Dr Shelley Appleton Calm Willing Confident Horses

22/12/2024

2024 was an incredible year...🥰

It has taken me two days to write this post as there was so much that happened this year that was amazing and that I am so grateful for.

I wanted this year to be about expanding my knowledge of horses beyond my expertise in training. It has become abundantly clear that for a horse to be a calm, willing and confident partner in our equestrian activities, that I need to understand more than just how to make them understand us.

Whilst I had got good at identifying the red flags of potential issues and being able to refer to vets, farriers, body workers, saddle fitters, equine dentists etc. to get assessment and intervention early, it was not enough. I realised I needed to work out what owners could do for their horses to manage potential issues and to prevent issues in the first place.

What other knowledge, skills and awarenesses could I learn and then help share to my clients and audience?!

That journey lead me to the incredible Tami Elkayam, a powerhouse of knowledge of the horse's body. I thought I would learn about biomechanics, anatomy and therapy. She sure has done that but she also taught me about physics, neuro-dominant patterns, compensation, respiration, diaphragm, fascia, tubes and so much more. I was so naive in my thinking before this year. Tami has shown me not only how to see and read a horse's body and movement to a new level but also how to feel it...how your hands can learn to feel things in tissue that I was oblivious to before.

Tami then pointed out to me another area of study this year - nutrition. The horse's gut is extraordinary and the health of the gut is paramount. I am grateful that this has lead me to another extraordinary woman - Carol Layton. I have had my eyes opened to be able to see things in coats, hooves and look at diets like never before.

Tami and Carol were not the only incredible people I met in 2024. I am blessed with people that are so generous and supportive to me whether it be in friendship, business or welcoming me into their worlds to help me understand and grow my knowledge and skills. A special mention to Linda Goldspink Lord for her encouragement and inspiration. Thank you for your kindness towards me.

In 2024, I also put out a range of clothing and merchandise. I love my logo and what it symbolises and that has been great seeing it out there being worn by people and enjoyed.

I also created new courses and resources. My number #1 article in 2024 was "New Home Syndrome" which has helped so many people around the world identify the impact on horses when they move home. I created a resource to help people understand it and how to prevent it.

I also created the "Spooky, Sensitive, Nervous Horse guide" another resource that has helped so many people understand what is actually going on when horse becomes prone to this type of behaviour. Once you understand it, you can solve it. It is just that people tend to focus on symptoms but when you understand the root cause - everything changes.

However, the greatest thing I did this year was my "Teaching People How to Work with Horses" course. I know a lot about the fascinating and challenging activity of teaching people how to work well with horses. Educating humans is interesting at the best of times but when you educate people about horses it is wrapped up in so much complexity. However, just like horses, when you understand them better, they become less complex and more predictable. Therefore, I took two enrolments through the program and it was brilliant. I created the most beautiful thing I have ever done in my life, the book - "A Difficult Horse: A tribute to horses that changed us". A collection of stories of those enrolled in the course. The stories are heart warming and it was very special for me to help these incredible horsewomen establish a legacy for the horses that had touched their lives.

I have the next book coming out from the second enrolment shortly. This book is all about how horse's talk and the experiences we have all had. It is just as special.

If you are interested in joining January's intake of this course I have put an application form below.

2024 has also seen the release of my app. It has been so good to have a platform away from social media. A place were I can talk, share and give feedback to my clients. All my courses and resources can be accessed from the app. I also have a number of free resources available plus a place to blog and write articles away from here.

This year also saw an adventure to Equitana. This was such a big undertaking and it was very successful. It was also great to spend the time with Kathryn Christieson as we got to talk to fans of Canter Therapy Podcast (which keeps getting bigger and bigger each year)! Big thank you to Simon, Bek and Sam for all their hard work helping out with the event.

Finally, the biggest thank you to my family and friends. My biggest supporter, driver, lifter of heavy things and so much more - Simon. We got engaged this year...so all up 2024 was such an amazing year...I am so grateful to everyone and everything that has happened this year.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I am having the next week off to enjoy my family and festive activities.

Thank you for your interest and support in my work. Next year will see the release of my collaboration with Isabelle Chandler with our Off-The-Track Racehorse course we have created. I thought I knew about OTTB and STBs but Isabelle has taken that to the next level. We are just in the final stages of putting it all together but we anticipate this will help so many people understand racehorses and help in their transition off the track...watch this space for that in 2025!!

❤Shelley xx

Application for "Teaching People How to Work with Horses" course here:

https://poll.app.do/application-form-teaching-people-to-work-with-horses-3456579

Instructions for app:

https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/blogs/i-have-a-new-app-amp-it-has-free-stuff-on-it

16/12/2024

Watch This 👀👇🚩

Substitute “horse” for “adult” or “child” - the idea is the same.

“Horses do well if they can”…

Notice it is SKILLS that are lacking…the horse needs to be taught and nurtured in SKILLS to navigate their lives and expectations in their domesticated world with us.

Then, extrapolate from here to the fact people need to LEARN how to teach and nurture the skills!

And then we get to go full circle ⭕️ back to - “people do well if they can”!

People can help and influence horses well - if they can!

Everything with horses and their welfare comes back to us and what we know and can do🤓

15/12/2024

Listen to this 👇♥️. I was very honoured to be a guest of Steve Halfpenny’s podcast 🎙️

It was a great discussion on skill development and developing “feel” ♥️

Lately, a few of my students have been talking about Shelly's approach to horsemanship, so I thought it would be great to catch up with her here and have a chat.

14/12/2024

THIS ENDS TONIGHT 🙌‼

More details in comments❤

10/12/2024

HORSES ARE SIMPLE (AND I AM A PRAGMATIST)!

And SIMPLE is spectacular and beautiful—but we struggle to embrace that simplicity.

Why is it so hard?

Because as complex creatures, our minds are filled with intricate ideas, beliefs, and perceptions. We're deeply experienced in navigating human relationships, but this can lead us to mistakenly apply the same approach to horses. When conflicts arise, our human nature can blind us to what matters to horses.

Our first reaction is often to overcomplicate things. It feels logical to assume horses are complex when everything you're trying to resolve the issues isn't working!

Both humans and horses have evolved with their own superpowers of survival. Humans rely on our ability to think, adapt, and invent to navigate the world. Horses, on the other hand, have an incredible capacity to extract energy from plant fibre, paired with superior speed and athleticism. Horses don’t need our complex thoughts to survive, and we often fail to appreciate the beauty of their simplicity.

In modern times, particularly with the influence of social media, there’s been a surge in applying human-centric concepts—such as emotions, trauma, cognitive science, and neuroscience etc.—to horses. While these ideas may feel insightful, they can often do more harm than good if misunderstood or misapplied.

I’m fortunate to have a background in science and research, which gives me the tools to critically assess these ideas. I don’t rely on the authority of the person presenting the concept—I rely on evidence, my own understanding, and hands-on experience to determine whether an idea is valid or beneficial for horses.

This scientific and research literacy allows me to evaluate whether overlapping a human insight or theory with horses is a fair and accurate approach—or if it’s just oversimplified nonsense wrapped up as wisdom. Also, if an insight or theories does involve horses, I also have the ability to assess the quality of research methodology, validity and reliability of the findings.

However, there is more to me than my science background. It has been working with hundreds of horses that have built my practical skills and expertise. Working with horses and people directly has given me invaluable insights. I’ve witnessed first-hand what happens when certain ideas are tested in real-world situations.

I’m not here to complicate things. My goal is to simplify horse handling and riding in a way that builds your confidence and strengthens your relationship with your horse. Trust begins with mastering the basics—simple handling and rope skills that allow you to reliably influence your horse.

I’m not interested in impressing you with how much I know. The truth is having you stuck to your seats, entertained with my stories and deep insights whilst your horses stand outside in yards is an easy way to make money for a clinician. Instead, I want you to discover how simple, practical techniques—applied consistently—can have a profound impact on your horse. My ultimate aim is to get you riding and enjoying all the incredible experiences the equestrian world has to offer.

When you attend one of my clinics, we focus on hands-on learning with horses. Yes, there’s important insights I need you to be aware of, but I provide that in a course you can access before the clinic—auditors included! This way, our time together is maximised for practical, real-world application.

I know my travel is limited, and I can only visit some communities in Australia once or twice a year. That’s why I ensure every clinic is a maximised for learning! Clinics are expensive investments for me and you! My coaching insurance went up - wait for it...+73%😱 this year...this is pretty scary but I have made some changes to keep my registrations the same as 2024.

If you live in Australia, see if I have a clinic near you or one you can travel to so I can show you my pragmatic approach that improves your performance, overcomes problems or identifies what is interfering with progression. Link to clinics is below⬇️

I would be grateful if you could please share this post to others that may be interested in attending a clinic ❤

Image📸: Archie watching on with interest as the human gets groundwork😆....because simulations without a horse can be super helpful in developing your rope skills...and that really matters to horses 🐴😀

CLICK HERE FOR CLINICS:

https://app.squarespacescheduling.com/schedule/cea7b27d

05/12/2024

AUSTRALIAN CLINIC BOOKINGS ARE OPEN FOR 2025📢‼️

My 2025 clinic schedule is now live and ready to take bookings & deposits✅

My clinics are well designed learning events. I want you to get the most out of my teachings with the investment you make.

Here is what to expect:

1️⃣. There are 2 types of participants - those that bring a horse, AND those that come as auditors. Auditors come and observe the clinic and are involved in activities but do not bring a horse.

2️⃣. ALL participants get access to a special online course 4 weeks prior to the clinic so you can start learning and practicing my approach to working with horses.

3️⃣. Participants who bring a horse are invited to attend a pre-clinic Zoom so we can customise and plan the clinic together. This is because every clinic brings together people that wish to work on different things with many of my clinics filled with my regular clients. Therefore, those I can have those that have not worked with me before and those that are up to advanced riding.

4️⃣. My clinics target 3 things - how to understand your horse, yourself and how to effectively influence the horse to become calm, willing and confident partners with us.

5️⃣. Everyone gets a clinic pack of resources.

🔴CLICK HERE TO BOOK IN ➡️

https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24017282

If I am not coming near you, please consider a road trip as an auditor😀- you will get a lot out of it!

There is a lot of misinformation, flawed advice and red herrings being communicated by people that speak with "authority" and what sounds like "science"...but it is messed up and I am seeing it getting people stuck and horse's struggling...let me unstick you❤

After the deposit is paid my clinic booking system allows you to pay off the clinic fee in any increment that suits you. Clinic fees just have to be finalised 4 weeks out from the clinic.

If you have any questions please email [email protected] 😃

See you in 2025!

Shelley ❤

03/12/2024

Do You Ride Your Horse with HOPE or FAITH?🤔

I’m serious—this matters. Take a moment to ponder it...

There is a significant difference, and it can be the root cause of anxiety experienced by both horses and riders.

In 2021, I wrote a book sharing everything I had learnt from working with many different types of riders. It explored how they transformed their relationships with their horses, grew their confidence, and changed their horses’ behaviours. As part of the book, I interviewed riders often considered “brave” to uncover what made them different. What I discovered was that they all had FAITH—faith in their riding abilities to handle their horses and faith in their horses to respond to their influence.

Nervous riders, on the other hand, tend to ride with HOPE. They hope nothing will go wrong when they ride. They hope their horse won’t get a fright, misbehave, or become difficult. They hope their horse will look after them. However, they often have limited faith in their abilities to handle their horse, or in their horse’s ability to cope or behave. As a result, they feel restricted in what they can do or where they can ride.

FAITH is powerful. It trumps hope and silences worry. Faith means having complete trust or confidence in someone or something. When it comes to horses, you need to have faith in yourself and your horse.

If you don’t have faith in yourself, your horse will sense that and lose faith in you, which will unsettle them.

You cannot help a horse with hope—you need skills and abilities you have faith in.

Can you see the message in this post?

If you’re feeling hopeless with your horse, it’s time to take action, learn something new, and make changes so that you can have faith in yourself.

You can’t hope that a new saddle, bit, supplement, spirit beads, meditations, breathing exercises, or trainer will magically solve your challenges. You also can’t hope the world and others will protect you—that your neighbour will refrain from mowing their lawn, their dogs will stay inside, or the weather will always be perfect. You need to make a fundamental change.

Photo credit: Tegan Gamage riding her young warmblood mare, Ruby, who she bred and trained. This photo was taken during one of Ruby’s first beach rides, not long after Tegan had started riding her. Ba****ck, in just a rope halter, exploring the beautiful coastal beach and waters off Albany, Western Australia. This photo represents the freedom that comes with having faith in yourself and your horse. It comes with developing your skills. Being dedicated to learning something you may be messy with to begin with...but faith is built by grit, time and effort. ❤

🔴PS. I have just got enquires of my book - find it on the Calm Willing Confident Horse website shop 📖it explains the practical process of converting hope to faith - "Confidence & Trust - Solving the Horse + Human Equation".

30/11/2024

PROJECT REBOOT - STARTS TOMORROW🙌❤

➡️22 essential exercises 🐴

➡️6 week timetable 📋

➡️Supportive, dedicated community that are keen to give it a go and cheer each other on 💪

➡️Course with videos that isn't too complicated or boring (well hopefully not anyway 😆)

➡️Weekly Zooms to participate in, share stories, ask questions or just listen in 🫂

➡️An app to make it easy to access 📱

➡️Dedicated Facebook group as well as App community incase FB decides to not send you any notifications 😎

How to be part of it -

1. Join my subscription Society Membership (it isn't that pricey and you can cancel it any time 😃)
2. Join the CWCH Society Members Group (private FB group for subscribers) 🥰
3. Access the coupon code to get the Project Reboot course for FREE.🆓
4. Download the app - Calm Willing Confident Horses 📲
5. Follow PROJECT REBOOT's Schedule 📆

Information HERE in this blog👇:

https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/blogs/project-reboot-boldly-facing-the-messy-middle-together

And even if you can't do the whole things, OR can't start tomorrow - watch, learn and be inspired by others. Hitting the reset button on your horse's foundation training and your own skill set is the most powerful thing you can do when you feel stuck or frustrated (or just want to get even better with horses ❤)

26/11/2024

Project Reboot - Let's boldly face the messy middle together🥰🐴

There is a price you must pay if you want to get good at something—you have to be prepared to be messy and even uncoordinated before you improve.

When working with horses, this can be even more confronting, as they also struggle before they become confident and coordinated!

When you begin your quest to work well with a horse, you must face your own imperfections while helping the horse work things out and deal with how they feel about the process. I’ve come out the other side, where it now feels effortless to do things I initially struggled with. Having worked with so many horses, I can confidently say their responses to learning are highly predictable. The truth is, both you and horses learn incredibly quickly with practice and coaching.

Starting 1st December, for six weeks, I’m leading Project Reboot - and you invited😃.

This collaboration guides participants through my 22 essential exercises. These teach skills that I believe are the “vital few,” as described by the concept of the Pareto Principle or 80/20 rule.

The Pareto Principle states that 80% of outcomes come from 20% of a skill set. Therefore, the 22 essential exercises develop the key skills that, once mastered, have a disproportionately large impact on your ability to positively influence a horse. The outcome? Rebuilding a horse’s foundation—which sets the stage for a strong, meaningful partnership. Plus it is necessary for any positive "connection" with a horse to have a chance of being established!♻️

Starting now means that instead of hoping for some New Year’s resolution inspiration to do something with your horse in 2025, you’ll already be most of the way through the reboot process, and things will be very different. You won’t feel stuck—things will be progressing, and you’ll see and feel the positive difference in both you and your horse.

The project will run through my CWCH Society Members Group on Facebook.

🔴Click on this link to join and find out. more information and and what the project timetable looks like:

https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/blogs/project-reboot-boldly-facing-the-messy-middle-together

I excel at getting people back on their horses rather than stuck on the ground. All I need you to do now is be prepared to boldly face the messy middle and give yourself and your horse the chance to learn🙌💪 (let's do it ‼️). Plus, it’s only 22 exercises—you might already be familiar with them, but I’ll show you how to tweak and refine them my way that is key to success ❤

Please SHARE to encourage others to be bold and give it a go 🙏💪

26/11/2024

Heads Up - Western Australian Followers

I am giving a talk at 7pm Saturday 30th November 2024 for the Natural Horseplayers Inc in the Clubroom at Magenup Equestrian Centre, De Haer Road, Wandi.

Topic - 🚩Red Flags Your Horse Has a Soundness Issue, That is Compromising their Behaviour & Performance.

Limited Numbers - Book for Tickets ($10) with Samantha Solty [email protected]

All clubs members and equestrians welcome to come along and book tickets❤

PS.Please share to WA friends and club pages

22/11/2024

Gosh this is a GREAT question😎

It will take 7 minutes of your time to listen to my response and considering it has the 3 most common reasons people get stuck with a horse - it will be worth your investment to listen to it.

I really want to thank Saoirse 🙏for allowing me to present her great question and I hope it gives you clear direction and pragmatic advice...because that is the way I do thing ❤

➡️So, listen up to my answer to the greatest question📣

21/11/2024

Want to Listen to My Equitana Presentations and Webinar Replays⁉️

Here’s how…

I decided to invest in an app. It’s free to download, and the instructions in the graphics will show you how to access the presentations and webinar replays. All of these were very well received, and the positive feedback I’ve received on all three has been incredibly heartwarming. This feedback gives my life meaning and purpose so thank you for taking the time to tell me how I have given you ideas and help you see things differently🙏

The stories I share in these presentations highlight how there was a time when I didn’t know what I know now—and couldn’t do what I can do today! Please be inspired by this because it shows that talent in horses is something you learn and develop....and not necessarily bestowed on you through genetics or spiritual enlightenment.

Please follow the instructions to access these resources. I’ll also be posting blogs in this space—blogs where I feel a sense of freedom to speak openly about the things that both inspire and concern me.

I hope you enjoy this space!

❤ Shelley xx

20/11/2024

THIS QUESTION IS A TEST: IF YOU CAN’T HELP, YOU’RE MISSING KEY SKILLS🤓🐴

If I told you that outside I had a horse that wouldn’t get on a horse float (trailer), rearing up and rushing backwards, would you feel confident to help me?

I asked this question to an audience during a presentation on what I believe are the essential horsemanship skills everyone should learn. These skills are what I call the “vital few”—skills that have a disproportionately powerful effect on a person’s ability to positively influence a horse, helping the horse understand and gain confidence in what is being asked of them.

When mastering any skill—whether it’s playing a musical instrument, excelling in a sport, or advancing in a profession—certain skills are used more frequently and have a greater impact on performance. These are the “vital few.” The rest, while still relevant, are known as the “trivial many” because they are used less often.

Elite teachers and coaches understand the “vital few.” For a pianist, this could include scales. For a tennis player, it might be serving. For a medical practitioner, it’s methodical questioning. Whatever the discipline, identifying the “vital few” is crucial, as it determines where time and energy should be focused to develop mastery.

This concept is widely recognised in the development of expertise and is known as the Pareto Principle. It suggests that a small portion of actions or inputs (the "vital few") often produce the majority of results, while the rest (the "trivial many") contribute far less. For example, 80% of mastery might come from focusing on 20% of key skills.

I believe these skills are those employed to put a foundation on a horse. The foundation is akin to the basic operating system of the horse. The gound handling, leading, tying up, simple ground work to develop basic gaits, accepting a saddle, rider, the bridle, guiding left, right, stoping, backing up and upward and downward transitions.

I have identified exactly what I believe are the “vital few” and it might surprise you as there are only 22 of them. I have identified what these are in a more detailed blog and you will also find details of how to access this presentation that I am referring to below:

▶️CLICK HERE:
https://www.calmwillingconfidenthorses.com.au/blogs/this-question-is-a-test-if-you-cant-help-youre-missing-key-skills

Now, back to the horse that won’t get on the float…

Would you be able to help me?😎

Anyone I’ve taught these “vital few” skills would know exactly what to do. These skills give you an approach. Anyway that has these skills doesn’t see this situation as scary or problematic. They’d simply see a horse that needs to learn how to load onto a float and gain confidence with the process. Everything we do with a horse comes back to the same approach: allowing the horse to gain clarity about what’s expected and feel safe doing it. It’s about breaking things down, finding a starting point, and helping the horse realise there’s no threat. Horses are the most gentle, trainable animals on Earth when you understand how to communicate with them.

Unfortunately, these skills—and a true understanding of horses—are not widely appreciated. It is mind blowing what a horse will accept when approached in the right way. Between my mid-20s and mid-30s, I spent around $40,000 on riding lessons. Yet in all those lessons, not once was I introduced to the “vital few” skills. Ironically, it is my mastery of these skills that makes me a great riding coach today.

So why is this knowledge so under-appreciated in the equestrian world? Is it deliberate gatekeeping? A misunderstanding of horses? Or simple ignorance?

Personally, I think it is all these things and more (you might have some ideas so please share in the comments).

By the way, hardly anyone in the audience raised their hand to help the horse except my clients who had come to watch me🫶💪.

So, would you have raised yours? If not, read my blog—it might give you some fresh ideas and a new perspective you’ll find interesting!

17/11/2024

EQUITANA 2024 is Done✅🐴

What a great 4 days it has been! 🙌

Thank you to everyone that turned up to my presentations and came to visit me at my stand to buy my books, merchandise or to tell me about your horses, ask about my courses, clinics...or just let me know I had given you an interesting idea to think about ❤💡

I also have to thank the greatest team of friends - Katherine Christieson, Sam McGilvray, Bek Suhard, Anna Minogue and Melyssa Macready for the company, support and hard work that went into creating, operating and deconstructing our stand. It was tiring but so fun 🥰

Finally, my biggest thank you to Simon❤. None of this was possible without you. You created everything. Did the heavy work, driven the hundreds of kilometres and are always there cheering me on.

I am a very lucky person ❤

I have lots more to report and will do so in the coming days!

14/11/2024

EQUITANA DAY 2: Day 1 was brilliant, and Day 2 we have our first talks scheduled!
First up is Kat talking about podcast. Come and find out all the behind the scene insights about creating a popular equestrian podcast by accident! She is on at 9.15am in the Ariat Theatrette. (Ian Leighton, pictured with us yesterday, is one of our top listened to episodes!).
Then I am up at 1.45pm in the Classroom in the Royal block. I will be talking about Confidence & Trust…what they practically are and how you can strategically build both and barriers you haven’t realised that you might have to target 🎯 first!
You can get the book on the topic today in a show bag 😃♥️

12/11/2024

On the road to Equitana Melbourne 2024 with the best company and ♥️

Looking forward to being joined by , and ♥️

Also, looking forward to seeing other dear friends and clients over the 4 days😃

11/11/2024

WHO IS GOING TO EQUITANA⁉️🐴

Tomorrow we head off to Equitana Melbourne and it is going to be an epic adventure!

I will be giving two presentations.

💡On Friday at 1.45pm in the Equitana Classroom I will be speaking about Building Confidence & Trust in People & Horses (it is a pretty fascinating thing and I plan on giving reasons why people might be stuck even though they are doing all the common approaches to helping the situation!).

💡On Saturday at 1.45pm in Ariat Theatrette I will be speaking about this really interesting principle called the "Pareto Principle" or the "80/20 rule" when deciding what skillset to focus your time on developing with a horse.

Both my presentations I plan on demonstrating how there is so much we can be strategic about when it comes to horses that can set us up to get out there and enjoy the equestrian world with our horses.

I also have a stand in the Off-the-Track Pavillion, you cannot miss out, we are right at the main entry doors. I will be there with great company:

➡️ Kathryn Christieson will be there to talk about hoof care and for Canter Therapy Podcast fans to chat too ❤
➡️ Anna Minogue, The Bit Fitter, will be there to talk all things equine dentistry and bits ❤
➡️ Simon will be there being his awesome self and will be in charge of my merchandise. I have some very lovely t-shirts, hoodies, tops, hats, bags and more....I even have a "show bag" of cool stuff!

Plus we have a number of our most precious friends giving us a hand ❤🙏

Please come by, say hello and I am there to give you ideas and let you know how I can help you...and I mean that, it is why I am there...don't be shy or feel like you will bother me...chatting about horses is my favourite thing in the world ❤

I am also looking forward to catching up with all the connections I have made in the industry from my wonderful clients, to friends to fellow professionals and collaborators. Equitana is just 4 amazing days of celebrating horses - it is the best 🥰🐴