Equestrian Focus

Equestrian Focus Refined Horsemanship, Confident Riders
Where horses and riders grow together 🤠

29/05/2026

Sometimes, things happen.🤷🏼‍♀️

I wasn't sure about posting this, but I wanted to show all my followers that even the calm, easy going horse like Toby get spooked.

I had got some new reins (Romal Reins) which have bobbles on them, and as I pulled them over the saddle, it made Toby jump. After that he became quite worried and reacted like he did when I was getting on.

I didn't get on, I just walked around the arena, and just moved and banged the saddle on his back to check if he reacted, but nothing.

How did I resolve this? Today I tacked up and done some basic groundwork with the saddle on. I then did some clicker training before putting the bridle on.

Keeping with the clicker, I would stand at his side and reward for keeping still. Then put my foot in the stirrup, reward, then stand in the stirrup and gradually work to then get on. He stood like a rock and waited for his reward 🤠

And rest...After you have finished your schooling session, or hack so you allow your horse time to rest, process and res...
13/05/2026

And rest...

After you have finished your schooling session, or hack so you allow your horse time to rest, process and reset before you get off or take him back to the stable?

Teaching your horse to just chill out is so important. How many of you chat to friends or your instructor after a lesson and your horse keeps moving and doesn't settle?

Make sure your horse has the chance to do this 🤠

11/05/2026

Competition update...

So myself and Toby went to a western show this weekend. It was great fun, and Toby was a total dude.
Surrounded by lovely quarter horses was a little Appaloosa cross, who tried his little heart out just for me, and even when he struggled with certain tasks, he still got a huge hug for all his efforts.

We have plenty to work on, but I'm happy we went and had a go 🤠

Being present with your horse...What does this actually mean? It means, in basic terms, to not think about the past, not...
03/05/2026

Being present with your horse...

What does this actually mean? It means, in basic terms, to not think about the past, not think about the future and to just be in the here and now.

Sometimes, just sitting with your horse, and not having any pressure on yourself or your horse is all they want.

Today, Toby wanted just that. I took him in the arena to do some groundwork, and every time I made him stand he would slowly walk towards me and rest his muzzle on me as if to request some time.

So I sat on the floor and we both just watched the world go by. It was so peaceful and I felt so privileged 🤠

"But my horse isn't naughty"...Groundwork should not be looked upon as something you do when you have a naughty horse. G...
29/04/2026

"But my horse isn't naughty"...

Groundwork should not be looked upon as something you do when you have a naughty horse. Groundwork is learning how to communicate with your horse, and showing him what his "job" is, for example, you are the one who looks after the herd (you and him) he just needs to eat, drink and rest.

When people ask me about their horses behaviour and what they should do, the first thing I ask is are they doing regular groundwork... Not lunging, but groundwork!

So remember, groundwork is not for naughty horses, it's a way to communicate what's expected from each other in this relationship 🤠

It's all about the try...No matter the outcome of the results, no matter what placing you get, no matter what the judge ...
11/04/2026

It's all about the try...

No matter the outcome of the results, no matter what placing you get, no matter what the judge says... Always, always ALWAYS say thank you to your horse for the "try" 🤠

Let the games begin...Who's getting excited for the better weather, warmer days and the days out with our horses?I know ...
04/04/2026

Let the games begin...

Who's getting excited for the better weather, warmer days and the days out with our horses?

I know I am, and plan to do so much with Toby this year.

But remember.... It's all for fun!! Don't put unnecessary pressure on you or your horse. Yes, we all like to come home with a rosette, but remember, all that training is not for a rosette... It's so you and your horse can have the best time together!!

And even if it doesn't go to plan, don't worry. Mark it down as experience and move on 🤠

It's not just a dream...It can be reality too!! This Gail and her beautiful horse Willow. Gail got in touch with me a li...
25/03/2026

It's not just a dream...

It can be reality too!! This Gail and her beautiful horse Willow. Gail got in touch with me a little over a year ago. She was low in confidence and felt she wasn't good enough for Willow.

Fast forward to now, and look at the smile on her face in this photo, I think it says it all!!
She is so much more confident with Willow and with herself. Even after a long break from riding recently, she got back on in her last lesson, and was the happiest and most confident I have ever seen her!!

WELL DONE GAIL & WILLOW ❤️

Trust is everything...When you trust your horse and he trusts you, anything can be possible.Rode in the riding halter to...
08/02/2026

Trust is everything...
When you trust your horse and he trusts you, anything can be possible.

Rode in the riding halter today. Was nice to try something different and see what we can achieve 🤠

07/01/2026

Keep Calm and Carry On...

Having a calm, relaxed and focused horse is something we all want.... And it IS POSSIBLE!!!

This small clip shows jumps etc being put up in the background and me and Toby loping around the arena, on a loose rein with no drama.

It is something everyone can achieve with their horse. 🤠

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