The equine world needs a shake up – a proper, values-led, get involved kind of shake up. Public confidence in horses and sport is fragile. If we’re honest, it’s not just the public that’s uneasy; many riders, owners, parents, officials and professionals feel it too. There are things that don’t sit right. And yet… so […]
For many of us, equestrianism is more than just a sport; it is a passion, a way of life, and a childhood dream come true. The horse world is absolutely shaking today after Charlotte Dujardin stepped down from the Olympics and is facing a ban after a video was shared of her whipping a horse […]
As much as we try and minimise risks, falling off a horse is something that every rider will likely experience, but what happens next is crucial. The age-old advice to “just get back on” can sometimes do more harm than good. In this blog, I’ll explain why it’s important to pause, assess, and understand both […]
A few weeks ago, something happened that I didn’t share. Truthfully, I didn’t know how to at the time. Now, I am ready to write about it though. Writing, for me, is a healing process so potentially this blog will act as just that. But I have also learnt that blogging opens up the opportunity […]
I was scrolling through Facebook the other evening when I came across a Horse and Hound post about Gemma Tattersall receiving a yellow card at an event. I had seen Gemma jump at Hickstead and was impressed with her partnership with her horse so was disappointed to read this. Scrolling through the comments, (mostly about […]
Reading the awful stories on the news recently about children being bullied at school brought back some painful memories for me: I didn’t have the nicest time at school. I was also there before social media and online bullying existed so dread to think how much harder it must be now. It was absolutely heartbreaking […]
I have been quiet on my blog for a few weeks, not because I had nothing to write about but because I have been a bit lost as to how to write it. Now, I know. Today, we had the Physiotherapist come out to see Jack. He is fine but we have noticed he has […]
We have the vet, physiotherapist, dentist, farrier, feed supplier, saddle fitter, rug company, additive provider, psychic….. well, maybe that’s a step too far but where is the line between caring and spoiling? I have always tried to give my horses the best possible lives and will always do that. However, None of us have an […]
I love a new year. Everything is fresh and new and I find a new determination that I lack at the end of a year. For me, the new year is all about moving forward and although I love to write a philosophical, motivational blog, this is not that. I actually want to write about […]
Tomorrow, I shall be getting up super early and heading to Addington Manor for the Sports Horse Breeding and British Show Horse Association joint Judges assessment day. I was so excited to have been accepted although now the nerves are kicking in a bit. I love judging and I am good at it but am […]