An Introduction

Juggling the demands of university is no easy task, but throw in caring for a horse, training, and competing, and you’ve got an adventure that’s equal parts challenging and rewarding. As someone deeply involved in both the academic world and the equestrian scene, I’ve learned to balance my passion for horses with a busy schedule.

In this blog, I’ll be diving into the everyday realities of managing horses—understanding their behavior, building a strong bond, preparing for competitions, and handling the inevitable setbacks. Whether it's fitting in a quick ride between classes or gearing up for a major competition, the world of horses never slows down - there’s always a new challenge or adventure just around the corner.
If you’re someone who loves horses and wants to learn how to manage the ups and downs of equestrian life, or you’re simply curious about what it takes to care for and compete with these incredible animals, you're in the right place. 

Join me as I share personal stories, photographs, practical tips and insights into navigating the world of horses whilst maintaining my student life...

Popular posts from this blog

Understanding Horse Behaviour...

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Understanding the psychology of a horse is important in the care and training of the animal.  Horses are prey animals, and therefore react to stimuli such as a fly or unfamiliar object with flight responses, herd dynamics or territorial behaviour. Recognizing these responses is not only critical for safe handling but for creating effective training methods that align with their natural instincts. Body language is the primary method in which communication between a horse and human occurs, as we have the ability to develop a bond over time and utilise the trainability of the horse. By analysing behaviours such as direction of the ears, tension and stance of a horse, we can evaluate their responsiveness and mood, whether they are relaxed, anxious or defensive, meanwhile preventing possible dangerous interactions.  Addressing behavioural challenges su ch as spooking, biting and refusing fences is a complex process. Throughout my experience, I have learned that with the correct knowledge an
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My Personal Experiences...

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From early morning barn chores to competing at international events, the world of horses has been my greatest passion. But the journey isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. In this post, I’ll share some of the highs and lows that have shaped me as both a rider and trainer. There have been many significant moments over the past seven years that remain vivid in my mind throughout my experience. I will always remember the 13-year-old girl who was dragged to the stables by her mum, with my only interests being beauty and school friendships. Reflecting on my upbringing, I am grateful for the exposure this sport has brought me—the discipline, resilience, and confidence I have gained along the way. One of my most vivid memories is competing at the Blair International Horse Trials in 2023 and 2024. I had always dreamt of competing alongside high-level riders and Olympians, and even placing in classes at such a prestigious event was a dream come true. It was definitely a tick off my bucket
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The Bond between a Horse and Rider...

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The relationship between a horse and rider is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and care. Developing this bond takes time, patience and dedication, both in and out of the saddle, but the rewards are immense leading to better performance and a deeper emotional connection. Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship with a horse. Horses are naturally prey animals, meaning they rely on their instincts to assess situations for safety. For a rider to become a trusted partner, they must demonstrate patience and consistency. Groundwork, such as leading exercises and desensitization, can help establish mutual respect. Positive reinforcement is important as rewarding good behaviour with praise or treats will reinforce trust and positivity, build a lasting bond. From personal experience, I feel the time spent with my horse outside of riding is just as important. Feeding, grooming and stable management offer opportunities to strengthen our bond. Regular care also builds familiarity and m
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