Dusty Acres Horsemanship

13/10/2022

I hope one day you meet a difficult horse.

A horse that frustrates you and sometimes says no.

A horse that shatters your dreams and makes you feel hopeless because you cannot solve their problem with what you know.

Why would I wish this upon you?

Because this horse will show you the limitations of your understanding and challenge you to step up and learn.

Sometimes the lessons you will need to learn is to improve your knowledge, skills and self awareness and how you directly impact the horse and make the feel.

You will work hard spending hours in the dust, sun, wind and rain making yourself better to help this horse - and you will do it.

Sometimes the lesson will be one of acceptance that the horse you love and have poured so much time and money into is not sound.

Your heart will break as you now see your difficult horse was just telling you it was struggling.

This horse will teach you to see and know things about horses that you will never be able to un-see or un-know. You will see horses struggling and people (no different than you past self) blind to that struggle.

But this horse will make you a better horsewoman or man, and you will be grateful they came into your life and what they taught you.

The story of you and this horse will always be a hard story to tell. Sometimes when you tell it, you will get tears in your eyes. But it will be one of the most meaningful stories of your life.

You will share this story with others with the hope that it will help them with their horse. So that your horse, can help their horse too.

- unknown

21/01/2022

So whilst in recovery, I have decided to embark on a new venture to keep me busy and get back in touch with my creative side. 🥰

Check out my new business page below vv
Riverbend Ropes & Tack
▪️Rope halters
▪️Lead ropes
▪️Float ties
▪️Rope Reins
And many more exciting ideas and creations to follow 🥰

Please feel free to like my page and follow my creative journey.

Delivery Day 🎉
Time to get busy!

20/01/2022

8 weeks post surgery and it still feels so surreal 💔

I figured it was about time I shared my story on why I suddenly closed my business until further notice!

10 weeks ago I discovered that I had an aortic aneurysm....... It was rather large and within the size of surgical margins. I was notified by my specialist that I was at high risk and to no longer do any work or exercise that put my body under load.

A week later, presenting with chest pain, I was suddenly flown to Adelaide and put straight on the list for surgery.

It's now the slow road to recovery and a time to put my health first.

I wanted to say a huge thank you to all my clients for their ongoing support. ESPECIALLY those few clients I had to cancel or end their training schedule short. Your understanding, support and continued well wishes is appreciated 🥰

Big shout out to my incredible doctor who leaves no rock unturned. If it wasn't for her persistence, attention to detail and knowledge, I would not have found the ticking time bomb in my chest.

And last but not least...... a massive thank you to my loving family and friends who have offered me endless support since my diagnosis. Especially my mum, dad and devoted partner. I could not have got through this with out you all.

22/11/2021

It is with great sadness that I will be temporarily closing down all aspects of my training due to my own health.

I would like to thank all my wonderful clients and followers for their support and encouragement over the past year.

I endeavour to return once I'm back on my feet in mid 2022

Regards, Ally ❤🐎

14/11/2021

Throw back to a favorite memory from mine from my time in Canada. ❤🐎

08/11/2021

It is the most rewarding feeling to witness a client ride their horse for the first time. The smile, the joy, the excitement is so refreshing. 🥰

Frank is turning out to be a wonderful partner and will make his owner very proud. It's been such a pleasure training him and being part of the journey. He still has a few weeks to go so keep watch for his progress. ❤

07/11/2021

“Confidence doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s a result of something … hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication.” -Roger Staubach

03/11/2021

🐎 Cadeau & Bodelle 🐎

Can you tell they are full brother and sister? 🤔🥰

These two warmbloods youngsters are here to get some exposure, experience and miles out on the trails.

01/11/2021

Managed to get some Beautiful weather in Port Lincoln this trip.

What a stunning view to start the days ❤🌞

11/10/2021

Welcome Miss Curly 🐎

This stunning girl is extremely clever and alot of fun to work with. Who else appreciates a chestnut mare 🙋‍♀️

Curly has come to Dusty Acres to get a few miles with me before working hand in hand with her owner to kick some goals and break down some barriers. These two have such a wonderful bond and it's a pleasure to be apart of their journey!

Those yawns tho 🤣

07/10/2021

Say hello to Frank (the tank)

This chunky monkey is half way through his first week at Dusty Acres for a c**t start.

He is confident, quirky and a lot of fun to work with 🤠

**tstart

01/10/2021

Nights like these ❤👌🌞
**tstart

25/09/2021

After a 6 month break this girls first ride back was bridless ♡

It was one of them spare of the moment ideas after a fun liberty play session in the new arena.

20/09/2021

It's been an incredibly busy two months at Dusty Acres but it's definitely worth it!

It's far from finished but the results are so rewarding!

I'm only lucky girl to have such a helpful, particular and clever dad 🥰

18/09/2021

Was a busy day but geeze it's great to have a nice big round yard again! 🐎

Big Thanks to my dear old dad for always lending me a hand ❤

18/09/2021

Golds Transformation - in just 7 minutes 🤯😯

Gold is a horse that internalises his emotions and then he can become overwhelmed.
With the foundational work that Gold has had setting him up for success, in ONLY 7 minutes he went from a horse stuck in fight or flight to relaxed and forward moving.

This task caught Gold by suprise when a 40km/hr gust of wind rapidly changed the sound, height and movement of the tarp. His initial reaction was to spook and run (a very normal prey animal behaviour).   With the foundation training I had been doing to prepare him for this, he begin to think his way through and quickly offered signs of release and curiosity. By offering a big release during these moments he quickly worked out that the tarp was not something to be afraid of.

Giving your horse the right foundation helps them navigate through difficult task rather than just reacting. Yes they will spook, just like you would jump with a sudden loud noise, but the intensity and reaction after the spook is more important.