Horsemanship Reflections & Rescue

16/03/2026

A moment to be honest 💌 How are you feeling?

16/03/2026

Don't underestimate the importance of vitamin E in your horse's diet. Sponsored by Kentucky Performance Products

16/03/2026

Hi All
Is there anyone attending on the Sunday from North Wales or who would like some company once there? It looks a fantastic event! 😃

18/02/2026

This is the Horses Inside Out programme that I'm attending next weekend and on the Monday with Hugo. Do have a look through the Timetables for the 3 days and the Scientific posters are really interesting. If there are any subjects you are particularly interested in let me know and I'll pay special attention to writing up notes for you. And of course you can always watch them online or video replay. x

https://www.horsesinsideout.com/sas?mc_cid=52cc6e00f6&mc_eid=7c1acf58bd

You may have to copy and paste this link.

18/02/2026

💦 If the start of the year has felt like one long downpour, you're not imagining it. Waterlogged paddocks and deep mud have made regular poo picking impossible for many horse owners.

🫣 With that often comes guilt. We know pasture hygiene reduces parasite risk. Yet there are times when the weather simply wins. If you couldn't keep up with dung removal this winter, you're not alone and welfare includes yours as well as your horse’s too.

🌤️When conditions improve, focus on what you can control. Clear accumulated droppings as thoroughly as possible. Rotate or rest heavily contaminated areas where practical and pick up where you left off before the rains came!

🔬🐛 Most importantly, keep testing. Worm egg counts every 8 to 12 weeks will show whether egg shedding is rising, allowing evidence based decisions about treatment.

🤗 A wet winter does not undo years of responsible management. Sustainable parasite control is about balance, not perfection.

Our top tips on taking back control after winter 👉 bit.ly/Waterlogged-Winter-Parasites

09/02/2026

**Why You Should Avoid Riding Young Horses** 🐴

It's common for horse owners to feel the urge to start riding their young horses, thinking that a little exercise or a brief sit won't harm them. However, the reality is far more complex, and understanding the importance of waiting can significantly impact your horse's long-term health.

🙌 Key Points on Skeletal Development

Timeline of Development

🙌 Horses typically reach skeletal maturity around 6 years of age.
🙌 Their bones, tendons, and ligaments are still developing, which means that riding them too young can lead to serious issues.

💪🏻Muscle and Bone Strength

💪🏻Young horses have weaker muscles and softer bones
💪🏻Their skeletal structures are not fully developed, making them more susceptible to injuries.

Stress and Strain
😬Riding before they are ready puts unnecessary stress and strain on their developing skeleton.
😬This can lead to long-term injuries, joint problems, and even chronic pain.

Alternatives to Early Riding

Instead of riding, focus on these beneficial activities:

☺️Bonding Time Spend quality time with your horse. Building trust is essential for a strong relationship.
☺️Groundwork- Engage in in-hand exercises to develop their balance and coordination without the added weight of a rider.
☺️Socialisation- Allow them to interact with other horses, which contributes to their mental and emotional development.
☺️Basic Training-Teach them basic commands and groundwork skills that will be valuable once they are old enough to ride.

While it might seem tempting to start riding a young horse because they "look ready," it’s crucial to prioritize their health and development. Take the time to nurture and bond with them through groundwork and care. Your patience will pay off in the long run, leading to a healthier, happier horse.

Please 🙏🏻 Avoid riding young horses until they are fully developed to prevent serious health issues. Focus on bonding and groundwork instead.

If you have any questions about horse development or training techniques, feel free to ask! 🐎

(*Photo from Google*)

10/01/2026

02/01/2026

Pair bonding: how to build a closer connection with your horse 🐴💛

You’ve probably seen horses who are inseparable.
They stand together.
Groom each other.
Eat side by side.
Explore the world as a team.

That’s called pair bonding.

Your horse won’t see you as another horse —
but you can tap into the same instincts that help horses form strong, trusting bonds.

Here are some simple ways to do that.

🌿 Spend time together doing nothing
Pair-bonded horses often just hang out.

Try this:
➖ Sit in your horse’s paddock or pasture
➖ No agenda, no training
➖ Read, breathe, or simply watch them graze

Quiet time matters more than we’re often taught.

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🪮 Groom and scratch
Mutual grooming is a big bonding activity for horses.

Try this:
➖ Slow, gentle brushing
➖ Try different brushes and pressures
➖ Notice what your horse really enjoys (soft eyes, leaning in, relaxed lips)

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⚽ Encourage playful curiosity
Horses sometimes play together in relaxed, joyful ways.

Try this:
➖ Introduce a safe toy like a ball
➖ Let your horse interact in their own way
➖ Keep it optional and pressure-free

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🌾 Share space at mealtimes
Pair-bonded horses often eat close together.

Try this:
➖ Sit nearby while your horse eats
➖ Have a snack yourself
➖ Ask nothing — just be present

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🌳 Explore together
Horses feel safer investigating new things with a trusted partner.

Try this:
➖ Take relaxed walks together
➖ Let your horse choose the pace or direction
➖ Allow stopping, sniffing, and exploring

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💛 Do things you both enjoy
This one matters most.

If every visit is about work, the bond struggles.
If time together feels good, connection grows.

Aim for more bonding moments than “tasks.”

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If you’d like more simple, non-riding activities that encourage connection, there’s a link in the comments to the Happy Horse Activity Collection 💛

14/10/2025

22/08/2025

True power with horses doesn’t come from force — it comes from understanding.
Non-violent horsemanship is built on trust, communication, and the willingness to listen. When we choose partnership over dominance, the horse responds with something far greater than obedience: a willing heart.

Through patience and respect, we discover the real strength of the horse-human connection — one that lasts a lifetime.

Join our upcoming courses and learn the groundbreaking methods of Monty Roberts, a pioneer in non-violent horse training for over 70 years. Master the art of communication with horses through his revolutionary Join—Up method and build a deeper, lasting connection. Reserve your spot today and become part of this incredible legacy!