Gray Equestrian

Just another reminder to handle your foals! At 7 months pregnant, this filly is low on my priority list, perhaps that’s why she decided to pick a fight with her fence!

Luckily her solid foundations from her weaning have truely shone through the past few weeks, from trips to the vet, box rest, and daily bandages, none of it would have been possible if we’d just ‘let her be a horse’ until 2.

Horses can ‘just be horses’ even with some solid education! 😊

‘Experienced rider’
What a blanket statement! It’s something a lot of us claim to be, but not all are! As I look back on some of the amazing ponies that allowed me to become the rider I am today, I reflect on how you REALLY become experienced.
I’ve had many experiences with many horses, so many disciplines, in different countries, on different horses, with different abilities but in my opinion, the only way to become a truely versatile and adaptive rider, is to LISTEN. To LEARN. To CHANGE.
If you’re so strongly convinced your answer is the only right one, and you find yourself arguing with other experienced riders ALL the time, then I have some bad news for you 💁‍♀️ Horses are a wonderful mirror, but some self reflection will really increase your chances.
Photo of me having a lesson, because there’s ALWAYS something new to learn!

“I was scared today.

I was scared to get on, scared to walk out the yard because I had a bad ride the day before. One bad ride, and it made me scared.

I didn’t know why. I’ve had 1000 bad rides. I’ve had 1000 falls. I’ve broken bones and bruised my pride on countless occasions, but today I was scared.

Why? Because confidence is fragile. It takes months and years to build and seconds to lose and yet we are so careless with it.

When we get on a horse, we wear a hat to protect our head. We wear body protectors, gloves, boots...

We pay so much attention to protecting ourselves physically, we forget that our minds are not invincible, and our confidence certainly is not.

Your bank of confidence needs regular deposits, not just from others... but from you. Self confidence is the most valuable currency in life.

When you go to get on, and you hesitate, you falter and you start to ask yourself “can I do this?”, chances are, your account is almost empty.

Every time you laugh and say “oh no, I’m no good” or “so and so is 10x better than me”, you make a withdrawal from that account, and before you know it, your account is empty and you’re scared to get on.

But every time you say “I’m really pleased with how that went” or “I think I rode that really well”, your balance increases.

We need to learn to give ourselves a break, pat ourselves on the back and allow ourselves to feel proud of where we are - after all, most of the time we’ve worked bloody hard to get there!

Recognising your strengths is just as important as recognising your weaknesses. Never allow yourself or anyone else to empty that account.

Confidence is valuable, don’t bankrupt yourself.”

Author- cromwellandlucy

What a successful show this weekend with Ranch Horse Association of Australia Inc. A massive thank you to all the judges, committee, competitors and of course the sponsors. Very honoured to take home the Judges choice award, sponsored by Ideal Western Saddlery 😊

What a great day teaching some basic roping skills at Rawsonville pony club camp!

TikTok · Gray-Equestrian Check out Gray-Equestrian's video.

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

Surround yourself with coaches that aren't afraid to have these tough conversations with you. You don't want or need a "cheerleader" coach. You are paying you for your coach’s expertise... the positives and the criticism. Let them help make the best decisions for your horse, and for your program. The lessons on the horse and the lessons off of the horse. Are you ready? Are you doing what is best by your horse? You owe it to yourself and your horse....

*** Copied and modified from Courtney Sendak

BHS (British Horse Society) approved instructor currently taking new clients in the Dubbo, Orange, Wellington areas and more.

Come and join my small team of riders in progressing your riding, learning a new discipline, gaining confidence, or even learning groundwork and foal handling!

Strong focus on solid foundations, a correct and harmonious way of going, soft and ethical riding and understanding WHY we do things and what it achieves.

I’ve worked with clients in the UK showing national level hacks, clients with confidence issues, difficult horses, retraining OTT, pony clubbers, elementary level dressage and yearling prep.

Personal competitive experience with most english and western disciplines.

If you’re looking for a lesson without the hassle of floating for hours, just to be yelled at by an outdated drill sargant, then i’m the instructor for you!

Contact me via fb or on 0487270034