Willow & Withers Stables

06/03/2026

Why train on a horse simulator?

Because sometimes the fastest way to improve your riding isn't riding your horse—it's improving yourself.

Will-oh! allows riders to focus entirely on their position, balance, coordination, and aids without worrying about steering, speed, weather, arena conditions, or what their horse might do next.

In a typical session, riders often discover:
✨ Position habits they didn't know they had
✨ Balance challenges affecting their effectiveness
✨ Areas of tension that limit performance
✨ New ways to communicate more clearly through their aids

And the best part?

The skills you develop on the simulator transfer directly to your horse.

Whether you're a dressage rider, hunter, eventer, western rider, trail rider, or simply looking to become a more effective and confident partner for your horse, Will-oh! provides a unique opportunity to learn, practice, and improve.

Located at Willow & Withers Stables in Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia, Will-oh! is Atlantic Canada's only Racewood Dressage Pro Simulator and Nova Scotia's first horse simulator.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

📅 Book a session at https://hubs.ly/Q04k09KM0

06/02/2026

Today was all about learning.

We spent the day with our incredible Will-oh! coaching team — Laura Kelland May, Julia Young, Amy Ward, and special guest Jen Fry from Racewood Limited — for a professional development session focused on rider biomechanics, assessment, and advanced movement work. Learn more about our coaches here https://hubs.ly/Q04jNDvm0

We started at the foundation:
✔️ Reviewing rider assessments
✔️ Observing the rider through all gaits
✔️ Discussing position, balance, and engagement
✔️ Brainstorming exercises and adjustments together as a team

Laura generously volunteered as our rider for the day, allowing all of us to observe, test ideas, and explore how subtle changes in the rider’s body influence movement and performance.

We finished with a true challenge — the canter pirouette.

One of the fascinating things about Will-oh! is that while she may feel “easy” in some ways, the advanced movements only happen if the rider applies the aids correctly, in the right order, with the right engagement and stamina. There’s no faking it.

And Laura nailed it.

Watching her develop the strength, coordination, and position needed to successfully ride the movement was incredibly rewarding — and honestly just plain fun.

A huge thank you to Jen Fry of Racewood for the guidance, insight, and collaborative learning today, and to our amazing coaching team for bringing such curiosity, openness, and enthusiasm to the session.

The learning never stops — for riders or coaches.

Come learn with us! https://hubs.ly/Q04jNpwn0

05/29/2026

After another rainy Nova Scotia evening, I trained on Will-oh! Last night, instead of riding in the indoor arena (sorry Maisie)… and honestly, it got me thinking.

What if riders who have already had a few coached simulator sessions could book “practice rides” on the SIM?

A chance to:
• practice a dressage test
• practice what you learned
• focus on position & balance
• ride without worrying about footing or weather
• keep progressing between lessons

This would likely be reserved for riders who have already had a couple of coached sessions on the simulator, so they feel confident using the system independently.

I LOVE lessons and always learn a ton from great coaching… but sometimes it’s in the practice rides between lessons where things really click.

When it’s just you and the horse — or in this case, the simulator — quietly working things out for yourself.

Almost like “gym time” for riders.
Would this be something you’d use?
I’d genuinely love feedback from riders.

05/28/2026

What if better riding started with understanding yourself first?

The Rider Transformation Journey is a new small-group program designed to help riders build awareness, balance, confidence, and feel — both on and off the horse.

Using the Will-oh! simulator, guided coaching with Laura Kelland May, rider assessments, practice sessions, and group support, riders will have the opportunity to truly focus on themselves as riders in a completely different way.

Ideal for riders returning to riding, rebuilding confidence, or simply wanting to ride more effectively and intentionally.

Limited enrollment.
Introductory pricing now available.

Learn more:
https://hubs.ly/Q04jbM330

05/27/2026

You do not need horse experience to experience Will-oh! 🐴

One of the things we love most about Will-oh! is watching people realize they can do this.

Whether you’ve always been curious about horses, feel nervous around riding, or are returning after years away, Will-oh! creates a safe, welcoming space to learn how riding feels — without the unpredictability of a live horse.

✨ No pressure
✨ No judgement
✨ Just learning, confidence, and connection

Because the simulator allows riders to focus on balance, movement, and body awareness first, many people find it far less intimidating than starting directly on a horse.

Perfect for beginners, nervous riders, returning riders, and visitors looking for a truly unique Annapolis Valley experience.

📍Located at Willow & Withers in the Annapolis Valley
📩 Message us to learn more or book a session.

05/25/2026

I’m so excited that Willow & Withers will be hosting part of this wonderful “Before Sable Island” experience with Picture Perfect Tours.

This unique day brings together several of my favourite things: horses, nature, storytelling, creativity, and slowing down long enough to really connect with a place.

Guests will also have the opportunity to learn from the incredibly talented Briana Corr Scott, whose work so beautifully captures the spirit of Nova Scotia through sketching and storytelling.

From the landscapes and inspiration of Sable Island to the experience of drawing outdoors, this feels like such a thoughtful and meaningful adventure.

We’re honoured to be one small part of it and can’t wait to welcome guests to the Annapolis Valley.

Learn more about the experience https://hubs.ly/Q04hNMhw0

05/25/2026

What exactly is a horse simulator?

We get that question all the time — and honestly, the best way to understand Will-oh! is to see her in action.

CTV Live at Five stopped by Willow & Withers to learn more about Nova Scotia’s first Racewood Dressage Pro simulator and why riders of all levels are giving it a try.

From confidence-building and rider biomechanics to immersive riding experiences and beginner-friendly sessions, Will-oh! is changing the way people learn about horses and riding.

Watch the clip below to learn more! 👇
https://hubs.ly/Q04hP2sK0

Explore how Will-oh!, Nova Scotia's first Racewood Dressage Pro horse simulator, is enhancing riders' skills at Willow & Withers Stables, as featured on CTV Atlantic.

05/23/2026

What if we normalized riders working on themselves before asking more from the horse?

At Will-oh!, we can isolate rider position, balance, mobility, coordination, and weak aids in a way that simply isn’t always possible under saddle. The simulator allows riders to repeat exercises, build awareness, and improve habits without putting additional strain on the horse.

• More repetition for the rider
• Less fatigue for the horse
• A safe space to learn, adjust, and improve

The result? Riders who are more aware, more balanced, and better prepared when they return to the saddle.

No pressure. No judgement. Just better understanding through repetition and feel.

05/19/2026

We often focus on training our horses… but what about training ourselves?

A recent rider came to Will-oh! before a riding holiday, not because anything was “wrong,” but because she wanted to feel stronger, straighter, and more confident in the saddle.
What we uncovered was a small imbalance in her position that could have led to fatigue, instability, and discomfort over long hours of riding.

The amazing thing? Once she became aware of it, everything started to change.

Our newest blog explores:
• Why sitting straight matters
• How small imbalances affect both horse and rider
• The simple awareness exercises that made a difference
• Why biomechanics matter more than most riders realize



https://hubs.ly/Q04h6pWg0

05/15/2026

Ever wish you could focus completely on your riding — without worrying about the horse beneath you?

That’s one of the things riders love most about training on Will-oh!
The simulator creates a unique opportunity to slow things down and • really focus on:
• your position
• balance and alignment
• rein contact
• seat and posture
• timing and coordination
• and the feel of the movement beneath you

Without the unpredictability of a live horse, riders can build awareness, confidence, and muscle memory in a calm, supportive environment.
Whether you’re returning to riding, building confidence, improving biomechanics, or simply wanting to become a more effective rider, simulator training offers a completely different way to learn.

And yes… you might be surprised how much you discover when the only thing to focus on is you.

Book your session online, https://hubs.ly/Q04gMD-G0