Hillbrooke Stables

22/08/2025

13/08/2025

How well do you really know your horse’s herd? 🐴👀

I love watching my horses out in the field with their friends—it’s fascinating. There’s so much subtlety in the way they interact, from the gentle step-aside look the confident leader gives to the way a less confident horse might startle and zoom back to the herd.

Too often, people use the fact that horses can be forceful with each other as an excuse to be forceful themselves. But if you actually watch them, you’ll notice: there’s strategy, negotiation, and personality in every move.

Do you know:
✨ Who moves for who in your horse’s pasture?
✨ Who might hang by themselves off to the side?
✨ Who scratches who’s back?

Herd dynamics are always changing—especially among my young mares, who grow more confident as they age, or whenever a new horse joins (or leaves) the group. It’s a living, breathing social network (maybe it’s just me, but I’ve always found social networks insightful—sociology major vibes 🧐).

And a gentle reminder: horses NEED friends. Thoughtful grouping matters, but taking away social interaction permanently? That’s unkind. Pasture time with buddies isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for their wellbeing.

06/07/2025

I had a great day today riding with old friends and relatives from years gone by!… reunion of 50 years ago!! Geez! How did that happen?!

16/06/2025

💬 “How much would you charge me to do this job?”
the customer asked, looking over some blueprints on the table.

“$150,” the craftsman answered, calmly and confidently.

“$150?! That’s outrageous!” the customer blurted out.
“Why so expensive?”

The craftsman didn’t get upset.
He simply smiled and asked politely:

“And how much do you think it would cost to do it yourself?”

The customer paused for a moment, then replied:
“Hmm… I guess maybe $80. I mean, it doesn’t look that hard.”

The craftsman nodded slightly and offered:
“Then I have a better idea — do it yourself for $80.”

“But… I don’t know how!” the customer said, flustered.

“No worries,” the craftsman said with a kind tone.
“For the same $80, I’ll teach you step by step how to do it. That way, next time, you won’t need anyone.”

“Huh… Interesting. I’m in,” the customer said, now curious.

“Perfect,” the craftsman replied.
“So you’ll need a sander, a drill, a jigsaw, a rotary hammer, some measuring tools, and a few other things…”

“Wait, wait!” the customer cut in, eyes wide.
“I don’t own any of that. And I’m not buying all that just for one little job!”

“No problem,” said the craftsman.
“I can rent you all the tools for $30 a day.”

“Umm... okay, I guess...” the customer mumbled, now unsure.

“Great,” said the craftsman.
“I’ll see you at 7 AM sharp on Tuesday. You’ll need to load all the tools into your car. And don’t be late.”

“7 AM?!” the customer groaned, throwing his hands up.
“Man… I’m not even awake at that hour!”

He stood there silently for a second. Then sighed and said:

“You know what? On second thought… just take the $150. In the end, it won’t actually be cheaper, and I’m sure you’ll do it way better and faster than I ever could.”

The craftsman smiled — not smugly, not arrogantly —
just respectfully.

“Sometimes, what seems expensive… really isn’t, once you understand what’s behind it.”

💡 Reflection:
When you pay for a job well done, you’re not just paying for the task.
You’re paying for years of skill, the cost of tools, the knowledge earned through mistakes, the early mornings, the sore backs, and the quiet pride of someone who’s done it a thousand times before.

Behind every fair price… is experience, effort, and mastery.

You’re not losing money.
You’re gaining peace of mind, time, and quality.

And that’s worth more than it seems.

21/05/2025

“You still have 40 years left…” - sounds pretty good, but…

“You only have 40 summers left in your life.” – makes you think.

Maybe you only have 40 more chances in your life to feel the warmth of summer on your skin.

40 more times to see the leaves change color in autumn.

40 more times to feel the chill of winter and the first rays of spring sunshine.

Or maybe less. Maybe 10. Maybe 5. Maybe… this is the last time.

We live as if we are immortal. We postpone dreams, loves, passions for “later.”

But what if that “later” never comes?

What if this is the last morning you smell the scent of coffee?

THE LAST DAY TO TELL SOMEONE YOU LOVE THEM…

This isn’t pessimism. It’s the brutal truth.

Don’t waste today! There might not be a tomorrow! 🖤🕊️🤍

Tre Wheway 📸

19/05/2025

Bathing 2 horses in one day is not so easy anymore!!

14/05/2025

Part 1: The Rider’s Journey – Why Continued Support is Key to Progress 🌟

Riding is a skill that evolves over time, and like any discipline, progress depends on the quality of instruction and support along the way. For the average amateur rider, independent progress without a trainer is not only difficult—it can be counterproductive. Bad habits can develop quickly and become ingrained before a rider even realizes something is going wrong.

Even accomplished riders benefit from eyes on the ground. A trainer offers perspective, technical corrections, and a roadmap for development. Without that, many riders plateau or even regress, especially when working through challenges like fear, body awareness issues, or communication breakdowns with their horse.

For example:

💠 A rider struggling with balance may not notice they lean slightly to one side—something a trainer can spot and correct quickly.

💠 Riders who have confidence issues may find themselves backing off or avoiding certain exercises, limiting their growth unless encouraged and guided.

💠 Miscommunication with the horse often stems from unclear aids or inconsistent timing—both of which a trainer can help refine.

Additionally, regular lessons build accountability and consistency. Riders in a program tend to ride more frequently, set goals, and stay focused. It also creates a safe space to ask questions, troubleshoot issues, and celebrate wins—big or small.

In short, a rider’s progress isn’t just about saddle time. It’s about quality time, with the right guidance. A committed trainer helps riders unlock their potential, avoid setbacks, and enjoy a more fulfilling partnership with their horse. 🏇

14/05/2025

Balance Is Reflexive

True balance isn’t held—it’s responded to.

We often think of balance as something to hold—as if being still or symmetrical will somehow “lock us in” to a better seat.

But in reality, balance is reflexive.
It’s not something you brace for.
It’s something your body does for you—when you let it.

Think of walking down a trail.
You’re not calculating every step.
You’re responding: to rocks, uneven ground, shifts in your own momentum.
Your body adjusts moment by moment, often without you realizing it. That’s your reflexive balance system at work.

And the same is true in the saddle.

When we try to “hold” balance with too much muscle effort or tension, we actually interrupt the very system designed to keep us upright.
• Gripping shuts down fluid adjustment.
• Holding your breath limits coordination and feedback.
• Bracing your core can override the small postural shifts needed to stay with the horse’s motion.

True riding balance isn’t about stillness. It’s about rhythm, breath, and trusting your body to respond.

That’s why exercises that improve your proprioception (sense of position) and vestibular function (sense of balance) are so important.

Because riding is movement.
And balance isn’t a fixed point—it’s a constant conversation between you, your body, and your horse.

So What Supports Reflexive Balance?
• Soft eyes instead of visual fixation
• Breath awareness instead of core bracing
• Pelvic movement instead of frozen posture
• Tapping and body wake-ups before you ride
• Feeling your seat bones move with your horse instead of trying to stay “even”

Balance isn’t held—it’s felt. It’s not something you lock in—it’s something you listen for.

When you ride with breath, rhythm, and awareness, balance becomes something your body offers you—without force.

And your horse will feel the difference.

With softness and feel,
Ale

26/04/2025

I started to clean my house today but then remembered I could go riding instead.....so I did!