Reality-based integrity vs situational morality in the saddle Every rider, regardless of level, eventually faces a quiet crossroad in the arena. It usually happens when things aren’t going to plan: a horse resists a leg yield, hesitates at a fence, or simply loses focus. In those split seconds we make a choice – even if …
Every equestrian values a calm, trustworthy, and safe horse. In riding schools, competition arenas, and everyday livery yards, horses that stand quietly, tolerate noisy environments, and never react to pressure are often praised as “bombproof” or “so good.” However, not all quiet horses are relaxed. There is a critical psychological distinction between a horse that …
Read more “Calm or Compliant? Learned Helplessness in Horses”
Managing pastures for wildfire risk, drought and fast recovery In recent years, prolonged summer dry spells and heightened wildfire risks have shifted from rare anomalies to regular seasonal considerations across the UK. For horse owners, extreme weather brings dual challenges: parched, unproductive paddocks during high summer, followed by severe soil erosion, compaction, and mud when …
Read more “The Climate-Resilient Paddock: A UK Horse Owner’s Guide”
We’ve all been there. You drive to the yard full of grand training plans, only to step out of the car and be hit by a wall of heavy, suffocating summer heat. The air is thick, the flies are out in full force, and the thought of putting on a heavy saddle – let alone …
Read more “The Art of the In-Hand Walk: How to Safely Exercise Your Horse When It’s Too Hot to Ride”
When the long summer days arrive, it’s easy to think of horse riding as a leisurely outdoor hobby. But anyone who has ever schooled a 600kg animal knows the truth: horse riding is intense physical exercise. During a heatwave, the saddle can quickly become a high-risk environment if we aren’t prepared. Unlike a runner who …
Read more “Beat the Heat: Why Horse Riding is a High-Intensity Summer Sport (And How to Stay Safe)”
Finding someone you trust to step into your boots when you’re away can be one of the more stressful parts of horse ownership. Whether you need planned holiday support or last-minute assistance, finding reliable equestrian yard cover ensures your horses stay happy and safe while you are away. Alongside coaching and schooling, I offer dedicated …
Read more “Peace of Mind: Professional Holiday & Short-Term Yard Cover for Your Horses”
There is a specific kind of silence that happens right before you ask for a movement from your horse when under saddle. It’s that split-second internal pause where technique and psychology collide. In that moment, you aren’t just managing a horse; you are managing your own expectations. I haven’t written here for a little while. …
Read more “Why capability is in our heads as well as our bodies”
With rugging season set to continue for a while longer, it’s the perfect time for a quick safety check. We’ve all seen it… a rug slipped halfway down a shoulder, or leg straps dangling dangerously close to hocks. Rugs are put on with the best of intentions – we just want our horses to be …
We’ve all heard the “old school” riding advice. Perhaps you were even one of the many riders taught to ride while imagining – or literally holding – tennis balls between your knees and the saddle. The logic was simple: if you grip hard enough, you won’t fall off. However, as our understanding of rider biomechanics …
Read more “Beyond the Tennis Ball: Why Gripping with Your Knees is Blocking Your Progress”
If I’m being honest, launching an equestrian coaching business from scratch – where the “product” is your own knowledge and experience – is one of the most challenging and rewarding paths I have ever taken. In a modern world of “video-first” content and social media trends, I have chosen a different route. As someone who …
Read more “The Philosophy Behind the Name: Excellence in Equestrian Coaching”