18/06/2026
Claire reached out recently for lessons, and from our very first meeting with her horse, it was clear there was a lot to unpack.
I decided to assess him on the ground first, and he quickly showed me there was a great deal of confusion and anxiety around moving forward, responding to direction, and understanding pressure. When he didn’t know the answer, his response was to throw his legs in the air/at you or bolt, behaviours that were also carrying over under saddle.
It was one of the few times I’ve thought, “I should probably be wearing a helmet for this!” 😅
I gave Claire some homework and a few key exercises to focus on. And wow, did she put in the work, and reaped the rewards! In just one week, the difference in her boy was incredible.
By week three, he was consistently demonstrating all the right behaviours on the ground, so it was time to get back in the saddle. What had been established on the ground translated beautifully to ridden work, he was beginning to understand the answers instead of reacting out of fear and confusion.
A great reminder that taking the time to build understanding and confidence on the ground can completely change what happens under saddle.
Always keep in mind, it’s never a rush to the ‘finish line’!
