Elke & Lola – Session 1

Restarting a Sensitive OTTB Mare

This is the first solo groundwork session I had with Lola, a sweet, reactive off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB) mare. With her teenage rider Elke away, this session gave me space to return to the basics and gently stretch Lola beyond her emotional comfort zone.

Lola is not a “problem horse.” She’s smart, sensitive, and protective and when she doesn’t understand, she tends to go into fight mode. Our goal here isn’t obedience, it’s emotional safety, clarity, and mutual trust.

What You’ll See in This Session:

• Honest moments of resistance and emotional release
• Building softness through groundwork and pressure-response exercises
• Learning to read the difference between overwhelm and curiosity
• Supporting a young horse who tends to fight when she doesn’t understand
• Grounded, clear leadership without force

🗒️ Note: This video includes real-time commentary. It’s me thinking out loud as I reflect on the session, rather than a step-by-step tutorial. It’s an honest look at the learning process, with all the questions, observations, and moments of curiosity that come with ethical horse training in action.

🎥 No quick fixes. No fancy edits. Just honest, real-time horse training exactly as it happens.

📍 Filmed on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Australia.

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Releasing on Engagement, Not Stillness

Instead of rewarding stillness, this training moment rewards presence and engagement. Learn how to shift the focus from compliance to connection by recognizing subtle signs of attention and softness, and why this approach matters for shut-down or over-handled horses.

Grounding Through Fight or Flight

Lola enters a moment of fight-or-flight. Instead of overpowering her, I stay grounded and help her find her way back to calm. These moments can be intense, but with softness and timing, they become powerful breakthroughs.

Understanding Must Come Before Technique

Before refining technique, a horse needs to understand the question. This clip highlights the moment Lola finds clarity and softens into the task. A reminder that effective training begins with mutual understanding, not mechanical repetition.

Why Do Some Horses Bite in Training?

When a horse bites in response to pressure, it’s not always about disrespect – it’s communication. In this moment, Lola shows resistance by biting, not to be mean, but because she’s unsure and protecting herself. I’ll show you how to interpret this calmly and clearly, so you don’t miss what your horse is trying to say.

When Pressure Confuses a Horse: Watch Her Reaction

What happens when a sensitive horse doesn’t understand the question? In this raw moment, Lola – a sweet but green OTTB mare – responds with a big reaction when confused. Instead of escalating, I stay grounded and guide her back to safety. This isn’t about disobedience. It’s about understanding the emotional response beneath the behaviour.