Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage

01/09/2024

How to have a gender appropriate conversation with your horse

31/08/2024

Explore the Long Game: The Power of Consistent Training

We've all been there - that feeling of frustration when progress seems slow, when we're pouring hours into perfecting a single movement without seeing instant results. It's tempting to rush through and move on, especially with a competition looming on the horizon.

But here's the secret: consistent, purposeful training is the key to creating a horse that's truly strong and balanced. Those countless hours spent honing movements, perfecting techniques, and working through every part of your horse's body are what forges an unbreakable partnership and equips you to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

The rewards of this approach far outweigh the struggles. A well-trained horse gives you more than just the quick fix - it delivers lasting results. You become adept at spotting and fixing potential issues before they escalate. You gain the confidence and skills to adapt and enhance, understanding that each small step forward contributes to a healthier, happier horse. And when the big day arrives, you can step into the spotlight, proud of the hard-earned fruits of your labor.

29/08/2024

Lucky there is coffee and horses

27/08/2024

Midweek Motivation
… just be you 🙂🙃

27/08/2024

Positive Experience 🐴

Every small achievement leads to bigger ones, and it's all about building a smooth progression with a willing partner. Even the smartest horse might throw in some curveballs, and that's just part of the conversation.

I’ve noticed that when horses come in for training, the way they accept the bridle can reveal a lot. Sometimes, they expect the beginning of an uncomfortable sequence of events, or perhaps they’ve had an unpleasant experience in the past.

Let's take simple tasks like putting on the bridle. To make it a positive experience,

🤎 start by making sure your horse is comfortable with each step.
🤎Begin by getting your horse used to having their face touched, then move on to gently handling their ears.
🤎Next, work on teaching them to open their mouth willingly and be at ease with the buckle closures.

🩶Remember, bridle training is a skill for your horse too.
🩶Short, positive sessions will help them get used to the feel of the bit, just like we might acclimate to different sensations in our mouths after a visit to the dentist.
🩶Allowing your horse to wear the bridle for a bit can help them explore the new sensation at their own pace, making the overall process smoother and more comfortable.

Breaking down the task like this helps you build a strong foundation of trust and understanding, leading to a more cooperative experience. Each little step forward is part of a bigger journey, and it all begins with the basics.

25/08/2024

We often get so focused on the neck—after all, it’s right in front of us, easy to see and adjust. But there’s so much more to the horse than just the neck!

I just love this picture—it perfectly illustrates the idea that nothing in the horse is an orphan!

🐴 We have to look at the whole horse, how everything interacts, and make sure we have a harmonious picture without any brace or tension.

🧡 Think of it like this: we align the horse from front to back, starting with the head, moving through the neck, shoulders, ribcage, and hind end—even the tail is part of the equation!

🖤 Everything works together, from the alignment of the teeth to the angle of the hooves and the balance throughout the body.

🤎 Now, let’s add the rider, saddle, and bridle to the mix. We need to sit steady yet fluent with the movement, and that’s when we can really organize the movement. Communication with our horse comes through our seat, weight shifts, legs, torso, and hands.

🩶 When everything aligns, that’s when the magic happens! ✨

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23/08/2024

I enjoy hosting clinics and bringing like-minded people together
Look what is happening over the next few months.

We still have a few places available. Contact me for availability.

22/08/2024

There’s a fine line between being a guide and being a problem solver. It’s the difference between stepping in to fix a problem.

I often think about teaching my kids to tie their shoelaces. It was easy for me—I’d been tying laces for a while. But for them, it was a whole new challenge. They struggled, got frustrated, and couldn’t quite make their fingers do what they wanted. It would have been so easy for me to just tie their laces for them and move on. But I knew that wouldn’t help them in the long run.

Instead, I showed them, over and over again, guiding their hands until, one day, it clicked. They were so proud when they finally got it on their own. Not only did they master tying their shoes, but they also improved their coordination and body awareness in the process. And once the shoes were on securely, they could run in all sorts of weather or terrain.

This is much like working with horses—and with horse owners. It’s tempting to step in and take over when a horse is being difficult or when things aren’t going right. But that’s not the path to true understanding and partnership. Real horse skills take time and commitment. It’s about learning to communicate with a horse in a way that builds trust and respect.

My goal is to guide owners to become better partners with their horses. To help them develop the subtle skills needed to understand their horse’s needs and behaviors. It’s not always easy, and there’s often frustration along the way, just like with those shoelaces. But when that connection finally happens, the sense of achievement is worth every bit of the struggle.

So, let’s focus on guiding, not just fixing. Let’s teach, not just solve. Because when you and your horse find that rhythm together, it’s a beautiful thing.

21/08/2024

A collection of photos
Consistent work shows in the horse's body and demeanour.

The more balanced the body, the more balanced the mind

20/08/2024

Midweek Motivation,

Why does this remind me of certain friends 😉

20/08/2024

I really enjoy working with riders and horses.

🤎 Riding can be challenging, but the way we approach those challenges can make all the difference.

🤎Repeating the same difficult task over and over doesn’t make it easier—it just frustrates both the rider and the horse.

🤎 Instead, I love breaking things down into small, manageable steps, seeing where the gaps are, and figuring out how to fill them in 🕳️. Explaining it to the horse in a clear and simple way often brings better results than just riding their legs off.

🤎 When both the horse and rider start getting tired, concentration and strength fade, and that’s when frustration creeps in.

🤎 I’ll never forget a lesson I had with a high-level rider. The only instruction he gave me was, “More.” I asked, “More of what?” and he replied, “More of everything.” That was so unhelpful! I had no idea how to translate that into something my horse could understand. We both ended up confused and frustrated.

🤎 That’s why I’m all about providing clear expectations. Communicating the significance of foundational work, like groundwork, helps riders see that these basics are essential building blocks. Developing trust and communication with the horse from the ground up improves overall riding ability. It may not seem glamorous, but it’s vital for real progress!

🤎 The key is to make each step as simple and clear as possible so that the horse can understand. That way, when you get back in the saddle, both horse and rider are confident and ready to move forward together. 🤎🐴

19/08/2024

It is always great to have other professionals working with you, so thank you very much for sharing this experience, Apryl.
I appreciate it—the other thing. I don’t think you have a horrible seat; quite the opposite. I believe you have an excellent seat for what you do because you need to be able to go with your horse when you start them. Later on, you use your seat to shape the horse to stay within a frame. I would like the horse to stay.
When you just start the education of a young horse you need them feel comfortableand go with them.
Later part of the education, you ask them to stay with you.

Anyone with horses should be always seeking to improve themselves and their knowledge…. Continuously until the day we die or god forbid decide not to own horses anymore!😳
Currently, I am seeking to improve my communication in the saddle by improving my seat and aids.
First up for me was breathing, and learning some tools to become aware of my (shocking) posture🥴

Thank you Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage, I truly believe you have your work cut out in shaping up this old cowgirl, looking forward to more🙏🏼

Photo credit PP’s Photography 🐴

17/08/2024

Another great clinic! It is almost time

A REMINDER ....

If you live on the east coast of NSW, Australia there are a couple of spots still available for my 2 day clinic in Minimbah. It will be a new clinic for me, so I will focus on helping people understand the idea of directing a horse's thoughts and how to develop focus, clarity and softness both mentally and physically. For me, nothing is more fundamental that those concepts no matter what the discipline or what level of training. Come along and find out firsthand what it is that I talk so much about in my posts.

17/08/2024

I'd love to see some of your fun pictures!

🎠What kind of activities do you enjoy doing with your horse?

16/08/2024

Promoting a Growth Mindset in Equestrian Training

Showing up and taking small steps forward is the key to progress. Whether you’re in the saddle or working from the ground, every effort counts. There’s absolutely no shame in taking the time to be on the ground, helping your horse understand your requests before mounting up again with renewed confidence.

Improvement doesn’t always come in leaps and bounds—it often comes through consistent effort and learning. I emphasize celebrating the little improvements along the way, because those small victories build the foundation for greater success. Focusing on perseverance and determination allows us to grow as riders and partners with our horses.

By embracing this approach, we develop resilience and a positive outlook on challenges, knowing that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

15/08/2024

Building trust with a horse isn’t a weekend task—it takes time, patience, and a lot of care. By observing their body language and reactions, you can truly understand your horse’s personality. Remember, slow and meaningful training beats rushing every time. Give your horse the time and space they need to feel comfortable, and respect their unique perspective. With empathy and steady progress, you’ll build a lasting bond based on trust.

13/08/2024

Midweek Motivation

13/08/2024

Horses on High Alert: What It Means and How It Affects Their Movement

Ever notice a horse that seems to be on high alert, where every little thing triggers a reaction? These horses often feel tight in their bodies, and while they may move easily with just a small aid, it doesn’t always mean they’re truly “forward-going.”

Another thing you’ll notice is that these horses are often more distracted than focused. Ask them a question, and before they can even begin to think it through, their mind has already reacted to something else. This constant shift in attention makes it hard for them to settle on any one request, leading to a lack of progress in their training or making techniques feel like they just aren’t working.

It can feel like you’re starting from scratch every day, asking the same questions because they’re reacting rather than understanding. Their minds are so busy that they struggle to absorb and retain the information.

12/08/2024

While you’re grooming, go ahead and check the hooves, and look the horse over for any cuts or issues. Knocking all of this out in one go saves you the hassle of doing separate checks later.

10/08/2024

Teamwork with horses,

keep the big picture in mind but break things down into simple, manageable steps.
Each small step builds towards bigger ones, and the process becomes smoother with a willing partner.

A smart horse may offer you counter-responses, and that’s part of the conversation.

Take something as routine as bridling your horse. To make this experience positive, start by assuring your horse is comfortable with each part of the process. Begin by getting your horse used to having their face touched, then move on to gently handling their ears.

From there, work on teaching them to open their mouth willingly and be at ease with the action of closing buckles.

Remember, bridling is a skill for your horse too.

Short, positive sessions will help them get accustomed to the feel of the bridle, just as we might fiddle with the different sensations in our mouths after a visit to the dentist.

Leaving the bridle on for a bit can allow your horse to explore the new sensation at their own pace, making the overall process smoother and more comfortable.

By breaking down the task into these smaller steps, you create a foundation of trust and understanding, which leads to a more cooperative experience. Each step forward is part of a bigger journey, and it all starts with the basics.

09/08/2024

What do your days look like?

08/08/2024

Understanding the Value of Your Horse Being Calm and Focused

It’s surprising how often this important aspect is overlooked. When your horse is calm, focused, and stays with the task without shutting down, it makes a big difference:

🩶 Safety first. A calm and focused horse keeps both of you safe.

🩶 It shows that your horse is comfortable and at ease with the situation. This calmness is essential for a good interaction between you and your horse.

🩶 When your horse is relaxed and focused, everything becomes easier. Tasks that seemed difficult are much more manageable.

If your horse isn’t calm and focused, it’s a sign to pay attention. It’s their way of communicating discomfort with the situation.

This weekend, I took my young horse to his first official outing. My only goal was for him to be okay with the new environment, stay focused, and not get overwhelmed.

Of course I forgot to take pictures
Here is us all wrapped up 🩶🎩

08/08/2024

🥳
Here is the schedule for Bettina's full tour in Oz. Contact the organisers for a spot
26/27 October Perth Turnbull
29/30 October or 30/31 October Sunshine Coast Scott
2/3 November Minimbah Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage
5/6 Minimbah Anke Hawke Balanced Dressage
9/10 November Melbourne Morton
13/14 November Adelaide @ Castel
16/17 November Canberra
-Anne Shepherd

Looking forward to working with all of you ⚜️🎓🐴

💥Amazing opportunity to learn the Academic Art of Riding!

Join us for a 2 Day clinic with licensed Bent Branderup, Academic Art of Riding Trainer Bettina Biolik from Poland.

Date: Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th October 2024
Venue: Equine Industries Australia (formerly Sunninghill Equestrian)

The Clinic runs over 2 days commencing at approximately 8.30am and finishing around 5-6pm each day. The format for Bettina's clinic is three individual 30-45 minute lessons for each rider over the course of the two days (2 Lessons on day one and 1 lesson on day two)

There will also be theory sessions during the clinic on topics chosen by the clinic participants.
Theory topics could include:
🔷Train the brain: learning, stress and thresholds in dressage
🔷The red thread in horse education: foundations and steps of dressage training
🔷Understanding and developing side movements
🔷How to become a centaur: introduction to the academic seat
🔷Hand, leg, rein: feel and timing of the secondary aids

RIDERS:
Will be limited to eight. Riders can choose to focus on groundwork and/or riding.

SPECTATORS:
Limited number of seats are available. All spectator tickets must be pre-booked - NO tickets available on the day!

For more information or to book your place, simply follow the link

🔗https://loom.ly/GGpLzk8

06/08/2024

Midweek Motivation!

Yep every time

06/08/2024

🟫Education Exploration
Deciphering the Language of Horse and Rider Dynamic

Embarking on the learning journey of horse and rider dynamics is like deciphering a new language—clarity isn’t achieved by shouting. Overcoming challenges, such as transitioning an Off the Track (OTT) racehorse to Dressage, is similar to shifting from marathon running to competitive dancing. Our focus is on rectifying muscle groups affected by improper training and addressing issues like ill-fitting tack and misuse. A crucial aspect of this journey is building trust, which involves navigating anxieties related to relocating to a new yard and avoiding the pitfalls of overtaxing both horses and riders with excessive demands or premature requests.

🟫Heartfelt Connection
Building Empathy Through Biomechanics and Groundwork

Cultivating empathy involves understanding your horse’s biomechanics and shaping them through precise groundwork and riding techniques. This includes exercises that influence posture, such as lifting the back, opening the chest, guiding hip rotation, and strategically placing the hind legs. Recognizing limitations imposed by unbalanced conformation, prior injuries, and anxiety is essential. Progress is made through incremental steps, with a keen focus on developing the ability to truly "read" the horse.

🟫Equilibrium Mastery
The Rider’s Role in Achieving Balance

Maintaining balance involves both the rider’s position and their influence on the horse’s performance. During in-hand work, the significance of the rider’s posture is paramount. Understanding the timing of aids, their targeted influence on specific parts of the horse’s body, and the purpose behind each action are essential elements. Off the horse, efforts are dedicated to achieving personal physical balance. Recognizing miscommunication and patiently navigating through challenges are integral parts of the learning process.

🟫Enthusiastic Devotion
Core Values in Balanced Dressage

Balanced Dressage strives to instill core values:
Ethics in Sport:
Prioritizing the longevity and well-being of both horse and rider in physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
- Continuous Learning:
Embracing curiosity and understanding how the partnership unfolds for both participants in the journey.
- Patience and Perspective:
Being ready to step back occasionally for a more profound leap forward.
- Embracing Imperfection:
Infusing playfulness into the training routine and prioritizing the horse’s welfare.
- Fairness:Upholding fairness, particularly in competitive scenarios, and recognizing the horse’s innate sense of justice.
- Control over Nerves:
Mastering control over nerves and adrenaline, preventing the dominance of ambition, and ensuring a harmonious partnership.

04/08/2024

Thank you, Phoebe, for the lovely images of horses, big and small

03/08/2024

Had a great chat with a client today about training horses and managing expectations. It varies. If you have a young horse that's sound in both body and mind and has had a good upbringing, training can feel almost effortless. Right now, I have a young horse here who picks things up quickly and makes it all look so easy.

But I've also had horses of the same age with great starts that revealed underlying soundness issues, making training tough. It's important to remember that training horses isn’t a weekend sport. While some trainers can make it look easy with their skill and timing, most horses need time to adjust and learn.

Horses, like people, have their own timelines. Sometimes, they need to observe and learn by watching before they're ready to engage. Giving them time to settle in and become part of the routine is crucial. Once they feel comfortable, you can build that connection and start assessing their learning ability and potential.

Not every horse is destined for the top levels, just like not every person will make it to the world elite. But every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. It's all about progress, not perfection.