Strong Performance Coaching

24/04/2025

💚🐴Love this! 🐴💚

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FZoJ9kKFG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

ROUTINE IS THE FOUNDATION OF LASTING CHANGE. Maybe, just maybe, let’s read that again and say it out loud.

We can read the latest book. We can watch the ‘aha!’ video, or go to the clinic and take notes. We can have the riding lesson with the excellent teacher. We can do all these things to get some sort of change for the better and it’s exciting, heady stuff.

We think finally! Finally, we’re on our way.

Thing is, this is only the first step. Lasting change relies on routine and repetition. Oh, that’s a let down, a real bore. Just ask any personal trainer or gym manager about this concept. First thing every January, their new memberships abound. Everybody wants to get fit, right now!

By end of February, there are just a few hardcore grunts, sweating it out. These are the people who are actively hunting real and lasting change. The rest of us are back to bingeing on Netflix, eating Poptarts on the couch.

We already know that if we want something different to come of tomorrow, we have to change what we’re doing today. Thing is, we have to remember to say and do that ‘something different’ tomorrow and the next day… and the next day and the next.

It’s something those of us who seek to improve our horsemanship might want to bear in mind. We can be told, we can be shown, we can try, we can practice. But until we have done these things for long enough that our horses (and our own bodies) are no longer putting in an undue amount of effort… until our muscles have built up some memory… until we have flexed our self-discipline like a muscle…

Until our doing requires less and less sheer willpower and thought… until we have built a rocksteady routine… until we have made this new thing an old habit…

Real change will elude us.

I’m thinking of this as I guide another rehab horse over a set of poles. As I bring in the snuffy, unhandled horse for saddling and groundwork. As I start ground driving the c**t. As I say no to unhealthy food choices. As I get back in the saddle after a long, dark winter.

Before I find the lasting magic, I need to build the routine, first.

24/04/2025

💚🐴 The Art of In Hand Workshop🐴💚
Last minute cancellation means you might be lucky to claim a spot! DM me if you are keen to come play.

23/04/2025

💚🐴 Coaching Day on a Wednesday means I get to hang out with this one for the day🐴💚 ❤️

17/04/2025

💚🐴 Upcoming opportunities for lessons 🐴💚
So Anzac Day clinic is full, Young/Green horse is full on the 26th. But…… there is space at Darling Downs Working Eq on the 27th!!! Group lessons are $40 for 45 min.
There is also a few spaces at Western Downs Western Dressage Day on the 17th May at Dalby! ‼️update ‼️ this is now full.
Both of these are listed on nominate so if you are keen to see what it is like to work with me then I suggest booking in quickly 🙂

16/04/2025

💚🐴NQEG Online Dressage Competition Fundraiser 🐴💚
The past 5 months a group of my students and myself have gotten together each month to video our tests and support each other. It has been such a valuable exercise to do over the Summer period and I really hope they decide to run it again next year. There have been many ups and downs, tests that didn't go to plan, wet weather, lame horses etc etc. However to watch everyone keep focus, stay committed and grow and improve has been a real privilege. Thank you to all involved and I hope you got as much out of it as I did.

Next step is the Brisbane CDI online fundraiser!

Are you looking for a coach to help you navigate the competition arena? Perhaps I can help, send me a DM to book a lesson.
Photo credit

16/04/2025

🐴 1 Day Clinic & 1 Day Ribbon Show 🐴

Saturday May 17th - Learn to Ride a Dressage Test with Naomi Strong
Naomi Strong brings a wealth of knowledge riding State & National Dressage and training multiple FEI Level Horses, she will use her expertise to guide you around the arena, with plenty of tips and tricks on how to get the best out of your horse during a test environment. You will have 2 x 1-hour sessions with Naomi in maximum group of 4 riders.

Sunday May 18th - Put what you learnt on Saturday to the Test on Sunday with Introductory right through to Level Three tests being offered. Each rider can ride [2] tests on Sunday with a Ribbon presentation held at the completion of the day.

This is a great way to step into Western Dressage or use this as a training weekend before our Championship Show in June, either way, it's going be a great weekend!

🔶Limited spots available, please book via Nominate. Nominations will close 13th of May. 🔶

https://www.nominate.com.au/EquestDn/Event.aspx?e=254ADBE764814921B07FE99B4762879C&eventlist=32

16/04/2025

💚🐴Who wants to come have some Western Dressage Fun? 🐴💚

🐴 1 Day Clinic & 1 Day Ribbon Show 🐴

Saturday May 17th - Learn to Ride a Dressage Test with Naomi Strong
Naomi Strong brings a wealth of knowledge riding State & National Dressage and training multiple FEI Level Horses, she will use her expertise to guide you around the arena, with plenty of tips and tricks on how to get the best out of your horse during a test environment. You will have 2 x 1-hour sessions with Naomi in maximum group of 4 riders.

Sunday May 18th - Put what you learnt on Saturday to the Test on Sunday with Introductory right through to Level Three tests being offered. Each rider can ride [2] tests on Sunday with a Ribbon presentation held at the completion of the day.

This is a great way to step into Western Dressage or use this as a training weekend before our Championship Show in June, either way, it's going be a great weekend!

🔶Limited spots available, please book via Nominate. Nominations will close 13th of May. 🔶

https://www.nominate.com.au/EquestDn/Event.aspx?e=254ADBE764814921B07FE99B4762879C&eventlist=32

10/04/2025

💚🐴 4 Day Rider Retreat🐴💚
That’s a wrap on the Easter Clinic!
We did so much, pole work, in hand, rider position, lunging lessons and horse rehab! I bet everyone slept really well last night. I love the longer clinics, you can really get into changing horse and rider and give them so much to go on with. Sadly this will be our last clinic Highborne Farm and we thank them for being wonderful hosts and wish them the best for the move and future endeavours.

03/04/2025

💚🐴Young/Green Horse Clinic 31st May 1st June🐴💚
This clinic is working on ground work, Connection and skill building for all horses that need a better foundation for riding.

It includes round yard work(canter therapy) Ground work for building confidence and a building topline. Obstacle work and tools that build confidence.

Starts 9 am each day and finishes at 3.30pm

Lunch, morning/afternoon tea incl.

Safe yards and powered camping if overnighting.

Venue Avondale Warmbloods Deuchar( near Allora )

Cost $550
For Bookings click on the link.
https://www.strongperformancecoaching.com/product/young-green-horse-clinic-31st-may-1st-june/

31/03/2025

💚🐴 Anzac Day Clinic🐴💚
The 4 day Rider Retreat is full! The Art of In Hand workshop is full! So am planning a young/ green horse clinic on Anzac Day . Message me for a booking link or details .
Photo credit

28/03/2025

💚🐴 when it’s wet we have a pony spa day🐴💚

pad

25/03/2025

💚🐴The Art of In Hand Workshop🐴💚
April 26th there is only 1 spot left! This workshop incorporates work from the ground and theory around the Art of In Hand work. You will learn the theory behind the exercises and then get to practise lateral work, balance and contact with your horse.

This workshop incorporates work from the ground and theory around the Art of In Hand work. You will learn the theory behind the exercises and then get to practise lateral work, balance and contact with your horse.

20/03/2025

💚🐴 4 Day Easter Rider Retreat🐴💚
I just have 1 sneaky little spot left in my 4 day camp!
So if you are looking to elevate your riding and have some fun with like minded people in a peaceful location then do not delay in booking!
Click on the link for booking and all the info.

It is sort of boot camp, sort of fun camp, sort of in depth learning and sort of connecting with other like minded equestrians.

19/03/2025

💚🐴 It’s a tough life being emotional support dogs! 🐕 Wednesdays coaching day, how many times do we go up and down the arena? Are we there yet? 🐴💚

17/03/2025

💚🐴What is coming UP and how you can get involved 🐴💚

April 7th to 10th 4 day Easter Camp - only one spot left so get in quick!
https://www.strongperformancecoaching.com/product/easter-camp-april-7-10/
April 26th The Art of In Hand Work - only 2 spots left
https://www.strongperformancecoaching.com/product/the-art-of-in-hand-workshop-26-april/
May 30th, 31st & 1st June - Working Equitation Boot 3 Day Camp.
https://www.strongperformancecoaching.com/product/working-equitation-3-day-boot-camp/

07/03/2025

💚🐴 Do you want to be helped, hugged or heard? 🐴💚

Do You Want to be Helped, Hugged or Heard?🤔

I just finished reading a super book📖 called Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg.

This is the third book of Duhigg’s I’ve read, the others being The Power of Habit and Smarter Faster Better📚. All have been great reads✅, but this one pointed out something so elegantly that I need to share it.

Duhigg is an interesting character, and when he wants to understand something, he goes all in. This time, he wanted to figure out why he sometimes struggled with conversations, even though he’s a professional communicator and writer. The result is a really insightful book on human connection and conversations.

He explains that research shows the most significant factor influencing our health and wellbeing is the quality of social connections in our lives. But how do we build those connections?

One important way, Duhigg says, is through conversation. And here comes the cool bit…

➡️When a conversation starts, you need to be aware of what this conversation is really about. Because that determines whether it will be meaningful and connecting or frustrating and disconnected. Duhigg summarises that most conversations are driven by one of three needs: to be helped, to be hugged, or to be heard😎

This is why unsolicited advice can go down like a lead balloon. If someone is simply venting their frustrations or seeking validation, they’re not looking for a solution—they just need you to listen, be understood or have you show them you care how they feel.❤️

That doesn’t mean you have to nod along in agreement with something you disagree with, or stay silent when you have important information to share. But if you first meet the other person where they are, it can help open the discussion to a place where they’re more receptive to your thoughts and ideas.

I’m sharing this because I think it’s such a simple yet powerful concept to keep in mind when engaging with others.😃

For me, it has clarified the complex dance I navigate when helping people with their horses. I realised early on that people don’t just come to a lesson or a clinic for technical help. Many are also seeking reassurance—testing whether I’m a safe person to trust with a part of their life that is deeply personal and, therefore, vulnerable.💗

Recognising this has changed the way I approach conversations, not just in my work but in all aspects of life. When we take a moment to consider what someone truly needs from a conversation—whether it’s help🤓, comfort❤, or simply to be heard👂—we can respond in a way that fosters deeper understanding and connection.

It’s such a small shift in awareness, yet it can completely change how we communicate. And in a world where real connection matters more than ever, that feels like something worth paying attention to.

➡️If you enjoyed this please share it, people love book recommendations and this is a great book with an excellent collection of simple ideas📖💡‼️

05/03/2025

💚🐴 Dance away🐴💚