Shahbria Sporthorse Enterprises

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

06/05/2026

Four top dressage instructors offer their tips and insights on the rules and etiquette of the dressage warm-up arena to help you stay sane amid the pre-test chaos.

06/05/2026

Weaning time has began for the oldest filly, time for some more handling 😃

02/05/2026

We often talk about riding from leg to hand, from back to front, and riding to the contact.

However, this does not mean cramming your horse between strong leg and strong rein aids.

Kicking your horse forward while keeping the handbrake on tight will only result in a tense, tight horse, who will most likely drop behind the vertical and hollow his back as he tries to get away from the uncomfortable pressure you’re creating.

Instead, ride your horse forward until you feel him connect to the end of the reins. There should be a light but steady and even weight in your hands, and you should feel as though your horse is rhythmically taking you forward without leaning on the bit or resisting.

Keep your hands and arms soft, elastic, and think of your hands as pushing your horse towards the bit, and not pulling back.

Illustration created and copyrighted by HowToDressage.

02/05/2026

02/05/2026

The Size Matters! Loose Ring Sizes 👌🏼

45mm - Pony Showing
55mm - Double Bridles, small horse heads, quicker aids
70mm - Snaffle middle ground
100mm - Showjumping option

When riders choose a bit, most focus on the mouthpiece.

But the ring itself plays a big role in how the bit feels in your horse’s mouth.

The ring controls how much the bit can move and how the contact is delivered.

Less ring → less movement → more direct feel
More ring → more movement → softer, more forgiving feel

Bradoon rings (approx. 55mm)
Smaller, closer to the mouth.

• More direct connection
• Quicker response to the rein
• Less movement overall

Often used in double bridles or for horses that are already quite educated.

They can feel a little more concentrated in the contact.

Standard rings (approx. 70mm)
This is your everyday loose ring.

• Balanced movement
• Consistent contact
• Suits a wide range of horses

A good middle ground when you’re not looking to change too much.

Large rings (approx. 90–100mm)
More ring = more mobility.

• Softer feel in the hand
• Encourages the horse to follow the contact
• Can help reduce fixation or leaning

Often helpful for horses that feel tight, heavy, or a bit set against the rein.

Why it matters

Two bits with the same mouthpiece can feel completely different
just by changing the ring size.

It’s a small adjustment, but one that can make the contact feel clearer, softer, or more stable depending on what your horse needs.

If your horse needs:
• More refinement → smaller ring
• More give and softness → larger ring
• A bit of both → standard size

The right ring size helps the contact feel more consistent…
for both horse and rider.

19/04/2026

18/04/2026

!!!!

25/03/2026

INTRO TO HORSE MANAGEMENT 🐎📝
at our AUTUMN CLINIC - XC, SJ & Dressage

For those who are working on their EA Intro to Horse Management, we will have Coaches available each day of the Clinic to help you work on your study, progress, ask any questions and sign off those who have progressed sufficiently.

We would like to thank Equestrian Queensland for partially funding this clinic through the Equestrian Queensland Sport Development Program for 2026.

Remember all Clinic attendees will be eligible for a refund on the training costs on completion of training. Please reach our to the organisers to make a time with a Coach between your lessons.

Yeppoon Hack & Pony Club