The Equestrienne

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The Equestrienne

Taking a holistic approach to aligning horse and rider in body and mind.

17/07/2025

I’ve been bumbling my way through post spinal surgery recovery for 3 and a half weeks now and while I have learnt many lessons, the most important so far is rest in its traditional doing nothing sense does not mean recovery but both are needed for wellbeing.

Its something I see a lot in the horse world, we do everything a rigorous training program, each day and session planned out working on this or that or we do nothing and leave them entirely to their own devices. Recovery is an active process. It requires movement, appropriate movement. Maybe slower more deliberate movement or maybe specific movements within the confines of what is physically possible at that moment. Maybe its the gentle movement of bodywork and stretching. A gentle slow process but a process nonetheless.

02/05/2025

Its been a month since I have posted here. I’ve struggled to even find the words to post on my personal page. I am so proud of what Friday and I have accomplished and yet any words seem to minimise what it took to get there.

It truly never was a goal of mine to take her to the Royals. Only when life sent me a few too many curve balls I decided to dig deep and show myself what I am capable of.

Friday never let me down. Big atmosphere. Lots going on. Horses everywhere. She was perfect. Warm up in an insane marshalling yard. On the trail on her own. In a grand parade with 400 ofher horses, alpacas, cattle and tractors.

For the bucking and rearing I faced so early on this has cemented I can do it. I can produce a horse. Day by day there always seems to be more challenges than successes but when I look back we’ve come so far. That’s the thing with 1% improvement every day. Its hard to notice on a daily basis but when you step back everything is different.

As I move forward over winter to bring back Harry and start Kat and Olympia, I’m holding onto that. Where any of us will be in years to come no one knows but far out challenges and all I am finally enjoying the journey.

31/03/2025

I really have no words for my weekend, it was one of those beautiful weekends that leaves everyone engulfed by the warm fuzzies. I really loved sharing Friday with Kate.

The totally gorgeous girl Friday was all too obliging to help Kate understand some of the things she is aiming for and I was so grateful to be able to help Kate along in her journey. Hearts are full and smiles were huge, even Friday who as always had her big ‘mile out for the camera. 🥰🦄🤪

29/03/2025

My walking weather station has confirmed it has rained overnight with good moisture in the topsoil. 🤪🐖

We’ve had just under 10mls in the gauge overnight so here’s hoping there’s a bit more in this system this afternoon. The pastures and my poor transplanted agapanthus could definitely do with a decent drink.

28/03/2025

What started as a different way to cool Friday off has turned into a smile inducing giggle fest, apart from today after my poor weak glutes got a good tune up in pilates this morning. Weeks of walking and slow trots are beginning to open up into bigger trots and a tinker with some lateral work.

Ba****ck keeps me honest, my balance has taken a hit with the issue to my back so I can’t ask for much and Friday gets an easier ride without me constantly picking on her demanding perfection. The fact my seat and balance is improving makes it a win, win, win.

I so love this pony. Its these moments on our journey I will treasure forever. 🥰

27/03/2025

Kat’s not so sure about saddling and I’d like her to be more ok with it before I really start thinking about riding her.

Being a competitive rider with a lot going on elsewhere I am really conscious that often me showing up means I am asking something of them. I don’t want Kat to add to her concern by thinking every time something goes around her it means more work.

To help out, I’ve started using the Equissage on her. She was a bit concerned about it to begin with but starting slow she soon got the feel of it. After another big week, I’m sure it was a welcome relief. 💆🏻‍♀️💆🏻‍♀️

24/03/2025

2 out of 3 are related, can you tell which 2? 😆🫣😆

I’ve been really grateful to have North Yarra Agistment just around the corner and all the bays have been enjoying big paddocks and lots of feed. Michelle and Sophia have looked after them beautifully over summer to give our place a spell and the horses some well earned paddock time.

While Eowyn is already home ahead of YDA’s dressage in the bush, Olympia will come home to continue life under saddle after the Easter Show is over and events slow down a little. She’s a super sweet girl, the first to have been with me for her whole life so I am looking forward to sharing the journey as we continue on.

Photo: Michelle Coombes

23/03/2025

When the name Kim Daley came up multiple times in unconnected situations, I took it as a sign, I am so grateful I did and we went.

The weekend turned out to be such an awesome weekend, the whole vibe of the clinic was next level and things I’ve been circling around for a long time finally came together and clicked.

Kat is proving she is an absolute rock star, as we are building towards my first rides with an amazing connection and a solid foundation of relaxation. We were both able to let go of so much and play with only intentions. Such a cool experience to think something and watch it happen in front of me.

As always I take my hat off to Meagan Harrison who not only takes much time to organise these clinics but as a coach, mentor and friend of many there also steps into the arena as a student herself. There’s something really special when everyone shows up as they are, authentic and open to the experience and I am so thankful for these opportunities.

21/03/2025

What a gorgeous evening it has been settling in at Kookaburra Park ahead of a clinic with Kim Daley. 😍

19/03/2025

Somehow despite the horrendous start to the year Friday and I finished the HRCAV MAD Dressage Series.

It was a huge effort to get all 5 competitions in but running through the same tests multiple days in a row in a competition has been really beneficial experience.

While consistency hasn’t been there and she isn’t as strong as she has been after colic so she’s spending a lot of time back behind the vertical, its great to see and feel the beginnings of more lift and engagement, particularly in her canter.

18/03/2025

I always imagine a hose off and a fresh rug would feel about as amazing as clean sheets after a shower. The speed at which fresh rugs get defiled tells me I am wrong. 🛁🫧🧽

17/03/2025

Today was the day I reminded myself there are others apart from Friday. Its been a hot minute, Kat went out after being a total gem for the week of Equitana, went to Warwick’s January clinic before I blinked and now its March. Seems my turtle pace of starting horses remains true but in the end the turtle wins so I guess I am ahead.

In true Kat fashion, she reminded me nothing has changed except the calendar… and the pivo battery. So while thats charging and I’m looking forward to my first rides on her, I’ll post a throw back to her being amazing as a demo horse for Matt Horsehelp.

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