Obsidian Equestrian

02/06/2026

27/05/2026

Snow enjoying some unrugged time during a short break in the rain. Rolling was naturally first on the agenda ☔️

23/05/2026

Sparrow’s initial response to the hose wasn’t “bad behaviour.”
It was information about his current understanding of the task.

The change between the first and final clip did not require force or escalation.

Just clearer timing, predictable responses, and making the task easier for the horse to understand.

Behaviour can change relatively quickly when the horse is given clearer information and more predictable outcomes.

20/05/2026

It’s probably time I explained why Beau was nicknamed “Twitchy.” After all, many of you have been waiting since August 2025.

When he first arrived, he could barely go 30 seconds without twitching. Not occasionally. Constantly.

From the start, I knew this was not a harmless “quirk” or part of his “funny temperament” as many in his previous life had labelled it. I also knew he was not the dangerous horse others had described.

Alongside the head and neck twitching were glassy eyes, dissociation, head pressing, incoordination, exaggerated stress responses, and major fluctuations in behaviour and nervous system regulation.

Veterinary involvement was a top priority when Beau and Holly arrived, along with addressing parasite burdens, nutritional deficiencies, and long overdue hoof and dental care. Pain, dental or sinus involvement, headshaking, tumours, and neurological disease processes were all considered and investigated though ultimately ruled out, leaving veterinarians perplexed.

Through continued close observation and behavioural analysis, it became evident that this was not caused by one issue but two. It was obvious that at times he had limited control over these movements, while others appeared linked to environmental or emotional stressors.

The dissociative episodes and incoordination were key to uncovering the physiological component. Beau had experienced significant mycotoxin exposure prior to arriving here, that was left untreated. Severe mycotoxin poisoning can affect major organ function, particularly the liver and kidneys, and in some cases contribute to neurological signs, altered behaviour, and nervous system dysfunction.

Stress amplified everything. His episodes were not always random. They fluctuated with physiological load, environmental pressure, nervous system state, and management.

Patterns where twitching episodes occurred in close succession to events — a bug lingering around him, a twig snapping underfoot, changes in routine or paddocks, being tied for more than a few moments — strongly suggested behavioural expression was also contributing to the twitching specifically. Unlike more commonly recognised stress responses such as cribbing, weaving, or pacing, Beau twitched.

What people often dismiss as “quirky,” “sensitive,” or “just behavioural” can sometimes be a horse operating under significant physiological and behavioural compromise simultaneously.

Once the underlying contributors started being addressed, the change in him became impossible to ignore.

He still has moments. He likely always will. Severe untreated mycotoxin poisoning can result in lasting damage, particularly when neurological-type symptoms have been present for extended periods of time.

But the horse standing here now is not the same horse that arrived. He can now go hours without an episode and continues to improve.

Behaviour rarely exists in isolation.

15/05/2026

Announcement 🖤

After a long few years of what felt like endless study, quizzes, exams, assignments, practicals and an almost inhuman workload, I have officially completed my studies and with that I am now an Equine Clinical Ethologist.

For those who don’t know what that is — an Equine Clinical Ethologist is someone with deep scientific knowledge of horse behaviour, including understanding and addressing behavioural challenges, recognising underlying factors that may contribute to them, including those that often go unnoticed or may seem irrelevant, and advising on strategies to modify and retrain behaviours.

It’s about understanding behaviour for what it is:
communication, education, physical and emotional welfare, environment, clarity, consistency and the horse in front of you as an individual.

Although I may now hold this title, my mission remains what it always has been: helping horses in need, and helping horse owners and enthusiasts better understand these beautiful animals. The further knowledge I have gained over the years simply allows me to do that better.

I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the people who supported me throughout all of this. I appreciate it more than you probably realise.

And of course, let’s not forget a mention for the horses that helped along the way:
Sparrow, Marvin and a close friend’s horse Princess Pumba, who all tolerated me expanding on their training for the purpose of practical assessments.

And a huge thank you to Bandit, who proved exactly why he will always be ol’ reliable. Bandit tolerated more practical assessments, camera setups and repeated exercises than I think any horse should ever have to put up with — honestly, probably more than the other three combined.

As you can see here, he was rewarded well at the end of our very last practical by getting to knock over the camera and tripod that had followed him around for what felt like forever.

10/05/2026

Separation anxiety doesn’t start when the horse is left alone.

It develops over time — shaped by previous experiences, environment, and predictability.

What you’re seeing in that moment is often just the visible expression of a much longer process.

Vocalising, pacing, fixation on other horses — these are responses. Not the underlying cause.

Addressing it effectively requires looking at what precedes those behaviours, rather than focusing only on the moment they appear.

09/05/2026

Sorry for being a little quiet on the socials lately 👀

Quiet on here doesn’t mean nothing’s happening. Here’s a few snaps from some of the horses we’ve been working with recently.

A mix of groundwork, ridden sessions, young horse education, and behaviour work.

We’ve also got an exciting announcement coming next week ✨

21/04/2026

Horses available for adoption 🐴🏡

Over the coming weeks, I will have a small number of horses available for rehoming. Each will be placed carefully, with suitability and long-term outcomes as the priority.

Currently available:

Rocket (pictured)
6-year-old gelding, approx. 15hh
Companion-only home required

He is a highly interactive, busy type who thrives on consistent engagement. A very people-oriented, “in your pocket” horse who enjoys attention and has a playful personality.

He would benefit from a calm, patient handler who can provide clear structure and consistency.

* Leads and ties up well
* Easy to catch (often catches you)
* Generally straightforward to handle
* Can be a little fidgety when having his feet done, but no nastiness

Due to his curious and playful nature, he is not suitable for child handlers.

In the right home, he would suit someone interested in light liberty work, or simply as an affectionate companion for another horse.

He does experience itch, which is currently well managed with rugging from dusk to dawn. He is comfortable without a rug during the day. This will require ongoing management in his new home.

Important:
He is not suitable for riding. He has previously been saddled and mouthed, however is unsound for ridden work due to a hind fetlock injury. This is non-negotiable, and homes will be selected accordingly.

If you feel you may be a suitable match, please reach out.