Coaching the rider to train the horse. Karen Whiston BHSI

Coaching the rider to train the horse. Karen Whiston BHSI 50+ years interacting with Horses. BHSI Stage 5 Performance Coach, RWYM Biomechanics Coach. Evented up to International 4* Level.

Evented to International 4* in my 20/30’s
Specialising in teaching Rider Biomechanics, In-hand Training & Yoga for Riders
Always learning Always loving it
Helping horses and riders grow and build confidence at all levels From a very young age all I wanted to do was train horses, growing up around ponies, cattle and many other animals allowed me to learn how important it is to be intuitive, patient

, empathic, calm and quietly confident to gain the best from horses. After training horses for over 45 years, I still have so much joy and enthusiasm. I never tire from learning new methods that I think will help the horse or rider to learn to have a harmonious relationship. I am a BHSI and have Evented to International level including being placed at Blenheim **** on a horse that I rehabilitated. I still enjoy competing today in Dressage and Show Jumping but as always it is the journey that I enjoy not just the competition. My horse's best interests always come first, even when competing at top level, the horses welfare would always come before any personal goals. I have trained horses of all shapes, sizes, temperaments, breeds and ages, including young and troubled horses. Always treating them as individuals as I believe, like us, they all have their own unique map of the world, which needs to be respected and then trained accordingly. Over the years I have collected and developed many tools for training both human and horse, whether schooling under saddle or on foot, in order that I can tailor a plan using various methods to help each individual. I have been a RWYM Biomechanics Coach for over 15 years, which enables me to teach people to ride in the best possible way, helping the rider communicate with the horse with simple cues, allowing much more ease and comfort for the horse. Also enabling the rider to be in a safe and secure position in the saddle therefore helping both partners build confidence and rapport. I run Unmounted Workshops to help people to understand how their riding and training impacts the horse, also to learn various off horse exercises that can help improve their riding. These clinics are useful for all levels of riders from Novice to Olympic level, allowing each rider to focus on themselves within the session before taking the skills and ideas away to try with their horse. I like to set both horse and rider up for success by taking time to work on the basics. Keeping the training as simple as possible for the horse. In my opinion, the complex area is how to stabilise and balance the rider, keep the rider/ trainer confident and positive with good timing, consistency and the right level of energy for the horse that they are training.

↘️ This exercise helps you pause for a moment and become more aware of yourself.That awareness may help you notice oppor...
27/07/2026

↘️ This exercise helps you pause for a moment and become more aware of yourself.

That awareness may help you notice opportunities for improvement.

Any refinements in you will have an impact your horse.

🤲 As you sit in the saddle,
🧐 Notice every point of contact between your body, the tack and the horse.

🧲 Your seat in the saddle.
🧲 Your legs.
🧲 Your hands.
🧲 Your feet in the stirrups.

🧐 Simply become curious…..

🧐What sensations are present?

🧐 Is the contact the same on each side?

‼️No judgement.‼️

⭐️Just awareness and curiosity.⭐️

⚡️ Awareness helps you notice, feel and sense both yourself and your horse.

⚡️ Curiosity without judgement creates the opportunity for change.

I’d love to hear what you notice.
Let me know how you get on and what you discover. x

Floyd, our beautiful dog, loves welcoming visitors with a ball in his mouth, hoping you’ll play with him. 🥰Unfortunately...
25/07/2026

Floyd, our beautiful dog, loves welcoming visitors with a ball in his mouth, hoping you’ll play with him. 🥰

Unfortunately, last weekend he dislocated his shoulder.

So, however endearing he looks, please resist the temptation to throw his ball for him.

Thank you so much for helping us keep him safe and sound. ❤️

🧲Your horse feels you every stride. 🧲As your awareness changes, 🧲they often respond too.🧲🏇🏻 Bring your attention to your...
23/07/2026

🧲Your horse feels you every stride. 🧲As your awareness changes, 🧲they often respond too.🧲

🏇🏻 Bring your attention to your horse’s feet meeting the ground.

🫁 Then notice your breathing.

How many strides do you take on each inhale?

How many on each exhale?

Can you gently allow one extra stride on your exhale?

Then simply notice…

Does anything change in you?

Does anything change in your horse?

I’ve often seen horses soften with a deep sigh or slower breath when their rider becomes calmer and more aware.

🌿 Awareness is the first step.
🌬️ Breath helps both you and your horse stay present.
🤝 Together they can create a deeper connection.

Have you tried riding with your breath before?
I’d love to hear what you notice.

21/07/2026

The equestrian community has experienced heartbreaking losses in recent days, and many people will be feeling the impact in different ways.

Whether you're feeling grief, numbness, sadness, shock, guilt, fear, anger, confusion, or perhaps you're struggling to put your emotions into words, please know that however you're feeling is valid.

For some, these events may trigger memories of personal loss or difficult experiences. For others, they may heighten anxiety about riding, competing, or simply being around horses.

Whatever your response, you don't have to carry those feelings alone. Reach out to someone you trust, check in with your friends, and if you need extra support, don't be afraid to ask for it.

Our community is built on looking after one another, both in and out of the saddle. Let's remember that it's okay to talk, it's okay to not be okay, and it's okay to seek support.

If you need someone to talk to, Riders Minds is here to listen.

🌎Live webchat: https://ridersminds.org/
🇬🇧Live text support: 07480 488 103
🇬🇧Call the helpline: 0800 088 2073

⭐️Before you ride, give yourself just one minute.🌿 Take a slow breath in… and breathe out.👀 Notice 5 things you can see....
19/07/2026

⭐️Before you ride, give yourself just one minute.

🌿 Take a slow breath in… and breathe out.

👀 Notice 5 things you can see.

👂 Listen for 4 things you can hear.

🤲 Notice 3 things you can feel against your skin—your clothes, your hair, the breeze, the warmth of the sun, or even a fly landing.

There is no right or wrong.

Simply notice.

Each time you gently bring your attention back to the present, you’re strengthening your connection with yourself.

And when you’re more present, you’re more available for your horse.

You will deepening the conversation with your horse, noticing…..

✨ their breathing
✨ their expression
✨ their tension or relaxation
✨All those subtle communications that they sending and receiving every moment.

Save this exercise to try before your next ride.

🍃Look out for more simple exercises coming soon.🍃

🏇🏻😇Harmony 🏇🏻– Step 2: ⭐️Awareness⭐️Last time, we explored connection.But how do we create connection?It begins with awa...
17/07/2026

🏇🏻😇Harmony 🏇🏻– Step 2:

⭐️Awareness⭐️

Last time, we explored connection.

But how do we create connection?

It begins with awareness.

Before we can truly connect with our horse, we first need to connect with ourselves.

Take a moment to check in…

💭 What thoughts are running through your mind?

❤️ What emotions are you feeling?

✨ What sensations can you notice in your body?

📖 Is there a story playing in your head?
Perhaps you’re replaying yesterday, worrying about what might happen today or thinking about everything else on your to-do list.

Our horses live in the present moment.

If we want harmony, we need to meet them there.

As you groom, tack up and prepare to ride, simply notice…

🐴 Where is your horse looking?

👂 What is he/she listening to?

🤝 Is he/she connected to you, another horse or something happening beyond the arena or stables?

📡Is he/she trying to tell you something?

This may affect how you interact and train your horse today.

Then ask yourself…

‼️Where is my attention?

If needed, can you gently bring yourself back to this moment?

One task.

One breath.

One stride at a time.

Over the next week, I’ll share a few simple exercises to help develop your awareness.

For any locals thinking of riding down Weston Lane this week bear in mind it may be closed!!
30/06/2026

For any locals thinking of riding down Weston Lane this week bear in mind it may be closed!!

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