Helping a Shutdown Horse https://youtu.be/43XRMdWBlgo In this solo EquiTrain session without Freya, I spent time deeply observing and exploring where Sally is truly at. This session became a rich opportunity to gather data, reflect, and meet her honestly in the moment. What unfolded confirmed something I’ve been sensing: while confidence-building is still on the horizon,Continue reading "Sally & Freya – Session 3"
Sally & Freya – Session 2
Helping a Shutdown Horse https://youtu.be/gttsDIp02tA 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 shutdownContinue reading "Sally & Freya – Session 2"
Elke & Lola – Session 1
Restarting a Sensitive OTTB Mare https://youtu.be/YRDzswpYSvk 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.”Continue reading "Elke & Lola – Session 1"
Sally & Freya – Session 1
Helping a Shutdown Horse https://youtu.be/KeIS8NKx0Dg Welcome to the first session of our EquiKinder journey with Sally, a sensitive, shutdown Brumby mare who often retreats inward when life gets overwhelming. In this episode, we begin building trust through simple, repeatable exercises designed to gently spark her curiosity and awareness without pushing her into shut down. TogetherContinue reading "Sally & Freya – Session 1"
Red Flags in Riding Instructors: What Every Parent and Teen Should Know
Because how we treat riders is just as important as how we treat horses. When “Just Do It” Doesn’t Feel Right There’s a moment many riders remember: when something felt off, but they went along with it anyway. Maybe they were nervous. Maybe the horse was, too. But the trainer said, “Just do it.” SoContinue reading "Red Flags in Riding Instructors: What Every Parent and Teen Should Know"
Rider Training Scale Explained: How EquiKinder Builds Confident Young Riders
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v1LVohpUhjekf7hrJd7xA?si=VlV-uhrERtOYJEIqRj_ITg In this episode of the EquiKinder Audio Journal, I explore how we teach beginner riding lessons using the Rider’s Training Scale - a step-by-step framework that prioritizes connection, balance, feel, and horsemanship. You’ll hear how this scale helps young riders grow into confident, relaxed, and aware horse people, while supporting the wellbeing of ourContinue reading "Rider Training Scale Explained: How EquiKinder Builds Confident Young Riders"
Welcome to the EquiKinder Audio Journal
A gentle space where I’ll be sharing blog readings, stories from the paddock, and reflections on horsemanship, riding, and life with horses and kids. This short intro episode is my way of saying hello, sharing what this audio space is all about, and inviting you to follow along as EquiKinder grows. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7GD6m2HpQy549P72iGX3BZ?si=_RBsIm91TJqMuRAByQblWA In This Episode:Continue reading "Welcome to the EquiKinder Audio Journal"
Anchored Attunement: Finding Balance in a Divided Horsemanship World
Anchored Attunement is the heart of my horsemanship philosophy - a balance of calm leadership and emotional presence. In this post, I explore how I found my way through the noise of competing styles and built a grounded, flexible approach based on congruence, curiosity, and connection.
Raising Resilient Children in a Modern World: The Transformative Benefits of Horse Riding
In a digital era where screen time increasingly defines children's activities, parents actively seek holistic solutions that enhance their children's physical health, emotional resilience, and cognitive development. Horseback riding emerges as an exceptional activity, strengthening your child's body, boosting their self-confidence, sharpening focus, and reducing anxiety simultaneously. Backed by scientific research, equine-assisted activities stand outContinue reading "Raising Resilient Children in a Modern World: The Transformative Benefits of Horse Riding"
How to Get a Horse to Move Forward: Training for Responsiveness
Photo by Barbara Olsen on Pexels.com Ever Felt Like Your Horse is Ignoring You? You squeeze, cluck, or tap, but your horse won’t move forward. Frustrating, right? Many riders struggle with a horse that refuses to go forward. The key isn’t to kick harder, it’s to change how you communicate. In this guide, we’ll coverContinue reading "How to Get a Horse to Move Forward: Training for Responsiveness"
