I often hear riders say, “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.” It’s a tough place to get to and I am always grateful that these riders are sharing this and aren’t sitting in that feeling alone. The great thing about this sentiment is that it is born from frustration combined with a genuine desire to […]
I fell off and didn’t “Just Get Back On” and this is why…
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 […]
Monday Motivation – stuck in a rider rut?
Who wanted to stay in bed this morning? I did! Mondays can be tough particularly when you feel in a bit of a rut and it feels like it’s another Monday and nothing is shifting. Perhaps your pony time this weekend didn’t go as you hoped? Have you been stuck ‘ground hog day’ style for […]
When Auntie Stole My Horse: A Tale of Unexpected Equine Adventures
Once upon a time in the charming Lambourn countryside, where the grass is always green and the neighs of horses serenade the rolling hills, something extraordinary happened. My dear aunt, with a heart as big as the open fields, managed to pull off the most unexpected heist – she stole my horse! Now, before you […]
Gallop into the Future: An End of Year Review for Horse Riders
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, many horse riders find themselves reflecting on the year that’s passed and setting their sights on the horizons of the year to come. Horses riders are notorious for prioritising their horse’s needs….. However, just as our trusty steeds benefit from regular check-ups, so too do […]
A bit about Barney….
The delightful Barney came into our lives a year ago. We had discussed the idea of getting a young horse but nothing seemed to fit. One message from Simon Charlesworth and something felt different. He was only 3 so I couldn’t see him ‘do’ much but I put a pole out in the school and […]
Lessons from loss: Navigating life after losing my horse
It’s said that the bond between a horse and rider is one of the most profound connections one can experience. If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to share your life with a horse, you’ll understand the depth of this statement. Horses aren’t just animals; they become family, friends, and confidants. And when you lose one, […]
Are moments of brilliance enough?
This horse has definitely been sent to challenge me! The last few weeks have been full of some quite drastic thoughts about Jack and this week, it all came to a head. It is Horse of the Year Show week (we are not there), my aunt shared a video of Pie and I on a […]
The strength of horse riders
Have you ever asked a question whilst also not wanting to know the answer? Well, I did last week when I said to the vet “Are we talking season ending or career ending?” Every part of me wanted her to say “Oh no, a few weeks rest and he will be fine.” but I knew […]
The language around use of the whip
I received a message last week from someone saying “Have you seen that a jockey has received a ban for not hitting his horse. That’s right – for NOT hitting his horse! 🤯” Jockey Robert Havlin banned for 21 days for tender hands riding Quickgallop.com I was all ready to get on my soap box […]