Strong Stable Seat

Strong Stable Seat Mel Macaulay (BESS, BSc(Hons)) is an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES), PhD Candidate and equestrian researcher.

She is a qualified and highly skilled rider posture and performance coach dedicated to resolving your riding challenges and frustrations. Mel Macaulay (BESS, BSc(Hons)) is an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and equestrian researcher. Other qualifiactions include an EA Intro Level Coach, IPOS Certified Coach and an Franklin Method Equestrian - Franklin Ball Certified Coach.

Today’s lesson with @ thanks to Active Riders Club Inc with Dallas was another step forward in Dallas building confid...
30/08/2026

Today’s lesson with @ thanks to Active Riders Club Inc with Dallas was another step forward in Dallas building confidence.

While she is still learning to manage her anxieties, Dallas continues to try her heart out. Today's focus was on developing better bend through her body, encouraging her to follow the rein more consistently, and finding greater softness and relaxation in her work. As we build our teamwork together, Dallas is showing glimmers of balance, suppleness, and understanding.

One of the highlights of the lesson was a sudden heavy downpour. Dallas wasn't overly phased, another glimmer of the confidence she is building.

Progress isn't always about big breakthroughs. Sometimes it's about the small wins, the quieter moments of trust, relaxation, and willingness to keep trying. Today was full of those moments, and we're very proud of Dallas.

✨ "Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." ✨

🐎💚

Your horse isn't the only athlete in the partnership... you are too!If you've ever felt: • Unbalanced in the saddle • L...
30/08/2026

Your horse isn't the only athlete in the partnership... you are too!

If you've ever felt:
• Unbalanced in the saddle
• Less effective with your aids than you'd like
• Limited by stiffness, weakness, or lack of stability

Then the 6week Reset Your Riding program is for you.

Through rider-specific exercise sessions, you'll improve: 🔹 Biomechanics 🔹 Strength 🔹 Balance 🔹 Coordination 🔹 Body awareness 🔹 Confidence

Achieve a more effective, comfortable, and connected ride.

📍 Wednesdays | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
📅 Starts 9 September at my place in Oakhurst
💰 $175

⚠️ Small group format and only 2 spots remain available.

📩 Send a DM to book your spot today.

"The quieter the aid, the louder the conversation."

I always learn so much from the posture and performance simulator sessions. Often, they help consolidate thoughts and mu...
23/08/2026

I always learn so much from the posture and performance simulator sessions. Often, they help consolidate thoughts and musings I've been carrying around for a while.

My latest reflection has been about how, as riders, we often override when we're trying to achieve something, fix something, or improve a movement.

I remember as a child wanting to keep my parents and teachers happy. If I was told to sit tall, I would try to sit taller. If I was told to do something quickly, I would rush to get it done. I pushed myself to do the very best I possibly could. I think that is built into us humans.

Many of us bring that same mindset into our riding.

We assume that if we try harder, push a little more, or do a little extra, we'll ride better. So, we exaggerate our movements. We use stronger aids, stronger legs, stronger hands. Our intention is good, but often the result is the opposite of what we want.

Our horses don't need more from us. They need less.

They need us to be still, quiet, balanced, and calm. They need us to coordinate our movements with theirs rather than impose our movements on them. They need us to listen as much as we ask, to feel as much as we direct.

Riding is a relationship. There is give and take. There is listening as well as talking. If all we do is shout with our bodies, we can't expect our horse to remain open, receptive, understanding, and willing to engage in the conversation.

I've come to realise that some of the clearest communication happens in the soft, quiet moments. When we stop overriding, we create space for our horse to respond. When we replace effort with awareness, force with feel, and tension with trust, the conversation becomes clearer for both horse and rider.

"The quieter the aid, the louder the conversation."

🐴 Rider Posture & Performance Simulator Session 🐴Yesterday's simulator session was another fantastic day of rider learni...
23/08/2026

🐴 Rider Posture & Performance Simulator Session 🐴

Yesterday's simulator session was another fantastic day of rider learning and development. Places filled quickly from my waiting list, so apologies, but I didn't have the chance to advertise this one. Thank you to Kandoo Equine for allowing us to facilitate these sessions and for the hire of KITT the simulator

While the simulator isn't exactly the same as riding a horse, it provides a unique opportunity to focus on rider movement, uncover hidden asymmetries and imbalances, and develop better body awareness. By repeating movements without the variables of a live horse, riders can begin to reprogramme movement patterns and build a stronger, more balanced and effective seat.

A big thank you to all the riders who attended and invested in their own development. It was a pleasure to be part of your journey. 💙

📩 Simulator days are usually held monthly. If you'd like to be added to the waiting list for a future session, send me a DM.

🎂🐴 CELEBRATE THE HORSE'S BIRTHDAY WITH A GIFT FOR YOU! 🐴🎂This weekend, we're giving you an incredible birthday surprise!...
30/07/2026

🎂🐴 CELEBRATE THE HORSE'S BIRTHDAY WITH A GIFT FOR YOU! 🐴🎂

This weekend, we're giving you an incredible birthday surprise!

✨ Reset Your Riding Online Rider Exercise Program WAS $199 | NOW ONLY $79 ⏰ Sale ends Monday 3 August

Ready to become a stronger, more balanced and confident rider?

👉https://strongstableseat.com.au/get-reset-your-riding/

👉To activate your discount use coupon code: SQF1Y1UV24 (Capitals are needed!)

✅ Build rider-specific strength
✅ Improve balance and stability in the saddle
✅ Develop a better riding position
✅ Ride with more confidence
✅ All from the comfort of home

Your program includes:
💪 6 Rider Strength Sessions
🤸 6 Stretch & Mobility Sessions

Fast, simple, rider-specific workouts in just 20 minutes.
The best part? Purchase once and it's yours forever. No subscriptions. No ongoing fees.

🐎 Improve your riding. Transform your horse.

🎉 Birthday Sale Price: $79 📅 Available until Monday only
👉 Get instant access now before the sale ends!

30/07/2026

e🎂🐴 CELEBRATE THE HORSE'S BIRTHDAY WITH A GIFT FOR YOU! 🐴🎂

This weekend, we're giving you an incredible birthday surprise!

✨ Reset Your Riding Online Rider Exercise Program WAS $199 | NOW ONLY $79 ⏰ Sale ends Sunday

Ready to become a stronger, more balanced and confident rider?
https://strongstableseat.com.au/get-reset-your-riding/
To activate your discount use coupon code: SQF1Y1UV24 (Capitals are needed!)

✅ Build rider-specific strength
✅ Improve balance and stability in the saddle
✅ Develop a better riding position
✅ Ride with more confidence
✅ All from the comfort of home

Your program includes:

💪 6 Rider Strength Sessions
🤸 6 Stretch & Mobility Sessions

Fast, simple, rider-specific workouts in just 20 minutes.

The best part? Purchase once and it's yours forever. No subscriptions. No ongoing fees.

🐎 Improve your riding. Transform your horse.

Because when you move better, your horse can too.

🎉 Birthday Sale Price: $79 📅 Available until Monday only

👉 Get instant access now before the sale ends!

This week I made a quick trip to the University of Canberra to present my Confirmation of Candidature for my PhD, Quanti...
23/07/2026

This week I made a quick trip to the University of Canberra to present my Confirmation of Candidature for my PhD, Quantifying the Independent Seat.

To be honest, it was one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences of my life. Standing up and presenting my thinking, planning, and research proposal to the examiners was daunting—but I'm happy to say I've successfully completed this milestone.

It's been a great reminder that growth happens just outside of the comfort zone, and if you want to improve then it's important to keep challenging, developing and growing.

Onward to Study 1 and the next chapter of the PhD journey! 🎓📖🚀

Thanks for your interest. We are currently finalising bookings and already have a wait list. Hoping to hold more session...
17/07/2026

Thanks for your interest. We are currently finalising bookings and already have a wait list. Hoping to hold more sessions soon.

📢🐎Rider Posture & Performance Simulator Sessions🐎📢

🐎KITT the simulator is ready for riders for our first session!!
Location: Kenilworth (address when you book)
Date: Saturday 25th July
90-minute sessions
Only 4 spots available

✅Comprehensive rider assessment by an Exercise Scientist using KITT, the Equine Simulator🐎.
✅ 90-minute session includes posture and asymmetry analysis, rider balance assessment, and biomechanics evaluation at walk, trot and canter on the simulator. ✅You'll gain valuable insight into how your body posture influences your position, effectiveness and communication with your horse.
✅Receive a personalised exercise program💪designed specifically for your needs, helping you improve balance, symmetry, stability and performance both in and out of the saddle.
✅Perfect for riders of all disciplines seeking to ride more effectively, comfortably and confidently. 🐴💪

🐎4 spots available. DM to secure your spot.

Spectacular winter morning.Enjoy your Sunday 😁
20/06/2026

Spectacular winter morning.
Enjoy your Sunday 😁

Spectacular sunset this evening just as I finished riding. We have so many things to improve on our property, the list s...
04/06/2026

Spectacular sunset this evening just as I finished riding. We have so many things to improve on our property, the list sometimes appears all consuming and endless. but it's true, there's no place like home.
We feel truly blessed to have our little property where dreams do come true. 💓💓

Address

Oakhurst, QLD

Telephone

+61401940862

Website

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