training. We often hear slow down as the antidote to rushing, tension, and confusion. And yes, rushing can absolutely create brace. But I want to open a deeper conversation around this idea: 👉 Can moving too slowly also create brace? 👉 And are we sometimes mistaking stillness and micro‑control for quality

Recently, I had the pleasure and opportunity to do something I truly believe every horse owner and rider should experience at least once: a professional bit and bridle fitting. I booked in both Maestro and Thor with Free Flow Equine (Susan Rousak), and what unfolded was one of the most fascinating and eye‑opening sessions I’ve had in a long time. What stood out most wasn’t just finding the right equipment—it was watching the horses functionally change how they used their bodi

The other day I had the loveliest brunch with some horse gal pals—good food, great company, and (of course) deep horse chat. At one point someone asked a deceptively simple question: “Do you need a bit to get collection?” What followed was a genuinely fascinating conversation, with a whole range of perspectives and experiences shared around the table. It stayed with me long after the last coffee, and I realised it was something I really wanted to write about—and hear your tho

Lately I’ve been asking myself a very serious, highly scientific question: Has everyone lost the actual plot? Like, what the actual fuck?! Because honestly… the level of rudeness out there right now makes me wonder if basic manners have gone the way of floppy disks and dial‑up internet — nice ideas from a bygone era. And for reasons unknown to science, horse people  seem to have taken this decline in politeness and sprinted with it like their lives depended on it. Whatever Ha

Safety First when Towing Your Horse Float When it comes to towing your horse float, safety and comfort aren’t negotiable—they’re essential. Every bump, sway, and jolt on the road doesn’t just affect your vehicle; it impacts your horses’ wellbeing and your fuel economy. That’s why upgrading to the Curt Rebellion XD Drop Hitch  is one of the smartest investments you can make. The Problem with Standard Hitches Traditional hitches do the job, but they don’t absorb shock. Every po

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

When it comes to protecting our horses’ legs in the paddock, I’m pretty picky. Paddock boots need to do a lot: protect against knocks, cope with mud and wet conditions, stay put, and most importantly, keep horses comfortable. After trying quite a few options over the years, there are two turnout/paddock boots I genuinely rate and happily recommend . If you’re dealing with winter mud, rocky paddocks, sensitive skin, or horses that seem determined to remove or destroy their boo

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

Checking in on your Horse's Welfare Owning a horse is a privilege—and a responsibility. Beyond the basics of feed and shelter, there are critical investments that ensure your horse stays healthy, comfortable, and performing at their best. Cutting corners can lead to costly problems down the track. Here’s where your money is best spent. 1. Professionally Fitted Tack Ill-fitting saddles and bridles (and bits) can cause pain, behavioural issues, and even long-term, or even perma

Every horse and rider combination is unique — but progression should never be random . Equine Awareness Training is not about rushing to advanced movements or chasing milestones; it’s about building clear communication, physical understanding, and emotional security  step by step. Skipping foundations doesn’t make progress faster — it makes it fragile. This pathway outlines a logical progression from basic handling to advanced ridden work, ensuring both horse and rider develo

How to Spot Hidden Tension, Why It Blocks Forward Energy, and Simple Tips to Create Awareness and Flow Ever wonder why your horse feels sluggish or resistant, even when you’re asking for forward? The culprit might not be your horse—it could be you bracing through your legs . This subtle tension can block your horse’s movement and create confusion in your aids. Let’s break down how to spot it and what to do about it. Why Leg Bracing Stops Forward Movement When you brace throug

A well-fitting saddle isn’t a luxury — it’s a welfare essential. Yet saddle fitting is often misunderstood, delayed, or treated as a one‑off event, rather than part of ongoing horse care. If you’ve ever wondered when you should book a saddle fitter , what actually happens during an appointment , or how often saddles really need checking , this guide will walk you through it — step by step. Why Saddle Fit Matters More Than You Think Your saddle is the main interface between yo

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the paddock, staring at your horse — loved, well cared for, trying their best — and wondering why this still feels so heavy , you’re not alone. Many modern horse owners are doing more things “right” than ever before. Better knowledge. Better welfare standards. Better gear. More awareness. And yet… it often feels harder, not easier. This isn’t because you’re failing. It’s because modern horse ownership has quietly become a complex, emo

With you on either side of them! And why leading and casting ahead are only the beginning... Once your horse confidently leads forward, yields softly, and understands how to cast ahead  (moving their feet forward while you stay grounded at their shoulder), it’s tempting to think your float loading education is “done”. After all, they walk straight on, stand quietly, and travel well—what more could you need? Plenty, as it turns out. One often overlooked but critically importan

How to Support Your Horse-Crazy Child (Even If You Don’t Know a Hoof from a Hock!) So your child is obsessed with horses—but you’re not exactly equestrian royalty. Don’t worry! You don’t need to know the difference between a snaffle and a stirrup to be their biggest cheerleader. Here are practical, creative ways to support their passion without feeling overwhelmed. 1. Learn the Basics (Just Enough!) Start Small:  Know the parts of a horse (head, tail, legs—easy stuff!) and ba

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

Starting a young horse is one of the most rewarding parts of horsemanship—but it also presents one of the biggest tack challenges: their bodies change constantly . Between ages two and six, a horse’s back undergoes enormous muscular and skeletal development, which means a saddle that fits perfectly today may be uncomfortable in six months. Research shows that young horses rapidly develop topline muscles, and their vertebrae don’t fully mature until around six years of age, so

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever run a clinic, hosted an event, or even just sent a group email, you’ve probably muttered this under your breath: “Why can’t people just read the damn instructions?” It’s not just you. It’s a widespread issue. From missed deadlines to misinterpreted forms, the inability (or unwillingness) to follow clear directions seems to be on the rise. But why? Let’s unpack it. 1. Cognitive Overload: Too Much, Too Fast We live in a world of constant input—not

There is a particular kind of silence that follows the loss of a pet. Not just the quiet of an empty house, but the silence of feeling like your grief is somehow not allowed to be as big as it is . I want to say this plainly: grieving the loss of a pet can be just as major, just as shattering, as losing a child  — especially for people like me. Not because the losses are the same, but because love is the same . Love Does Not Rank Itself Grief is proportional to attachment, no