Equestrian Skill Builders

23/05/2026

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.

22/05/2026

Just because the adventure is small, doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Today’s ride was only 10 km down. Quiet back roads close to home.
No mountains.
No board crossings.
No epic destination.
But there was wind in the trees and that familiar feeling that comes when I leave the house with curiosity instead of obligation.

People sometimes ask why I seek adventure over 60. The answer is simple adventure reminds me I’m still growing.

Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Each ride teaches me something:
how to be resilient,
how to be comfortable being alone,
how to notice beauty in my surroundings,
how to keep going even when the road is hard.

At this stage of life I’m less interested in proving something to the world and more interested in fully experiencing my own life while I still can.

Sometimes adventure is crossing the continent by Bicycle sometimes it’s a quiet 10 km ride near home on an ordinary afternoon.
Both matter.
Both changes.

And I think many women need to hear this. You do not need permission to seek joy movement exploration or freedom at any age. Adventure is not reserved for the Young. It belongs to the curious.

15/05/2026

A great lesson at the Will-oh! The horse simulator studio today. Long time friend, rider and colleague Rode Will-oh! The horse simulator at stables.

17/03/2026

12/03/2026

A perfect start to the day. Being able to practice my riding position on Will-oh! the horse simulator Will-oh! is at Willow and withers stables in Sheffield Mills, Nova Scotia.
.taljaard

02/03/2026

Your brain remembers… your body doesn’t.

You still know how a correct canter feels.
You can picture the rhythm. You understand the aids. You remember exactly what your coach used to say.

But when you get on again, your balance feels different. Your legs feel unstable. Your timing is late. And suddenly you wonder if you’ve lost it.

You haven’t.

Your knowledge is still there — your body just needs time to reconnect.

Returning riders don’t need to “start over.” They need to rebuild coordination, strength, and feel in a safe, structured way. That’s why we begin on the riding simulator. You can relearn movement, posture, and timing without worrying about steering or managing a horse.

Once your body catches up to your brain, confidence comes back fast.

Riding isn’t gone.
It’s just waiting to come back online.
Willow & Withers Stables Laura Kelland-May

23/02/2026

Sometimes you need to strengthen those muscles. Ever heard of "wall sits" it is a great exercise to help strengthen those muscles you need for riding.
Willow & Withers Stables Laura Kelland-May

20/02/2026

No-one's ever told me that before!
In my mind I'm thinking what is your trainer/coach telling you?
Willow & Withers Stables Laura Kelland-May

18/02/2026

A horse simulator does not take the place of a horse but helps the rider understand how to move with the horse.

Unblock those bad habits and replace them with correct muscle memory movements.

Gripping with your thighs/knees? collapsing to one side or stiffening through your back? These things will affect your horse - hollow, rough transitions, unbalanced canter.

Get a systematic program to help you develop correct riding habits so you will have quieter aids, less effort and balanced relaxed horse.

16/02/2026

Simple before and after with a trained eye can make the difference.
Before instruction this rider was pinching and tipping forward. After, the rider is in balance and using her leg much better
Willow & Withers Stables Laura Kelland-May

13/02/2026

Ever thought about getting back in the saddle… but didn’t know where to begin?

Many riders step away for years while building careers, raising families, or simply living life. Then one day you find yourself standing beside a horse again — excited, but unsure. Will it feel the same? Will I remember what to do? Where do I start safely?

This is exactly why a structured return-to-riding plan matters.

With professional coaching, we rebuild your position step-by-step so your confidence grows alongside your skills. We start on the horse simulator, where you can relearn balance, coordination, and timing without worrying about controlling a live horse. You’ll understand your body again before adding the responsibility of the horse.

From there, we follow a clear pathway: awareness → stability → communication → real riding.

No guessing. No pressure. No embarrassment.

Just a calm, supportive way back to the rider you always were — only better.
Laura Kelland-May Willow & Withers Stables