Sally & Freya – Session 2

Helping a Shutdown Horse

In Session 2 of Sally’s 8-week EquiKinder journey, I dive deeper into her subtle responses to pressure, emotional shutdown, and signs of a possible fawn response. As Freya and I work through groundwork basics like steady pressure, rhythmic motion, and confidence-building exercises, I begin to question whether Sally’s initial shutdown may actually be more nuanced with moments of freeze, fawn, and quiet try sprinkled throughout.

🧭 In this episode, we explore:

• How shutdown, freeze, and fawn responses show up during groundwork
• Confidence-building groundwork for both horse and rider
• Freya’s growth in timing, feel, and confident communication
• Strategies to offer choice, prevent emotional shutdown, and rebuild trust

You’ll see me take over the session more than planned, as Freya navigates her own journey of building timing, feel, and confidence. Together, we explore new ways to ask questions, recognize when a horse is choosing versus submitting, and how to offer reassurance without reinforcing shutdown.

🎥 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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Why Some Horses Struggle on the Right Side

Some horses, especially trauma-affected or unbalanced ones, show shutdown or hesitation when approached or worked on their right side. In this moment with Sally the Brumby, I unpack why that happens and how we support her confidence.

Fight, Flight or Freeze? Understanding Horse Behaviour & Nervous System Response

What does it really mean when a horse bolts, shuts down, or lashes out? In this short clip, I break down the fight, flight, and freeze responses through the lens of the sympathetic nervous system using Sally the Brumby as a case study. Learn how to recognize these states and why honouring them leads to safer, more connected training.

Horse Training Breakthrough: Freya Finds Timing & Feel in the Round Pen

Watch this powerful moment from my EquiKinder journey as Freya, a new horse owner, begins to develop timing, feel, and leadership in the round pen. In just over a minute, you’ll witness the shift from uncertainty to connection: A win worth celebrating. This is part of our work with Sally, a shutdown Brumby learning to trust again through gentle pressure, body language, and clear intention.

Building Confidence with the Flag: Giving Horses Choice Without Pressure

In this short training moment, I show how to use a flag to build trust, not fear. Instead of pushing Sally the Brumby mare into movement, I offer her a choice and let her decide. A great example of connection-based horsemanship and using energy, not force.