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 […]
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 […]
The culture of bravery in the horse world can be overwhelming. Strength, just ‘getting back on’ and getting on with it, riding whilst injured are often celebrated. It’s easy, in that set up, to forget the power of authenticity and vulnerability. I believe that when we allow ourselves to truly open up about our struggles […]
Moving stables can be an overwhelming experience, both for the owners and the horses themselves. Horses thrive on routine and familiarity almost as much as we do! I moved stables recently and was surprised by the impact it had so wanted to share some tips and advice with you to make the transition easier. Your […]
I remember vividly on one of Monty Roberts’ early tours, he talked about the “one solution” to all your horse problems. A pill called Monty’s Medicine; little multicoloured pills with MnM on them. I thought the joke was obvious until a lady came asking where she could get them from. We are inundated by the […]
I was recently reading a post about the importance of teaching a horse to stand still and how it can quite often be a challenge. It is what I needed to hear but weirdly for myself and not my horse. Anyone else guilty of the ‘keep busy and avoid feeling’ approach to life? Or the […]
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 […]
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 […]
There is the preparation, the build up, the actual test/round/class, the wait for results and the aftermath – competing is physically demanding but also mentally and emotionally quite a workout too. After competing on Sunday, I found the aftermath a very intriguing place but also the mental noise needed some unpacking and I wanted to […]
Winters are always tough for equestrians with the weather, thick winter coats or high management clips and rugs, relentless mud making everything that bit harder….. Then this year, we need to add a basically non-existent summer season gone, lockdown restrictions with no end date, related personal stress and a questionable future season ahead. Why are […]