Gretgrix Equestrian

23/11/2025

DECEMBER is almost upon us!

There are very limited spots still available (usually 9:30-12:30 from December onwards).

We will be CLOSED Dec 24-Jan 2 inclusive over festive season.

23/11/2025

Just a reminder about legalities of filming children during sport.

https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/sites/default/files/SIA282-0224-SG%20Photography%20Filming%20Children%20Young%20People-A-5%20%5BDIGITAL%5D.pdf

I will never object to a reasonable request to film a lesson, as long as consent is obtained.

I do not permit any member of the public photographing or filming the arena from the road without prior consent. Given I coach minors, this is highly inappropriate and is being monitored.

10/11/2025

School horses are just such precious souls ❤️

“Confessions of a Riding School Saint”

Hello, human.
Yes, you — the one still trying to find the correct diagonal.

I’m the riding-school horse you meet once a week. You call me “steady,” “safe,” or, when I don’t immediately burst into extended trot, “lazy.” I’ve carried hundreds like you — some with bouncing enthusiasm, others with a death-grip on the reins and a look that says, “Please, not canter.”

Every rider brings their own style. Some kick like they’re starting a lawnmower. Some perch like a baby giraffe learning ballet. One even tried “natural horsemanship” by whispering at me for twenty minutes. (I admired the effort, but grass would have been more persuasive.)

I do my best to translate. But it’s tricky when one person wants me to go forward, the next to collect, and the next to “just feel the rhythm” while clamping both legs and pulling on my face. You’d be confused too.

Sometimes, when the messages get too loud or too mixed, I tune out. You call it “lazy.” I call it “self-preservation.” You see, my job isn’t easy — I must keep everyone safe while pretending your seat bones aren’t trying to send Morse code in three languages at once.

I’ve met every training philosophy going: “forward fixes everything,” “never use the leg,” “ride from the seat,” and my favorite — “just sit deeper!” (Usually shouted as the rider performs a mid-arena levitation.)

But I’ve also met kindness. The quiet rider who remembers to breathe, softens their hand, and says “good” when I try. That’s when I lift my back, stretch my neck, and remember what partnership feels like.

I don’t care about levels or ribbons. I care that you try to understand me. That you see me not as a piece of gym equipment but as a partner — one who has to process your nerves, your posture, and your Spotify playlist of contradictory aids.

So before you call a horse lazy, ask yourself: am I clear? Calm? Consistent?
Because the truth is, I’m not stubborn — I’m exhausted from reading mixed signals.

If you listen, I’ll listen. If you work on you, I’ll meet you halfway — maybe even with a flying change if I’m feeling fancy.

After all, I’m not just your ride. I’m your mirror, your teacher, and occasionally, your unpaid therapist.
Now, pat me. I’ve earned it.

Author: Gary A Diplock

09/11/2025

‘BLESSED ARE THE BROODMARES’
🤩🤩🤩

Visited my ‘girls’ this afternoon at their spelling paddock. All of the grass envy right now! 🍀☘️🌱🌿

In order of appearance:

Photo 1
Bay
Dreamtime Xfacta aka ‘Floss’ (Aust Warmblood; Dreamtime Xzibit x Gumbanero x Grand Flaneur)

Grey
Thank God It’s Friday aka ‘Frida’ (Irish Sport Horse; Kirby Park Irish Friday x Woodmount Carrick x Deep Sapphire xx)

Photo 2
Hermes Vision aka ‘Evie’ (Australian Warmblood; Wirragulla Hamlet x Voodoo {Diamond B Vogue})

Photo 3
Miss Arietta aka ‘Belle’ (Thoroughbred; Keep The Faith x General Nediym x Rory’s Jester) NB - those who know my Snippy, he is by General Nediym

Photo 6
Lana’s Image aka ‘Crunchie’ (Thoroughbred; Lucas Crannach (GER) x Soviet Lad (USA) x Danger’s Hour (USA)

Now trying to work out breeding plans over next few years….!
😬🤯

06/11/2025

I can’t believe I am saying this, but DECEMBER appointments are now online!

Due to my current health issues and limited working hours, am not taking on new clients at this time. Existing clients will have a link to book.

I will be closed over Christmas through to New Year, however, will have some morning school holiday availability after then, details to come.

PS What is Coco saying to Roosty? 🤣

25/10/2025

A thundery start to the day here!

Have postponed today’s lessons - will be in touch to reschedule

Lauren

14/10/2025

We have a few lesson spots free this weekend - book online or DM me.

More November appointments are now up too! ☺️👌

08/10/2025

November appointments are now online.

Preference given to existing clients - limited spots still due to my reduced work capacity. Use link previously provided.

A new website is on the way - stay tuned! Thankyou to HamCorp (C) for your collaboration on this. All shall soon be revealed! 😉

06/10/2025

“It’s just a phase” 😂😂😂

29/09/2025

One from the archives 💾💽

20 years ago today, I brought home a fluffy little weanling - Henry!

I never imagined then that this fluffy orange baby would one day become such a huge part of my life & influence so many others.

Thankyou, Henry ❤️ For everything.

23/09/2025

The three weanlings - recently said goodbye to their Mums (a bit later than planned, but we now have some pasture to put mares on).

Left to right:

D’Exhibitionist - almost 9 month old c**t (Somerset D’Isle x Dreamtime Xzibit)

D’Coco - 10 month old filly (Somerset D’Isle x Wirragulla Hamlet)

Royal Image G - almost 11 month old c**t (Britannia Royal (IFS) x Lucas Cranach xx)

25/07/2025

WEEKEND LESSON ALERT!

At this stage, I will be rescheduling all Saturday lessons (and possibly Sunday, depending on how this rain event holds out). With 40mm+ forecast on already wet ground, we may be swimming by morning (a problem I am most happy to have after no rain for so long).

If you are booked for July 26/27, please contact me via email to reschedule on 2/3 August (let me know preferred day and time preference).

[email protected]

A few people have asked when August bookings are up. As per previous posts, no August bookings will be taken online. I will use August to catch up on rescheduled lessons, property maintenance, rest and managing my chronic nerve pain (treatment is finally happening!). I also need some much needed alone time, to appreciate and enjoy my property and actually ride my own horses. As much as I enjoy my work teaching riding and at school, I have very few quiet moments to myself, which as a neurodivergent person, is something I need to function well. I really need to stop apologising for needing alone time to recharge!

September appointments will be live next week. Please note there has been a price increase - my costs have been double this year, so after 4 years, finally increased prices slightly to reflect this.

And finally - this is something I feel very uncomfortable with. If I have been able to help you in some way that you really appreciated, or if you haven’t been able to ride here recently and want to support your favourite horse, I have set up a buymeacoffee page. No pressure at all, but I know some people asked me how they can help. A little treat every now and then (for me or ponies!) will brighten our days. Rest assured, your generosity will be remembered and repaid. (Maybe it should be buy me a carrot, says Henry!) 😆

buymeacoffee.com/GretgrixEquestrian