17/04/2026
Apples are my favourite reference to horsemanship, and earlier this week I was reminded of it again. We have four apple trees, heritage species. All maturing at different times, all require one of the other as a cross pollinator. While picking a selection of apples from the trees, I found myself reflecting on the similarity and connection to horsemanship.
There are many, many Apple varieties. Some varieties work best for baking, some are more for eating fresh. Not everyone has the same taste, I myself love the fresh, crisp slightly tart zing from a pink lady, but others prefer the softer, more powdery flesh in a gala. Always somewhere there is someone working hard to develop a new apple variety, something new and exciting, but truly it’s still an apple.
Horsemanship practices are in theory the same. There are so many methodologies, trains of thoughts and programs, not one sole ideology will work without fail for every horse you meet.
Be open, be amenable, and be observant. Sometimes the apple may look good, but on closer inspection, there’s a grub hole on the side hidden from the sun.
Use the apple for the horse you encounter, don’t try and use a granny smith when a golden delicious will do.