AJ Equine- Ethical Horsemanship

30/07/2025

Horses aren’t just difficult to catch for no reason.

If you have a new horse that came with this description, then you can absolutely turn it around over time.
If you have a horse that was easy to catch and now he’s hard to catch, you have a problem. It’s not something to just shrug off and corner him into being caught. There is a reason, and the reason is not that your horse is being an A..hole!

Time to reflect on your interactions with your horse. What could be happening that could lead the horse to have unpleasant thoughts about going with you?
Take a really close look at how your horse feels during your sessions. And have a good think about whether you do things for yourself with not much regard for your horse.

I am not about to tell people that they should never ask things of their horse and that they should just lay in the paddock with them smelling grass together.

But there’s a way to get things done that is negotiable, by always considering how the horse is feeling and changing things sometimes to accomodate those feelings.

It might be too much for them today, but totally fine tomorrow…. Or just because they did it last week doesn’t mean they are capable of getting it right this week.

Reasons I have come across in horses that are difficult to catch are mostly pain and fear…..At times, it’s also habit that stems from a few tries by the horse to opt out, which is then handled incorrectly by the person who then corners or chases them.

Remember, pain can be invisible and for long periods of time before being discovered.
Fear is felt in the moment by horses when they are being handled or ridden by someone who is inconsistent, unfair or cruel.

Keep in mind though, that just because a horse is easily caught, it doesn’t automatically mean they aren’t suffering from pain or fear… they just all have different ways of coping- and evading the halter is just one of the many telltale signs that something isn’t right.

28/07/2025

Having some issues with your horse?
Or is your confidence shot and needing a boost?

I have a couple of spots available for this coming Wednesday between Dungog and Louth Park.
I come to you and help in the areas that need help, focusing on clear, calm direction and happy healthy horses🥰

Inbox for further info!

24/07/2025

Here we go again.

It’s like war of the worlds.

These trainers versus those trainers.

It’s like a silent attack using a big mouth.

It’s picking apart training methods, mindsets, values, beliefs.

We could easily match the attacks with counter attacks….. however, most choose to work quietly with dignity, integrity and an open mind.

We can’t all be right.
We can’t all be wrong.

What we can be is patient, forgiving, and appreciative that there are so many people around that care about improving horses and relationships.

People just need to calm down and carry on learning and improving themselves.
It’s ok to disagree! Naturally, this is always going to happen!

But, wouldn’t it be a peaceful existence if everyone had the ability to keep an open mind and respect one another?!

For the love of the horse, we continually seek to learn better ways. Whatever that may look like.

The end.

24/07/2025

Last minute chance for a spot in this informative yet fun weekend! SAT 9th, SUN 10th AUGUST @ Peats Ridge
Grab a friend, grab your horses and come along to learn more about healthy hooves, ethical horsemanship and connect with like-minded horse owners…

Raymond Eade, from Eaden Equine and Wellness Centre, and Apryl Swan from Ethical Horsemanship, are teaming up to present a two day clinic at a luxurious Peats Ridge venue on all things Hooves and Horsemanship. Both professionals share a genuine love of horses and place huge emphasis on 'Horse First'...

22/07/2025

Don’t worry Mum, as you can see I’m still going ok despite living too far away to drop my clothes in for mending😜

17/07/2025

Raymond Eade, from Eaden Equine and Wellness Centre, and Apryl Swan from Ethical Horsemanship, are teaming up to present a two day clinic at a luxurious Peats Ridge venue on all things Hooves and Horsemanship. Both professionals share a genuine love of horses and place huge emphasis on 'Horse First'...

13/07/2025

Brilliant Ian Leighton Horsemanship👏🏼🙏🏼

Thought for the day:
I still get asked regularly if I can take a young or green horse to further it’s training.
Often as not the request includes a story about how everything was going ok but then one day outside pressures caused it to act up.
The request is generally to enhance it’s knowledge or change their mindset so that they can handle all types of scenarios and be calmer and better behaved.
Often these requests are never attached to an aside like “can you teach me how I should handle and ride a green or inexperienced horse?”.
The onus is all on the horse to be able to carry (no pun intended) the rider through any situation that may arise and keep them safe.
That is too much responsibility for a young or green horse.
Your horse needs some support and help while it gains experience.
Regardless of your knowledge of horses or riding or a particular discipline you may find a green horse a challenge if you are inexperienced with them.
Many older horses can be much more forgiving of mistakes and have more experience of the world.
It takes more than a stint at a trainers to make an experienced horse.
Often there is a way through but it takes the help of people with the experience. Hands on help.
It also takes a little fortitude and the ability to not make your horse feel trapped with your hands or legs no matter what occurs.
Most of what is called acting up would not have occurred at all if the rider had acted the way the horse needed them to.
The first thing that it takes is the recognition that to ride young or green horses you may need to have yourself trained.

12/07/2025

A gorgeous sunny morning spent with a lovely bunch of humans and horses !
Reflection, relaxation, revision and refinement👏🏼
Thank you Donna for again hosting and organising, and to all who attended for trying out a few new things🥰

If anyone would like to host a social and affordable morning group session once a month, and have a suitable venue, get in touch!
Areas include port stephens, hunter and mid coast.