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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

With the 2025 Victorian fires on people’s doorsteps, our thoughts are with everyone affected. We hope you, your horses, minilops, and other fur babies are as safe as possible during this challenging time. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible RFS teams and volunteers working tirelessly to protect lives and property. Moments like these remind us why proactive care matters—not just in emergencies, but every day. That’s why this app, Bushfire.io , has become Lagoball

When temperatures soar above 30°C , your horse’s body works overtime to stay cool. But did you know that heat can also affect your gelding’s sheath? Today, I noticed swelling in a few horses—and upon inspection, found extra smegma deposits and beans that needed flushing with cool water. Here’s why this happens and why it’s important not to ignore it. Why Does Heat Cause Swelling? Increased circulation:  Hot weather causes blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to mild swelli

When disaster strikes, every second counts. For horse owners, bushfires and other emergencies can turn calm paddocks into chaos. In these moments, identifying your horse quickly and accurately is critical —and that’s where an Equine Emergency ID Tag  becomes a lifesaver. What Is an Equine Emergency ID Tag? An emergency ID tag, like the Manestay Equine Emergency ID Tag , is a simple yet powerful tool that attaches securely to your horse’s mane or halter. It contains essential

Managing, Exercising, and Caring for Your Senior Equine Mate As horses age, their needs and capabilities change, requiring a thoughtful approach to training and management. Whether your old mate is a retired champion or a beloved paddock companion, understanding how to care for and exercise an older horse is vital. This guide will help you identify what constitutes an “older” horse, recognise their limits, spot warning signs, and offer practical steps for keeping your senior

Practical Tips and Exercises for a Softer, More Connected Ride Have you ever finished a ride feeling like you’ve just done an upper-body workout, or noticed your horse chewing the bit in frustration? I sure have! Stiffness can creep up on even the most experienced riders, quietly sabotaging our connection with the horse. The good news is, with a bit of awareness and a few handy exercises, you can transform stiffness into real suppleness—making riding more comfortable for you

Techniques and Step-by-Step Exercises to Overcome Anxiety and Build Trust Every horse owner wants their horse to feel safe, calm, and confident in any situation. For nervous or anxious horses, building confidence is a process that takes patience, understanding, and consistent training. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical techniques and step-by-step exercises you can use to help your horse overcome anxiety and develop a more relaxed, self-assured outlook. Understanding

Plan, Ride, Achieve: Smart Goal Setting for Equestrians Goal setting isn’t just for riders—it’s for partnerships. When you set goals with your horse in mind, you create a roadmap that respects their abilities, your skillset, and the bond you share. What Kind of Goals Can You Set? Competitions/outings:  Are you aiming for a local show or a national level event? Clinics:  Do you want to learn from experts and expose your horse to new environments? Movements:  Maybe you dream of

Tight, clamping thighs are a common challenge for many riders, yet they’re often misunderstood or dismissed as simply a “bad habit.” In reality, thigh tension is usually the result of a combination of biomechanics, muscle imbalance, skeletal structure, and nervous system responses. In this blog, we’ll explore  why  riders clamp with their thighs, how it affects both horse and rider, and practical ways to improve freedom, comfort, and harmony in the saddle. What Happens When t

Why the STC Bungee Breakaway Trailer Tie Is the Best Choice for Your Horse Float When it comes to transporting horses, safety is everything. A horse float can quickly turn into a dangerous space if something goes wrong—especially when ropes or gear become airborne. One sudden stop or unexpected movement, and those items can turn into high-speed projectiles aimed straight at your horse’s face. That’s where the STC Bungee Breakaway Trailer Tie  comes in. This clever piece of eq

Reflecting on Old Riding Habits and Embracing Better Ways for Our Horses For as long as I can remember, horses have been at the heart of my life. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of connection, freedom and partnership that comes from working alongside these magnificent animals. But with every journey, there are moments that stop us in our tracks—hard realisations that challenge everything we thought we knew. Today, I want to share the toughest lesson, and an honest trut

Practical Strategies to Enhance Connection, Safety, and Confidence Around Horses Anyone who spends time around horses knows that these magnificent animals are keenly attuned to our energy, emotions, and intentions. Whether you’re a seasoned rider, a weekend trail enthusiast, or simply enjoy tending to horses at the paddock, your ability to self-regulate—stay grounded and centred—has a direct impact on your safety, your horse’s behaviour, and the overall experience for both of

Time to Process and Create a Calm Nervous System If you’ve ever worked with horses, you know that timing is everything. One simple yet powerful technique that’s gaining attention among horse trainers and riders is the idea of giving your horse “3 Mississippi's”—a short pause—before asking them to come back to you after a cue or correction. It sounds almost too simple, but this approach can transform your relationship with your horse. Here’s why it works. The Power of the Paus