The Freedom Track

The Freedom Track Freedom Track Livery �
Herd-based track system. Movement • Connection • Choice
North Yorkshire

07/06/2026

Freedom Track Rehab Update – Long Reining Lesson #1

Today was a bit of a milestone in Mickey’s rehab journey – our very first attempt at long reining.

It’s actually something I never did with him when he was two. At the time, I didn’t feel we needed it, but now it’s become a really useful tool. Being able to watch him move from behind gives me a completely different perspective on how his body is working, and as we continue his rehabilitation, that information is invaluable.

Mickey wasn’t entirely convinced by the whole idea! Having a rope behind him and me walking behind him was definitely outside of his comfort zone. There were a few moments where he questioned my life choices, but he tried hard and kept thinking his way through it.

For this first session, my expectations were simple: move forward from my voice, halt when asked, and back up without me needing to pull on him. Nothing fancy, just the foundations.

Considering it was his very first go, I think he did a pretty good job.

This is a skill that I think will benefit us in so many ways as we move through the Freedom Track rehab programme. Another small step forward, building strength, confidence and communication together.

06/06/2026

Today marks Day 1 of Mickey’s active rehabilitation.

Mickey has SI discomfort and some changes in his hocks. Given his history as an ex-racer, the findings themselves weren’t particularly surprising, and thankfully the issues identified were relatively minor. However, I knew there was something going on, and it feels good to finally have some answers and a clear plan moving forward.

We’ve worked with the vet to reset the area using targeted injections, giving us the best possible opportunity to begin rehab with reduced inflammation and discomfort from the outset.

I seriously considered taking Mickey barefoot at this stage. However, after looking at his feet, his conformation, and discussing the options with the vet, I agreed that some additional support would be beneficial during rehabilitation. So, he’s now sporting some rather fancy therapeutic shoes designed to help him stay comfortable and move as effectively as possible.

Today my physio is coming to assess him and make sure everything is soft, relaxed, and functioning well throughout his body, particularly around the SI region. I’ll report back on that later.

Throughout this process I’ll be assessing his biomechanics in every session, making sure the rehabilitation is effective and guided by what Mickey tells me. His environment will remain as close to track life as possible, with a strong emphasis on comfort, relaxation, movement, and allowing him to stand and recover when he needs to.

As always, I’ll be approaching this through the lens of training as well as rehabilitation. Horses learn best when things are introduced in the right order, and that doesn’t change just because they’re rehabbing. I’ll be drawing on everything I’ve learned from my trainer about the horse’s mental and emotional experience throughout the process. No repetitive drilling, no doing the same thing day after day—just thoughtful, progressive work designed to support both body and mind.

I’ll be documenting as much of this journey as possible. Specialist rehabilitation is a service I hope to offer more of in the future, and I hope sharing Mickey’s progress will be useful to others navigating similar challenges.

Watch this space…
🐴❤️

05/06/2026

People often say that horses weren’t designed to be ridden. That they don’t really want to work with us, and that everything we ask of them goes against their nature.

But I don’t think you can watch this and believe that.

Look at Mickey. His ears are locked onto the cattle. His stride is purposeful. The reins are loose, his body is relaxed, and he’s marching forward with confidence alongside the others. Nobody can force a horse to feel like that.

Especially not a Thoroughbred.

What you’re seeing here isn’t obedience. It’s partnership.

For me, horses need a purpose. I need a purpose too. Functional riding changes everything. When horse and rider come together to complete a job, something shifts. The relationship becomes about far more than simply sitting in the saddle.

It’s communication. Trust. Understanding.

Every movement has meaning. Every decision is shared.

Out here, moving cattle across a field, Mickey isn’t carrying me because he has to. He’s engaged in the task. Thinking, watching, anticipating. Just as I am.

This is where I find the magic of horses.

Not in perfect circles or polished performances, but in those moments when horse and human come together with a common purpose and simply get the job done.

That’s when the partnership becomes something deeper.

Built on respect.

Built on trust.

Built on love.



31/05/2026

Gigha having an itchy roll- can’t wait to get rid of the straw!
I’m debating extending this and making it a big sand area for rolling and sleeping either that or my favourite h**p Aubiose Horse Bedding

28/05/2026

This… this is my happy place. 🤍🐄🐎

A little bit more about me and my favourite times …….Working cows and working with thoroughbreds — maybe not the most obvious partnership for some, but it just goes to show how incredibly versatile these horses can be with the right training, patience and understanding.

There’s something about moving cattle from one place to another that feels deeply grounding, just being out in nature, doing a job together.

Functional riding at its best.

The horse, the cow and me — everyone has a role, everyone is working together. It asks you to be present, to read the moment, to communicate quietly and trust each other.

For me, it feels like a real reconnection with nature and with the kind of horsemanship I love most. Purposeful, thoughtful and completely alive in the moment.

Honestly, I can’t think of anything better. Hallelujah ✨

28/05/2026

Yoga with horses… and no, it doesn’t always look like this. 🤍🐴

As a yoga teacher, my practice often includes animals. Sometimes it’s a full asana practice like this with Meg quietly joining me, and sometimes it’s simply standing in the field, taking a breath, slowing down and finding stillness together.

One of the beautiful things about horses is their incredible ability to mirror us. They feel our energy before we even realise what we’re carrying ourselves. If we’re rushed, distracted or tense… they often reflect that back. But when we soften, breathe and become present, they so often meet us there.

I’ve found that some of the most grounding moments don’t happen on the mat — they happen in boots, in a paddock or the round pen, with a horse gently reminding you to slow down.

Meg, as always, proving that healing doesn’t have to be complicated… sometimes it just starts with breath. It’s so important for me to keep our Home calm, peaceful and safe ✨

There is something SO lovely about seeing your horse truly asleep ❤️And I don’t mean stood snoozing with a droopy lip… I...
28/05/2026

There is something SO lovely about seeing your horse truly asleep ❤️

And I don’t mean stood snoozing with a droopy lip… I mean flat out, legs stretched, completely switched off, proper deep sleep 😴

For prey animals, this is actually a really big deal.

Horses can doze standing up, but to get proper REM sleep they need to lie down. That means when we catch them fully asleep, they’re telling us something important…

👉 “I feel safe here.”

To feel comfortable enough to sleep like this, horses generally need:

🐴 Trusted companions nearby
🌱 A calm, settled environment
🛏️ Somewhere comfortable to lie down
💛 To feel physically comfortable and relaxed
⏰ Routine and consistency

A horse that feels vulnerable, stressed or uncomfortable often won’t fully switch off.

So next time you spot your horse snoring away flat out in the field or stable, take it as a little compliment… they trust their world 🥹

(Although… let’s be honest, we all still stand there for a second checking they’re actually breathing 👀😂)

Have you ever caught yours fully asleep? Pop a photo in the comments — I LOVE seeing sleepy horses!

26/05/2026

While Mickey is on his rehab journey, we’re making movement count and keeping it interesting. Today’s walk through the village wasn’t just a plod up the road — we added little bits of “life training” too. Winding in and out, bending around objects, changing direction, walking over different surfaces and gently engaging his body and brain.

For horses on restricted work or coming back from injury, mental wellbeing matters just as much as physical healing. Getting out to see the world, take in new sights and smells, and gently move their bodies can make such a difference.

Rehab can feel long and frustrating, but it doesn’t always have to be boring 💙

Mickey might not be back to riding yet, but we’re finding ways to make the journey enjoyable for both of us.

26/05/2026

Rehabbing the wannabe stallion 🥵🤦🏻‍♀️🤣

Address

Yarm Lane
Great Ayton
TS96PJ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Freedom Track posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category