Stephenson Equestrian Connection LLC

11/19/2025

Didn’t anyone ever show you how to figure eight anything??? 🙈🤦🏼‍♀️

11/14/2025

Yes!

No horse is wasted just being a horse in a field. If you feel the pressure of having to DO something with your horse or you’re somehow failing, remember this. If you’re enjoying just being with them and loving them, it’s enough. No one gets to decide but you what’s enough. 🐴🥰

11/11/2025

Love this! Its getting colder, use it as a chance to work on the fundamentals!

For anyone who needs to hear this — there is a lot of change going on at the moment seasonally, don’t feel the need to put the pressure on you and your horse to succeed/ride/“be normal”.

If your horse feels a bit too fresh to ride, just do groundwork. Or go home and try another day.

If it’s raining and you’re not feeling in the right headspace to ride, consider a shorter ride or trying another day when you feel you can be the person your horse needs.

If you’ve been in the school lots and you want to hack so your horse is having variety in their work, great. But if they’re unsettled and will spend most of the hack in negative posture, will it be worth it?

If you’re doing polework and your horse is continually spooking at the scary corner, give time to the corner and its problems… give space and patience and return to the poles after.

I’ve swapped from raised poles in a straight line to more complex flat poles like in the diagram for Meji, giving his brain something to focus on (alongside his core bands).

We have had a very dry Summer, followed by a mild and wet Autumn-Winter transition… a lot of the unsettled, different or slightly “off” behaviour from our horses at the moment can be due to metabolising these changes. It is often that type of “sharp” behaviour that cannot be relieved with exercise, so lunging 100 circles or riding for hours will not likely solve your problem (not that it should do!)

Don’t feel the pressure to get on and ride, this phase will pass & be kind to you and your horse 🤍

EDITED TO ADD: I have had lots of messages about polework designs, I have two polework inspiration manuals on my website that you can download!  https://www.vetphysiophyle.co.uk/shop/p/polework-inspiration-manual-vol-2

11/11/2025

May is here to remind you, that it all of a sudden became blanket season overnight!!!!!

Isn't she cute?😍

11/11/2025

Oh to be a cat, lazing the day away on a saddle pad.🤣
Its a ball of Willow, lol
What would we do without the snuggly barn cats?🥰😍

11/09/2025

Yes!

Absolutely ❤️❤️❤️

11/09/2025

For a 2 year old, Magic has the best brain.
We've been playing with the flag, walking over the bridge, walking over poles and low crossrails and lots of lunging and shoulder control!!
Very proud of Magic, what a smart young gelding he is!

11/08/2025

Fencing things! YAY!!😍🐴

11/07/2025

Please join me in welcoming our newest training members, Obie and her son Magic. I previously worked with Obie and began training two-year-old Magic prior to their summer relocation to a new home. At the request of their new owners, I have agreed to continue training them. Both horses demonstrate remarkable intelligence and have pleasant dispositions. I am looking forward to enhancing Obie's abilities and providing Magic with a strong foundation.

11/03/2025

Another great weekend of lessons, projects, horses and fun at Stephenson Equestrian Connection LLC

10/30/2025

Farrier Day!
May was a lot happier standing when her favorite person showed up. 😍
Proper hoof care is always paramount at Stephenson Equestrian Connection LLC
Happy Hooves= Happy, Healthy Horses!🐴😊
Thank you, JW Stafinski for all the work you do for our four legged friends! We appreciate you!😊