The Equestrienne, Barrs Road, Cowra (2025)

18/11/2025

Another week chalked up to things this year that haven’t gone to plan. A bad case of sinusitis and I feel like I want to conceed all plans for the rest of the year.

I’ll get back into things I know but for now it’s pretty sucky, just can’t seem to get a break. Guess it will be a few more days at least of napping with Stick and a few more drugs until I can breathe properly without coughing up a lung before I finally can get back into things.

10/11/2025

I blinked and somehow its November, meaning Clint and I have just spent the last week as officials at the Australian Showjumping Championships held at what was a very wet Boneo Park.

It was a huge week but now we are back, rested and dry, I am happy to be able to get back into doing bowen and lessons as well as my own horses.

07/09/2025

While I’ll be out of the saddle for a few months yet I’ve been cleared to begin some groundwork with the horses. I actually got cleared nearly a week ago but I’ve stalled mainly because I am kind of sh*tty to be back at groundwork and partially because everyone has had months off which can be challenging enough when I fully trust my body let alone now in my semi quarter somewhat rehabbed state after a major spinal surgery. Ground 0 for everyone once again.

This morning I ripped off the band aid and spent some time with Kat and Friday. I’d like to say the heavens parted, angels sung and it was like none of us had ever had a day off but that would be a lie to say the least.

Kat had a meltdown away from her best friend Bonnie so we found a mid way point where she was away enough and worked on focus and relaxation with rugs on until it was safe for me to take them off, give her a groom and work a little on establishing connection again. Friday was fresh and feeling GOOD. She needed to move and move she did… in every direction.

But we got through, both girls settled and I feel good that I got out there again. While many would be aghast with all the dangers about working unbroken and fresh horses less than 12 weeks post surgery the reality is I’ve been working towards this for years.

As my body has failed I’ve gotten smarter, I can’t rely on brute strength or force to train so I have found other ways. I keep myself safe at all times with clear boundaries, I am well aware how soft and fragile I am. I work on connection and relationship so the horses turn to me when the pressure increases rather than away and consequently over or into me.

While today wasn’t exactly a remarkable day in terms of externally recognised progress, it is news worthy nonetheless. Newsworthy in a way that 12 weeks after last touching a horse with any intent of training or performance, I can with a limited physical capacity, safely handle and train an unbroken warmblood and a very fresh chestnut part arab pony mare and for that I am so grateful.

07/09/2025

As the days grow longer and the temperatures get warmer I’m struggling more with rehab as I notice the absence of riding and horses in my life. It felt easier not to miss being out it in the midst of a freezing and wet Central West winter, even if we don’t get the snow and ice of our northern neighbours.

Wobbling my way through lunges loading the wrong leg, I wonder how this body of mine ever did ride. Uncovering a few unconcious expectations along the way. It seems its easier to imagine how easy it would be to move again while still under restrictions but the reality is unsurprisingly different.

So yesterday on my stupid walk for my stupid mental health and stupid tight legs, I got to the end of the road and turned left instead of right. I walked somewhere new. Went further than I have done before. I watched the sun set through the trees and embraced the hard and the suck. It didn’t feel like it then but today it has made all the difference.

31/08/2025

An enforced rest from riding and competing hasn’t been easy but it has opened up new opportunities. Showjump judging is one of those and this month has seen me start gaining experience assisting at Waratah Showjumping for their warm up and world cup weekends.

Judging over 1,000 rounds of showjumping from 60cm to 1.20m across 7 days of competition was so insightful. Generally, very generally speaking the errors I saw in the lower levels were skill based issues, wrong line or a wrong pace or rhythm while more errors in the higher levels were due to horse tension or lack of emotional regulation causing issues with line or pace as courses went on.

This is something I see a lot, as we develop skills in lower levels we place a high value on a quiet or safe mount, a good partner. Once we have reached a level of competency with technical skills in a competitive discipline we are often encouraged to get more competitive mounts and focus on purely on gaining competitive results, accepting the loss of a good partner as part of being competitive.

As most things the truth is in the middle, we must have both and harder the pendulum swings one way the harder it needs to swing back to come back into balance.

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

The Equestrienne

18/11/2025

10/11/2025

07/09/2025

07/09/2025

31/08/2025

17/07/2025

02/05/2025

31/03/2025

29/03/2025

28/03/2025

27/03/2025

24/03/2025

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