Bridles & Barbells

05/10/2026

Riding a horse with big, flashy and lofty movement will humble you REAL quick 😅

After riding Archie, I realized there were still some weaknesses in my stability, alignment, and core control—especially during transitions and moments where I’d start getting pulled forward.

I’ve been consistently working on these exercises for the past few weeks, and I’m already noticing improvements in my stability and body control in the saddle 👀

So here’s a little glimpse into what I’m focusing on off the horse:

➡️ Dead bugs for core stability + control
➡️ Walking lunges for balance and lower body stability
➡️ Side planks for lateral strength and keeping myself from collapsing inward

Because rider fitness isn’t just about getting stronger… it’s about being able to stabilize against the movement of the horse while staying balanced and effective in the saddle.

And trust me, horses like Archie will expose every weak link 😅

Regardless if you compete or not, if our horses are athletes, we don’t get to opt out. We are athletes too and need to show up for our horses 👏

04/19/2026

This horse exposed weaknesses I didn’t even know I had… or at least thought I had already fixed 😅

Only our fourth ride together, and he’s already keeping me honest.

Dutch Harness horses (and especially former cart horses like Archie) have a big, forward, elevated way of going… which means you don’t get to just sit there—you actually have to stabilize.

And that’s where things got interesting 👀

➡️ Getting pitched slightly forward in the trot
➡️ Inside side collapsing (which = him falling in too)
➡️ And that trot → walk transition at the end… yeah, my core was NOT ready for that drop 😅

That last one really hit me—because it’s not just a riding issue, it’s a core stability issue.

If I’m not stable, I’m not just affecting myself… I’m affecting how he moves too.

So back to basics:
✔️ Posting up, not forward
✔️ Cleaning up my alignment
✔️ Building more core stability

This is going to be a fun one to work through this summer 👀

If this looks familiar, shoot me a message—happy to talk through it!

04/18/2026

Horsin’ around with the Dettore Farm crew 💕

04/13/2026

New horse, new challenges, new opportunities to get better.
Excited to grow with 𝓐𝓻𝓬𝓱𝓲𝓮 💪🐴

04/04/2026

And I don’t mean that in a harsh way—just in a “we’re leveling up” kind of way.

With the increase in equestrian physiotherapists, athletic trainers, and coaches who specialize in riders, the standard is shifting.

There’s been a noticeable change in the equestrian world, and honestly, it’s a good one.

More riders are starting to realize that time in the saddle (and barn chores) alone isn’t enough anymore.

Riding absolutely is physical. Barn chores absolutely do count toward daily activity.
But physical activity doesn’t always equal an effective workout.

Because riding is incredibly asymmetrical. And if we don’t address weaknesses off the horse… it shows up real quick when we’re in the saddle.

And guess who feels it the most?
Your horse.

This isn’t about lifting the heaviest weight in the gym or walking around at 6% body fat.

A lot of the most effective training for riders focuses on:

bodyweight control
resistance bands
functional movement
mobility through the hips and shoulders

The stuff that actually transfers to your riding.

And the reason this is trending?

Because more people are starting to see riders for what they are:

Athletes.

Our position, strength, and balance directly affect how our horse moves, feels, and performs.

So no—this isn’t about doing more just to do more.

It’s about showing up for your horse in a way that actually helps them move better, stay sound, and do their job comfortably.

Because if they’re putting in the work, we should be too.

This is exactly why I train the way I do. If you want help applying it to your riding, let’s talk.

Side note: I love doing ba****ck dressage with Piper. She's such a little superstar 😌

03/23/2026

For riders, it’s not about aesthetics.

No 6-pack. No extreme cuts. No “before & after shock factor.”

But here’s what did happen 👇

Since September:
• Body fat: 33.4% → 29.6%
• Muscle: +2 lbs

And I didn’t get here by starving myself.

I’ve been eating ~2300–2500 calories a day, hitting my macros, prioritizing sleep, and staying consistent with strength training…

…and yes, I still had room for dessert 🍪

I also cycled my calories—having higher and lower days based on my activity. That created small, sustainable caloric deficits over time without feeling overly restrictive.

It’s slow. It takes patience.
But it’s also way more sustainable this way.

I didn’t stress if it wasn’t perfect, and I never dropped below 2300.

Because consistency > perfection.
And honestly? I’m way more proud of what that means than how it looks.
Because this body:
✔️ Can ride longer without getting out of breath
✔️ Can stay more stable and effective in the saddle
✔️ Can lift grain bags, carry hay bales, and push a loaded wheelbarrow
✔️ Recovers better between rides

That’s the goal.

Not chasing abs.
Not shrinking myself.
Not trying to look like someone who doesn’t live a barn life.

Just becoming stronger, more capable, and more resilient—for my sport and the horses.

For reference, the average body fat range for women is ~25–31%.

So yeah… I’m right there—and feeling stronger than ever 💪🐴

And honestly, it’s been really exciting to watch my body slowly recomposition over time—just from staying consistent.

In the equestrian world, sustainable strength will beat quick aesthetics every time.
Built for the saddle, not just the mirror. 🐴💪

03/21/2026

03/14/2026

02/25/2026

Big Life Advice from a Tiny Dog 🐶

Hi.
Winnie here. 🐾

I’ve been observing humans and I have some wellness notes.

You make this way too complicated.

Here is what actually works:

Nap when you’re tired.
Stretch often (I recommend downward dog).
Go outside every day.
Drink your water.
Move your body because it feels good.
Get very excited about snacks.
Demand daily belly rubs.
Love your people aggressively.

You don’t need a new routine.
You probably just need a nap, a walk, and someone to tell you you’re a good girl.

I don’t track macros.
I don’t optimize mornings.
I have never once tried to earn rest.

And yet…
I am thriving.

Maybe wellness isn’t supposed to feel like a full-time job.

Anyway.
That’s all from me.
Go outside, take a deep breath, and make today simple.

Love,
Your tiny life coach 🐶💚

01/11/2026

I grew up loving horses like a horse girl…
but I was taught to ride like an equestrian.

One of my earliest mentors gave me two rules that stuck forever:
If you ride the horse, you take care of the horse.
And before you get on, you get to know them on the ground.

So for me, riding has never been just about tack up → ride → leave.
It’s knowing routines.
Moods.
Turnout buddies.
What a “good day” feels like for that horse.

With Piper, that means I’m deeply involved in every part of her life.
With my lesson horse Whoopsa, I don’t control his care — but I still show up with the same awareness, respect, and responsibility.

That’s what horsemanship is.

Being a horse girl is where the love starts.
Being an equestrian is where the relationship grows.

🐴🤍