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In the horse world, we often hear training described through scientific frameworks and methodologies— especially operant conditioning. These models can be useful for explaining the mechanics  of learning, but they fall short when it comes to the heart of horsemanship: feel, softness, timing, emotional awareness and connection . Horses aren’t machines responding to inputs. They’re sentient, emotional beings who pick up on intention, energy, body language, breathing, and the qu

Why This Matters When someone takes over a post, it can feel like an authoritarian move —silencing the original voice and overshadowing their effort. Most people share content to help, inspire, or inform based on what they know. Hijacking that moment doesn’t just derail the conversation; it discourages others from posting at all. If we want healthy online communities , we need to think about how and when we comment . I also acknowledge that no-one is perfect and we all make m

Oh Sugar! Why Insulin Resistance in a Concern Insulin resistance (IR) in horses is a growing concern, especially among easy keepers, ponies, and breeds with a “thrifty” metabolism. It’s a condition that can sneak up quietly—until your horse starts showing signs like a cresty neck, unexplained laminitis, or stubborn weight gain. Managing IR is a long-term commitment, but with the right knowledge, support, and veterinary partnership, it’s absolutely doable. 🧪 What Is Insulin R

There’s a certain kind of quiet magic that happens when a coach truly sees  both horse and human — not just as a combination, but as a conversation. That’s the energy that filled the air at Tori Jeffress ’ recent clinic in Marulan NSW , where I spent the time behind the camera, capturing the moments of softness, focus, and transformation unfolding in every arena corner. Even though I wasn’t riding, it was impossible not to be drawn into the atmosphere Tori creates: calm, atte

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

Every horse owner has, at some point, gone on the hunt for the unicorn —the flawless, sound, vice‑free horse with the temperament of a saint, the athleticism of a champion, the body of a young warmblood and the emotional stability of a retired therapy pony. But somewhere along the buying journey, that dream morphs into something else entirely. Something… slightly unhinged. Welcome to the hunt for the Delusicorn :✨ The delusion of finding the unicorn. It’s a journey fuelled by

Towing Vehicle Preparation is Key Breaking down while towing your horse float is every rider’s nightmare—but with the right preparation, you can minimise risk and stress. Here’s how to make sure your towing setup is protected and ready for the road. 1. Insurance That Covers Float Towing Not all policies are created equal. Check that your insurance includes: Float towing coverage  for the distances you travel. Weight limits  that match your float and vehicle setup. Emergency t

No-one Likes Discomfort when Riding When you’re in the saddle for hours, the last thing you want is discomfort from your underwear. Chafing, seams, shifting fabric and the dreaded VPL (Visible Panty Line) can ruin your ride. That’s why seam free underwear  is a game-changer for equestrians. Here’s what to look for and how top brands compare. Why Seam free Matters Seam free designs reduce friction and pressure points, making them ideal for long rides. They also stay smooth un

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

Keeping Your Bunny Hoppy, Healthy, and Safe If you’re the proud owner of a bunny, you’ve probably noticed those little claws growing steadily longer every week. While it might be tempting to leave nature to its own devices, a rabbit’s claws need regular attention—especially for our domestic friends who don’t get to dig and scurry about like their wild cousins. In this post, I’ll break down why trimming your rabbit’s claws is important, how often you should do it, the tools yo

Why Skipping the Fruit Bowl Is Essential for Your Rabbit’s Health Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition for rabbits. If you’re caring for a fluffy companion, prevention is always better than cure. In this blog post, I’ll share practical, vet-approved strategies to help you keep your rabbit’s digestive system ticking along — with a special focus on why feeding no fruit at all is non-negotiable. What Is GI Stasis? GI stasis occurs

What is Fly Strike in Rabbits? Fly strike, also known as myiasis, is a serious and often life-threatening condition that affects rabbits, especially during the warmer months in Australia. It occurs when flies—commonly the green bottle fly—lay their eggs on the rabbit’s skin, usually around the rear end or any area soiled with urine or faeces. The eggs hatch into maggots within hours, and these maggots can burrow into the rabbit’s flesh, causing severe pain, infection, and eve

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