As we approach the final days of 2025, the pressure to set “big” New Year’s resolutions is everywhere. But as equestrians, we know that progress isn’t made in one giant leap on January 1st; it’s made in the quiet, consistent moments every day. If you want 2026 to be the year you truly level up, …
Read more “The Power of the Pen: Why Every Rider Needs a Training Diary in 2026”
We have all heard the famous Dr. Seuss quote: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” In the equestrian world, we might be inclined to take this literally; we want to “go places” – whether that is a successful first hack …
Read more “Beyond the Arena: Why the Best Riders are the Best Students”
When I learned to ride – long, long ago – I had a few lessons in a field (there was no formal arena at the stables I went to). I wore welly boots, borrowed a hat, and wore ordinary trousers and t-shirts, although I did also have a bodywarmer that I loved and thought looked …
Are you looking for the perfect coach for your riding journey? You might have noticed a few different acronyms when searching for qualified equestrian professionals: BHS, UKCC, CIEC, ECC, but what do they all mean? As a qualified coach myself, I believe passionately in transparency and professionalism. I want to help you understand the landscape …
Read more “What Do Equestrian Coaching Qualifications Really Mean?”
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, …
Read more “The Equestrian Rollercoaster: Embracing Non-Linear Progress”
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 …
Read more “The Invisible Armour: When Your Riding Past Still Weighs You Down”
Do you find yourself checking the weather app with a sense of dread? For many equestrians, riding a horse in the wind is a recipe for tension. When the hedges start rustling and the arena mirrors rattle, even the most reliable horse can become a “spooky horse.” However, your horse’s reaction to the wind is …
Read more “Riding in the Wind: 5 Strategies to Become a Calm Anchor”
I was sitting with a rider of mine a few days ago, listening as they recounted a fall – nothing serious, thankfully – but the ground shook more than just their body; it rattled their confidence. It got me thinking about my own journey and the advice I’ve given myself (and others) time and time …
When we think of horsemanship, our minds often jump to the thrill of a gallop or the precision of a dressage test. But some of the most profound moments of connection with a horse begin while our feet are firmly on the ground. Groundwork, the simple, yet powerful act of working with your horse on …
We’ve all heard it countless times: “Warm up your horse!” And rightly so. We meticulously walk them, trot them, and start them bending, ensuring their muscles are supple and ready for work before increasing the intensity further. But how many of us extend that same courtesy to ourselves? It’s a common oversight, yet a critical …
Read more “Don’t Forget Yourself! Why Rider Warm-Ups Are Crucial”