Equestrian Focus

Equestrian Focus Helping owners build stronger connections and relationships with their horse

Any age, any size!These two were definitely my cutest students to date!!! Tawny and her cute little pony, Gracie both le...
20/04/2025

Any age, any size!

These two were definitely my cutest students to date!!! Tawny and her cute little pony, Gracie both learn how to be the best cowgirls!!

This just shows it doesn't matter how old you are, how big you are or even what breed your horse is, we can all have a go and learn about western riding 🤠

19/04/2025

Getting on your horse.
So, hands up... Be honest, how many of you move the mounting block to your horse... And then when your horse steps away, you drag it closer. Then your horse steps over again so you drag the mounting block again. Hands up again who finds this very annoying.

Now imagine you're on a hack, and you have to get off to open a gate. Luckily there is an old tree stump you can use to get back on your horse.
You walk him over to the stump, go to get on, and he moves away... What now? You can't move that stump closer to him.

Teaching your horse to be patient and wait as the mounting block is so crucial!! You can go one step further and teach your horse to "pick you up" from the block, just like I am in this video with my own horse, Toby 🤠

Trying something different...It's always good to try new things with your horse. It not only keeps his mind focused and ...
24/03/2025

Trying something different...

It's always good to try new things with your horse. It not only keeps his mind focused and interested it's also a fun way for both of you to experience new things together and see how much you trust each other.

But remember there is no such thing as failing. You are learning and building trust! 🤠

Self Confidence...Just like humans, horses can suffer with a lack of self confidence and unfortunately we see it as them...
23/03/2025

Self Confidence...

Just like humans, horses can suffer with a lack of self confidence and unfortunately we see it as them being naughty or dangerous.

Horses don't know how to be naughty, they just react to their situations.

Today I met Archie, the sweetest little pony, but doesn't have much self confidence and really focuses on other horses around him, which is because he feels confident with them.

He is so good with his little human, but just needs to learn how to be more confident with her.

I am looking forward to working more with this little dude 🤠

We all get nervous...Nerves are totally normal and totally fine to have, so don't try to shut them away. They are your b...
15/03/2025

We all get nervous...

Nerves are totally normal and totally fine to have, so don't try to shut them away. They are your brains way of assessing the situation.

The trick is learning how to handle those nerves, and not let them take over your brain, making up worse case scenarios.

Today I had a dressage lesson, first lesson in English tack for 10 years. My previous experience riding my horse in English tack wasn't great, as he was very reactive at times. Was I nervous? Yes! But over the years I have learnt how to handle my thoughts.

I started by looking at all the positives... Indoor arena, an instructor who knows me and Toby really well. Next I reminded myself that the tack is just an outfit out of Toby's wardrobe, it doesn't change his way of going.

Did I have the best lesson? Yes I did!! In fact our instructor said so many positive things about us!!

I will never give up western training, but it's fun to work towards different things 🤠

Giving your horse Processing time...Who allows their horse to process what you have just asked or taught them?We all let...
08/01/2025

Giving your horse Processing time...

Who allows their horse to process what you have just asked or taught them?

We all let our horses have a walk and stretch after a schooling session, but what about between each manoeuvre he does?

I always encourage my riders to allow their horse to stop and have some time to process what they have just done, even if it's something they have already established and learnt.

Those few seconds of processing give your horse time to think about what they have achieved and always makes them want to do more for you, as they know they get that bit of time to chill.

This is me and Toby warming up for some local fun dressage. We had just done some lope work and I made sure he gets plenty of processing time 🤠

📷

“Don’t be a victim. Be busy with your horse so you stay out of trouble – otherwise, trouble will come and find you. Be a...
27/12/2024

“Don’t be a victim. Be busy with your horse so you stay out of trouble – otherwise, trouble will come and find you. Be assertive but don’t be aggressive, if you are aggressive you’ll make the horse flighty. The horse needs perimeters like anyone else. Give them guidance, support, rules. The same rules. Don’t change the game, don’t let them have excuses just cause of their past.....and love them.” - Buck Brannaman

I would like to wish all my followers and clients a wonderful Christmas and exciting New Year!!!If there is one piece of...
24/12/2024

I would like to wish all my followers and clients a wonderful Christmas and exciting New Year!!!

If there is one piece of advice I can offer it's this...
.. DO YOUR GROUNDWORK! 🤠

Picture of Toby enjoying some Pony Club fun with his little rider Katie x

Writtle College Demo!I love doing demos, especially when the spectators might not realise how groundwork can help your h...
19/12/2024

Writtle College Demo!

I love doing demos, especially when the spectators might not realise how groundwork can help your horse.

I started with some basic groundwork exercises, showing the students how to ask your horse questions and how to respond to their answers.

I also showed them some handy "tools" they can use with their own horses such as disengaging.

I then hopped on Toby and went through some of the movements we might use as western riders and also how I can vary Toby's way of going without any dramas.

A great day, and so much fun!!

Fancy a demo at your yard? Get in touch 🤠

15/12/2024

Loading clinic part 2

Today I held another loading clinic. Who remembers Hugo? Hugo has never loaded ... I mean, he refuses to load.

Over a few sessions, I have built his confidence in me and opened up the conversation about the trailer with him.

The first few sessions were just about introducing the trailer and letting him investigate it.

Over the next few sessions I would ask him to step on the ramp and see how he felt about it. Each session I would start from the beginning, never expecting him to walk in until he felt happy.

Today, he felt ready for that step, and without any pressure from me, walked in and out of the trailer like a total pro. He even repeated it a further 4 times.

It's all about getting that conversation going, and respecting his concerns and working with him to resolve them.

Well done Hugo 🤠

07/11/2024

Practice makes perfect!!!

This is one of the horses who was part of my loading clinic. His owner has been practicing loading and following my advice.

What a good boy, walking straight in, with no worries at all, and well done to Taylor, his mum, who was calm and positive!!

Keep up the great work guys, I'm super proud of you 🤠

Trailers, lorries and loading...Who just came over all hot and flustered when they read those words?Today I held a loadi...
03/11/2024

Trailers, lorries and loading...

Who just came over all hot and flustered when they read those words?

Today I held a loading clinic, and the aim was not to get every horse on the trailer. The aim was to start the conversation with the horse about the trailer and loading.

Having a conversation with your horse is vital in anything they are worried about... Loading, clipping anything.

Imagine meeting a friend for a coffee. You grab a coffee, find a seat and the whole time you are there, your friend does all the talking. That's a one way conversation. You'll walk out feeling like no one has listened to you. How would you feel?

Now imagine you and your horse meet for coffee, at the trailer ramp. You are doing all the talking... "Come in the trailer", "why won't you get in the trailer", "we're gona be late", and your horse is not allowed to say a word. How would he feel?

It's about asking the question, and when he gives you an "I'm not sure" answer, that's when you need to listen and start the conversation 🤠

Address

Southend-on-Sea

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Equestrian Focus posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category