Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage

Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage Growing up in a sailing family in the north of Germany and not “getting” the idea of always being wet and cold and in the wind ….. didn’t seem to be my ‘thing’.

Horse and Rider Education,
Whether you're seeking private lessons or intensive workshops, we aim to instil confidence and trust from the very foundations of your training. Early on I started pestering my parents (a lot) that I would like to learn how to ride. Once I convinced them, the rest is history! Escaping on my bike to the delicious smell of horses, their soft noses and their gentle nature.

Most horses become your friend and offer so much for me, they always come first and the sport second. Most horses give you everything without a second thought of their own well-being
You look into their faces and you can see their facial expressions. They are curious and yes, the first instinct is to run, but the second is to come and investigate and be noisy! The safer they feel, the more they are happy to hang around and learn. Horses that are in balance and harmony with their rider are such a pleasure to watch. The horse starts to shine and dance with a sparkle in their eyes. They look after their rider and, as long as the rider looks after them, it is an astonishing and ever-growing partnership. For me, horses have the great ability to make everything complete- having an excellent way of communicating without saying a word. They are incredibly forgiving and don’t have ‘agenda’, they are in the here and now
Horses are the original masters of Mindfulness! If you treat them with respect, you have a friend for life. By now you can tell my work is my passion and I have spent years acquiring knowledge on all aspects of the horse as well as the art of riding. I keep studying and learning, to improve my own skills to help my students riding and their horses. Subjects like biomechanics, physiology, neurology, mindset, movement, Feldenkrais, saddle fit, soundness, hoof care and conformation are some of my interests. My approach is always holistic for both horse and rider. Horses and riders that are in balance and harmony are a joy and pleasure to follow. As a rider, I am always looking to fine-tune my own skills as well as others. I don’t just teach, I ride. If you are seeking an authentic partnership with your horse or simply want to improve your riding, please call me on
0408 882 730
or contact me by messenger
With anything, in particular, you would like to work on or questions, you might have.

What a weekend it has been! It was really fun playing with ponies non-stop, surrounded by fantastic humans and beautiful...
02/03/2025

What a weekend it has been! It was really fun playing with ponies non-stop, surrounded by fantastic humans and beautiful communities.

There’s so much more out there that you can do with your equine friend than just dressage. Yes, it’s great when you go into a test environment, but it’s even more fun when you teach your horse life skills that they can take anywhere, building on that foundation to do whatever you want to do.

We started the weekend with Horsemanship played in the obstacle course, which is always amazing. The horses encountered lots of things that would normally scare them—colorful and random objects that don’t smell or move like anything they know, often in odd shapes. It was really fun watching my big horse, Captain Jack, work it out in his own space, with no agenda other than just being okay with it.

It was a fantastic day, well-hosted, in a very clean and safe environment. The lovely fellow riders made it even better because half of the experience is having quiet horses around you. When a horse is spooked or uncomfortable, seeing another horse that just did it before gives them confidence. It was a fantastic experience that I absolutely enjoyed.

“My horse seems to trip a lot.”Yep, that can be frustrating—and a little unnerving. But tripping isn’t just a clumsy hor...
26/02/2025

“My horse seems to trip a lot.”

Yep, that can be frustrating—and a little unnerving. But tripping isn’t just a clumsy horse problem; it’s usually a sign of a horizontal balance issue. If the horse isn’t distributing its weight evenly or engaging the hind legs properly, the front end ends up doing too much work, leading to those little stumbles.

Why does it happen?
• Sometimes, it’s a simple hoof balance issue—long toes or uneven angles can make a big difference. It’s always worth checking in with your farrier to see if adjustments are needed.
• Other times, there’s an underlying physical problem. If the tripping is frequent or getting worse, a vet visit might be a good idea to rule out anything neurological or musculoskeletal.
• More often, though, it comes down to how the horse carries itself—and that’s something we can work on.

How to help:

The goal is to redistribute the weight more evenly and encourage the hind legs to step under the point of mass, rather than leaving all the effort up front.
• Lateral flexibility is key. Exercises like shoulder-in or travers help the horse find better balance and self-carriage without forcing anything.
• Transitions done well (walk-trot-walk, or even just within the gait) can shift the weight back and get the horse thinking about engaging from behind.
• Relaxation first, always. If the horse is tense or braced, nothing else really works. Keeping the rhythm soft and allowing the horse to find its balance naturally is more effective than drilling exercises.

So, if your horse is tripping, it’s not just about picking up their feet—it’s about rebalancing the whole body so they don’t have to trip in the first place.

When Your Horse Feels Like a Sack of Potatoes in the Reins…Ever feel like your horse is leaning on your hands, and you’r...
23/02/2025

When Your Horse Feels Like a Sack of Potatoes in the Reins…

Ever feel like your horse is leaning on your hands, and you’re the one holding them up the whole ride? Or maybe they sn**ch the reins right out of your hands? That’s usually a sign that they’ve lost their horizontal balance—meaning they’re carrying too much weight on the front end and not enough behind.

Instead of trying to hold them up (which just wears you out), the real fix is helping them find better self-carriage. And the best part? You don’t need any gadgets to do it.

It all starts on the ground. Through simple groundwork exercises, you can help them shift their evenly and encourage the back to take more weight, improve their posture, and develop better coordination. Little by little, they learn to carry themselves properly, and suddenly, that heaviness in the reins disappears.

It’s not about pulling or holding—it’s about balance. And once they find that, riding becomes a whole lot easier (and more enjoyable) for both of you.

📷PP’s Photography

When you’re working with your horse and she reminds me it’s laundry day! 🐴🧺 My clever four-legged helper just reminded m...
20/02/2025

When you’re working with your horse and she reminds me it’s laundry day!

🐴🧺 My clever four-legged helper just reminded me that chores come first. Multitasking at its finest!




😊

Some lovely photos from the weekend 🙏
19/02/2025

Some lovely photos from the weekend 🙏

Midweek Motivation We all need a friend that believes in us 🌟
18/02/2025

Midweek Motivation

We all need a friend that believes in us 🌟

Learning is vulnerable—no one wants to feel stupidOne of the biggest things I focus on—whether in a lesson, clinic, or j...
18/02/2025

Learning is vulnerable—no one wants to feel stupid

One of the biggest things I focus on—whether in a lesson, clinic, or just watching—is making sure riders feel supported, not judged.

👨‍🎓A few years ago, I met someone who later became a good friend. She was riding after a saddle fitting, and I could see she was asking her horse for something he found difficult. I didn’t jump in with advice—I simply asked if she’d like some help. She said yes.

👨‍🎓I suggested waiting for a small shift—just a moment where he softened and lifted his back—before asking for the transition. The change was instant. He became lighter, more balanced, and everything got easier.

🤗Afterward, she told me it was the first time a coach had helped her—not because she’d paid for a lesson, but just because someone saw a way to make things better for both her and her horse. That stuck with me. On one hand, I was glad she had that experience. On the other, it made me a little sad—because that’s how it should be.

🤗No one wants to feel like they don’t know what they’re doing, especially in front of others. And sometimes, that fear keeps us from learning. That’s why I always try to make my lessons and clinics a space where questions are welcome, where help is constructive, and where both horse and rider feel seen.

📚At the end of the day, it’s not just about technique. It’s about understanding, communication, and making small changes that make a big difference—without making anyone feel small.

Brilliant clinic this weekend!A huge thank you to Kirsty Harrison for hosting us in Clarence Town—it was a fantastic gro...
16/02/2025

Brilliant clinic this weekend!

A huge thank you to Kirsty Harrison for hosting us in Clarence Town—it was a fantastic group of students, and the improvements in body language, boundaries, and clarity were great to see. It’s always rewarding to help riders become easier to read for their horses. And for the riders yi be able to read their horses body language.

We had horses and riders of all ages, sizes, and shapes, but the goal remains the same: keeping our horses happy within their capabilities. We focused on shaping their posture, refining communication from the ground up, and seamlessly transitioning that into the saddle.

And let’s not forget the ponies! They may be small, but they thrive on being treated like the big horses—with fairness, clear communication, and the space to express themselves.

Big thanks to PP’s Photography for capturing some great moments!

Balance Before Speed a Relaxed, Confident Horse…when a horse either rushes forward or hesitates to move, it’s usually no...
12/02/2025

Balance Before Speed a Relaxed, Confident Horse

…when a horse either rushes forward or hesitates to move, it’s usually not just a “behavior” issue. It’s often a balance issue.

If a horse doesn’t know how to carry itself in a relaxed, balanced way, moving forward can feel difficult or even stressful.

That’s when you get the rushing or the reluctance to move forward.

Teaching the horse how to use its body properly—engaging the core, lenghthing and strengthening the topline, and finding its own balance.

When they learn this from the ground up, they start moving with more confidence and ease.

When you climb on board, they’re already set up for success. Instead of feeling the need to rush out of balance or hesitate because they’re unsure, they can carry you with more stability and relaxation.

As a rider, this gives you a more centered and balanced foundation, knowing your horse isn’t just reacting—it’s moving with purpose and confidence. That’s where real harmony comes in. And little by little, as the horse finds more strength and coordination, the rides naturally get longer and smoother. It’s not about pushing for more—it’s about building a solid, balanced partnership step by step.

Horses don’t ignore us. They’re constantly working around us, making offersSometimes, the action itself is so small that...
10/02/2025

Horses don’t ignore us. They’re constantly working around us, making offers

Sometimes, the action itself is so small that it’s barely noticeable—it’s more of an intention than an obvious movement. Often, it’s about creating space rather than applying pressure.

A common comment I hear is: “He’s ignoring my inside leg,” or “He doesn’t want to bend.” But when we break it down, I often find that the horse is doing exactly what the book says he should do—just not in the way the rider expects.

It always comes back to this: Once more, with feeling.

When you focus too much on just one part of your body, something else goes rogue.

Your outside leg might be pushing the outside hind in, or your inside leg might be blocking the movement altogether.

Sometimes, in the effort to create bend, the rein gets pulled into the horse’s wither, tipping them onto the outside shoulder instead. And often, the tension in your body—especially in your diaphragm—creates bracing in your horse, even though you don’t mean to.

When we go hunting for something we’ve read in a book or heard in a lesson, without fully understanding how it fits into the bigger picture, we can accidentally unbalance the horse.

Most horses don’t ignore us. They’re constantly working around us, making offers based on what they think we requested—and what we’ve rewarded, whether intentionally or not.

I recently had a lovely conversation with a client that reminded me of the beauty in riding once more with feeling. Ridi...
08/02/2025

I recently had a lovely conversation with a client that reminded me of the beauty in riding once more with feeling.

Riding isn’t just about giving commands; it’s about tuning into the rhythm of your horse and finding that perfect moment.

When you feel the movement and pick the right time to ask for a trot or canter, it becomes a seamless dance. Instead of a demand, it’s a conversation where you and your horse move in harmony.

Let’s discover the joy of riding with feeling. 🐴✨

06/02/2025

Follow Me:

This involves the horse following you in and out of the circle while maintaining the circle’s shape with your body.

Avoid letting the horse wander off and maintain a consistent path.

05/02/2025

I feel lucky to have shade and a breeze. I am very grateful. 🙏

Wobbly Circles?🎠You’re riding a circle, and everything feels fine—until your horse starts drifting inward, making the tu...
04/02/2025

Wobbly Circles?

🎠You’re riding a circle, and everything feels fine—until your horse starts drifting inward, making the turn tighter and harder to navigate. Or maybe they push outward, and suddenly, it feels like you’re being pulled off the path. No matter how much you adjust your reins or shift your weight, it just doesn’t feel balanced.

⚖️It’s not just you—this happens when the horse isn’t able to move fluidly through the turn. Instead of stepping through with their whole body, they block themselves—either with their shoulders or by locking their ribcage. When that happens, the natural flow of movement gets interrupted, and suddenly, you’re both fighting to stay on the line.

💪 The first instinct is often to grip the reins or clamp with your legs to “hold” them in place, but that actually makes things worse. The more pressure they feel—especially from reins, legs, or even spurs—the more they brace against it, making the imbalance even more pronounced.

The fix? 🤎Less force, more organization. The horse needs to learn how to move their shoulders and ribcage independently so they don’t get stuck. A bit of groundwork goes a long way—helping them understand how to step their shoulders over without twisting or rotate their ribcage without blocking their own movement.

🐴 When the horse starts to feel their own balance and can carry themselves properly, the difference is night and day. Circles become smooth and effortless.

Ah, the joys of farm life! When the sun is shining and the weather’s just right, there’s nothing like spending a Sunday ...
02/02/2025

Ah, the joys of farm life! When the sun is shining and the weather’s just right, there’s nothing like spending a Sunday on the lawnmower.

Fast forward to the evening, and you might find yourself wondering why your legs have taken on a lovely shade of red.

Turns out, mowing can be an accidental sunbathing session! Next time, a little sunscreen might be in order. 🌞🚜

I had a wonderful conversation with a client today. She told me, “I finally understand what you mean—it takes time to fi...
31/01/2025

I had a wonderful conversation with a client today. She told me, “I finally understand what you mean—it takes time to find the slow balance of the horse.” And then she laughed and said, “It seems to be catching on.”

I had to smile because, well, classical education has been around forever. But yes, I do think it’s gaining traction in the mainstream. More and more riders are becoming frustrated with modern dressage—not because of the difficulty, but because the health of the horse is no longer at the center of it. Instead, the focus has shifted to what we can do to the horse, rather than what we can develop with the horse.

With modern media, we can now see dressage from every angle. We can zoom in on a horse’s face, watch their body language in slow motion, and compare how they move.

And in many cases, it’s becoming clear that something is missing. It’s no longer just about aesthetics; it’s about soundness, longevity, and ethical training.

Of course, there have always been people who trained slowly, with care and patience, valuing the horse’s long-term well-being over quick results. The Spanish Riding School is a prime example, producing sound, healthy horses that perform well into old age. They’ve been in the public eye for centuries, but there are many other schools and trainers who have followed this path—often working quietly in the background, away from the competition spotlight.

So if we step outside the polished pages of modern dressage and look beyond the shiny trophies, we can find a different story. One of balance, patience, and horses that thrive for years, not just for fleeting moments in the ring.

Maybe, just maybe, that story is finally catching on.

It’s always fascinating how good training can be quite uneventful. Little by little, we teach our horses new skills, and...
29/01/2025

It’s always fascinating how good training can be quite uneventful. Little by little, we teach our horses new skills, and then suddenly, they just get it. Often, there’s no dramatic moment—just a quiet shift from effort to ease. Sometimes, we don’t even realize our training worked until we notice the problem has quietly disappeared. It’s in those moments of calm and simplicity that the true success of our training shines through.

Advanced horses can make you feel like you’re dancing—or stepping on each other’s toes. The difference lies in finding t...
28/01/2025

Advanced horses can make you feel like you’re dancing—or stepping on each other’s toes.

The difference lies in finding the rhythm and refining the way you communicate.

When you’re a beginner paired with an experienced horse, every shift of weight, every unintentional cue, becomes part of the conversation. These horses are finely tuned, and they respond to the slightest signals—even the ones you didn’t mean to give. That’s why this kind of partnership isn’t about teaching them—it’s about learning how to match their language of movement and balance.

It’s humbling work, but incredibly rewarding. You learn to pay attention to the smallest details in your aids: the tilt of your pelvis, the softness of your hands, and the steadiness of your seat. It’s not about “doing more” but about “doing better,” finding harmony in the subtlest of moments.

With time and intention, the dance becomes smoother, and the partnership becomes something truly magical. It’s not about perfection; it’s about learning to listen and respond—one deliberate movement at a time.

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775 Minimbah Road
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2312

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Videos

A small shift can change everything. No one wants to feel judged while they’re learning; both the horse and the rider should feel safe. Because when they do, that’s when the best riding happens.

Follow Me: This involves the horse following you in and out of the circle while maintaining the circle’s shape with your body. Avoid letting the horse wander off and maintain a consistent path.

I feel lucky to have shade and a breeze. I am very grateful. 🙏

Before the heat comes out chilling at the mounting block with the boys.

Training isn’t just for the challenging horses; it’s for every horse and rider seeking a lasting bond. Learn how balanced training can keep your horse sound and joyful for years to come. Let’s make training a delightful part of your routine! #EquestrianLife #SoundHorse #TrainingForLife

Getting this horse to come willingly to the mounting block, stand quietly, and feel at ease might not look like much, but it’s a big win in her journey to ridden work! She’s still a bit uncertain—tail swishing and giving my boots a curious sniff while staying alert to everything around her. To me, a horse’s behavior at the mounting block says a lot about how they feel about under-saddle work, and these small steps forward are building her confidence for what’s next. #BalancedDressage #MindfulTraining #EquineEducation #HorseWellness #horserehabilitation

Horses, Like People, Hear How We Say It Horses, like people, don’t just listen to what we say—they pick up on how we say it. If we bark commands, they’re bound to feel more like a sidekick than a partner. And, just like us, no one likes being spoken down to! Over time, our true intent shines through, and horses can tell if we’re treating them like a buddy or a subordinate. When we approach with calmness and clarity, we invite them to be calm, confident, and curious. It’s all about building a partnership where they feel engaged.

Sometimes, it is better to enjoy the moment

A lovely short video was created by Sarah Hassefeaturing the recent Ross Jacob clinics, showcasing some of the riders and the surroundings from the last couple of days. It was wonderful to have everyone here and participate. It was really nice to understand the clarity in addressing your horses. This is similar to the Academic Art of Riding; the first thing that is important is to have the horse's mind. You have to focus, and then you can begin to work.

Taking baby steps helps to stay calm, focused, and balanced.

Are you enjoying watching yourself and your horse change and progress? Small achievable steps implemented lovely results

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Remember your childhood dream and why you started riding,

Growing up in a sailing family in the north of Germany and really not getting the idea of always being wet and cold and in the wind ….. didn’t seem to be my thing.

Basically I started pestering my parents a lot. That I would like to learn how to ride .... well once I convinced them the rest is history. I wasn’t much home anymore mainly escaping on my bike to the delicious smell of horses , there soft noses and their gentle nature.

And all of a sudden life started making sense getting up early and working. Riding in all sorts of weather rain hail or shine. In the arena or on trails. Luckily we lived near a forest where I could go and ride for hours.

Riding my bike to the stables helped with balance, as often it was cold and my hands were much warmer inside my jacket pocket, out of the wind rain or snow. Naturally I learned to steer with my balance similar as with riding the more balanced your seat the more balanced your horse.