Thinking Feeling Equestrian

12/04/2025

Training tip.. do you know your horse?

11/27/2025

Thankful for all of my two and four legged friends, family, students and teachers.

11/27/2025

Don't worry, feeling low on motivation is normal and you got this!

11/21/2025

11/04/2025

10/15/2025

The importance of tempo in your daily rides.

Is keeping the tempo something you do without thinking? Has it become a habit? Or do you need to work at it and remind yourself to focus on the tempo?

08/06/2025

A significant victory for all horses. A big win for the dressage Discipline. And Renewed hope for ethical horse people.

08/01/2025

Barn vibes! What are your thoughts?

07/19/2025

Effective horse training is not just a task; it's a carefully structured journey that promotes gradual and meaningful learning for your horse. Every day, take a few moments to prepare your horse for the upcoming training session, ensuring he is mentally ready to engage. Remember the adage, "Patience is a virtue," as overwhelming your horse can lead to a mental shutdown, stalling his progress. Learning flourishes in a relaxed atmosphere, both mentally and physically. By creating a comfortable environment, you significantly boost his ability to retain and comprehend the instructions you provide. As the saying goes, "A calm horse is a learning horse." This approach not only enhances his performance but also fosters a deeper bond between you and your horse.

07/19/2025

Horse Health Check Routine - Regular health checks are essential for your horse's well-being. Here’s a guide for monitoring their health at the barn:

Visual check: Daily examination of eyes, body, and joints for any irregularities.

Behavior: Observe daily demeanor, eating habits, and movement. Any significant changes may indicate health issues.

Temperature: Check re**al temperature with a digital thermometer. Normal range is 99-101°F (37.2-38.3°C).

Pulse: Feel the pulse on the neck; normal range is 28-48 bpm. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

Respiration: Count resting breaths per minute; normal is 8-16. The heart rate to respiratory rate should be about 4:1.

Regular checks help catch potential issues early, promoting your horse's physical and mental health.

Share your health check experiences in the comments!

07/18/2025

Horses are highly sensitive creatures, and it is essential for us to make an effort to understand them. Unlike humans, they do not communicate in a familiar manner, and we must learn to interpret their unique signals. Acquiring this understanding requires time, experience, and often guidance from those who have studied equine behavior extensively. This foundational knowledge should precede any formal training under saddle and should continue to evolve throughout the partnership between the horse and its rider.