A rider on a skewbald horse working in an outdoor arena demonstrating non-linear progress.

The Equestrian Rollercoaster: Embracing Non-Linear Progress

Last ride, you nailed it. The canter work felt powerful, the transitions were crisp, and you finished the session feeling like you finally got it. Fast forward 48 hours, and suddenly you can’t manage a clean downward transition, your horse is spooky, and you leave the arena frustrated and questioning everything. If this sounds familiar, …

An horse and rider in an outdoor school, illustrating a rider working through mental blocks or tension while training.

The Invisible Armour: When Your Riding Past Still Weighs You Down

There’s a line from a poem by Jessica Katoff that has always resonated deeply with me, especially when I think about the challenges horse riders face: “My past is an armour I cannot take off, no matter how many times you tell me the war is over.” When I first read it, my mind immediately …

Chestnut horse on alert in a field

Riding in the Wind: 5 Strategies to Become a Calm Anchor

The rhythmic rustle of leaves underfoot is one of autumn’s charms, but often accompanying it is the insistent whisper – or sometimes roar – of the wind. In an era where weather patterns are becoming increasingly volatile and extreme due to climate change, windy days are no longer just an occasional nuisance; they’re a more frequent …