Did you know, this used to be my favourite photo?

"Look at how soft my hands are" I used to think.

But now, all I see in this photo is dysfunction.

It is hard for me to watch some riders when I go out to competitions, and some rider videos on social media. I know the damage they are doing because I have been there done that, under the guidance of coaches I trusted knew what was best for my horses.

Ten years ago, I was fired by my coach. Yep, actually fired. She told me I was unteachable.

Why?

Because I didn't like who I had to be and how I had to treat my horse to be successful int he industry and sport.

Sure, I could sit through all the bucks, "just push him through it". Heard every comment from "he's just being naughty, just testing you," to "He's a stallion, so you have to be more demanding of submission".

That day I was fired, I broke down in my lesson and cried. "There has to be a better way" I begged, and my coach walked out in frustration saying I was impossible.

All because I wanted to be the advocate and voice for a horse that couldn't do it for himself.

Looking back, I can see that his behaviours were not motivated by naughtiness or a lack of submission.

They were motivated from a lack of confidence, and a lack of understanding. The behaviours were deeply set in an insecurity of both his rider and what to do, compounded by movement that created musculoskeletal dysfunction.

I was so disheartened and conflicted, I almost gave up the equestrian sport altogether. If this is the rider I had to be - a rider that bullied submission and created potential harm to my horse seeking more frame & bend by driving him harder into my hands and into a deeper frame - then I didn't want to be a rider at all.

But here is the thing:

My quitting would do NOTHING for a sport that unknowingly yet incorrectly pushes these methods onto new students, or the horses that would have to suffer at the hands of these methods.

I have now spent the last 10 plus years obsessively working with horses, to find a way that focuses on:

• the quality of the relationship;

• the mental and emotional well-being;

• physical soundness; and

• athletisism.

I now practice and teach a method that works on building a stronger bond and deeper connection both in and out of the saddle through holistic horsemanship, so that we have horses that enjoy learning and working and ask to be ridden.

Are you ready to try riding your horse holistically, for not only a sound but athletic mind and body AND emotional resilience?

Are you also, like I was, struggling with conflict and confusion of how to be a conscientious equestrian athlete, that can make a difference for your horse and others across the globe?

If that is you, I welcome you to join our Self Carriage Program.

We are taking our last round of students for 2021, but enrolments close on the 24th of October.