Ailish Hill Dressage Training

07/02/2025

Today we headed off for another trail ride. This time we had 2 new horses with us and a new rider. The dynamics of the herd changed having a mare involved. One thing we need to remember when riding out together is not just about what your horse is comfortable with but what you are. If you feel safe, your horse will. Being guided by a coach, that is a trained equine Psychotherapist and counsellor your horse won't let you be incongruence as I'll know pretty quickly if your not OK. Today's quick tip is if we face a challenge, then we need to be flexible and patient to listen to our horse and ourselves!! Happy riding.

Thankyou to Beau, Jaeo for helping out today and to Deb and Jacki for joining the ride. Was lovely as always to guide you all! Happy Riding🐎🐎

05/02/2025

Dressage Horsemanship: Enhancing Performance Through Nervous System Regulation

A Unique Clinic by Ailish Hill Dressage

Ailish Hill, an esteemed dressage trainer and equine psychotherapist and Counsellor, presents a unique clinic designed for horse riders, intertwining her expertise in dressage with her profound understanding of the human and equine nervous systems. This clinic offers an innovative approach, providing riders with insights into themselves, their horses, and the intricate connection between their nervous systems. By fostering a deeper relationship with their horses, participants can enhance their dressage training and overall performance.

Understanding the Connection: Human and Equine Nervous Systems
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating both human and equine behaviour and responses. For dressage riders, understanding their own nervous system, as well as that of their horse, can lead to significant improvements in communication, trust, and performance. Ailish Hill's clinic aims to demystify the nervous system, offering practical techniques to help riders and horses achieve a state of calm and focus.

The Impact of Anxiety on Dressage Performance

Over her decades of experience, Ailish Hill has encountered numerous dressage enthusiasts who struggle with anxiety. This anxiety not only affects their performance in competitions but also influences their daily training routines and personal lives. By addressing the root causes of anxiety, riders can develop strategies to manage their stress, leading to a more harmonious and effective partnership with their horses.

The Clinic Structure
Ailish Hill's clinic is structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, combining psychoeducation with practical exercises. The clinic runs for four hours and accommodates small groups of 2 to 4 people, ensuring personalized attention and support.

Non-Horse Component: Psychoeducation and Nervous System Reset

The first hour of the clinic focuses on the riders themselves, with a non-horse component dedicated to psychoeducation. During this session, participants will learn about the nervous system and practice exercises designed to reset and regulate their own nervous systems. This foundational knowledge is crucial for understanding how their state of mind impacts their interactions with their horses.

Tea, Coffee, and Light Refreshments
To create a relaxed and welcoming environment, tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be available throughout the clinic. This provides an opportunity for participants to connect and share their experiences, fostering a sense of community among like-minded individuals.

Exploring the Human-Horse Relationship
The core of the clinic delves into the relationship between riders and their horses. Participants will engage in activities designed to enhance attunement, develop a sense of safety, and build trust. By understanding and responding to their horses' body language, riders can create a more cooperative and willing partnership.

Developing Strategies for Success
During the clinic, riders will work on identifying and overcoming barriers to their success. This involves exploring their own internal thoughts, expectations, and posture, as well as their interactions with their horses. By developing tailored strategies, participants can address these challenges and improve their overall performance.

Attunement Activities
Attunement activities are a key component of the clinic, aimed at fostering a deeper connection between riders and their horses. These exercises help riders become more aware of their horses' signals and responses, leading to a more intuitive and effective training process.

Achieving Harmony in Dressage Training
The ultimate goal of Ailish Hill's clinic is to help riders achieve harmony in their dressage training. By integrating nervous system regulation techniques and attunement activities, participants will learn to create a supportive and cooperative training environment. This holistic approach not only enhances performance but also strengthens the bond between rider and horse.

Conclusion
Ailish Hill's dressage clinic offers a transformative experience for riders, blending the art of dressage with the science of nervous system regulation. By understanding and managing their own and their horses' nervous systems, participants can achieve a higher level of performance and a more fulfilling partnership. This clinic is a must-attend for any horse owner enthusiast looking to deepen their connection with their horse and enhance their training techniques.

Through this unique approach, Ailish Hill continues to make a significant impact in the world of dressage, helping riders and horses alike to thrive both in and out of the arena.

Get your bookings in early as places will be limited.
$145pp come for the whole 4 hours or just your allocated time including the group discussion/presentation.
Bookings for March and April Clinic will be discounted at $280pp

Fence sitters welcome at $50pp.

Venue will be at a local indoor arena (TBA)

contact Ailish on 0421849439 or PM for enquiries and bookings.

RSVP by 26.02.2025 for March clinic or 17.04.2025
Bookings are to be made in full by the RSVP date and are non-refundable (can find a replacement participant)

02/02/2025

Well said.... this is why horses are such good therapists too

Put The Relationship first…… Yes, and…

I heard this sentence for the first time about 20 years ago. I loved it. I wanted to have a good relationship with my horse. So, I put all my ego aside, everything that I wanted became way less important than what my horse “wanted” or “didn’t want” to do.

And whenever I would have actually needed to correct my horse for something or insist on having a bit more effort, I felt guilty. I didn’t put the relationship first, I insisted on something that I wanted and I disrespected what she wanted.

I met many many students who had the same thing going on. Wanting to put the Relationship first, make it more important than goals. But often they would end up with a horse that was less and less willing to put effort, a horse that was more and more disrespectful - or emotional due to lack of leadership.

I think that, often when we hear that sentence we only think about not upsetting the other person in the relationship. Not losing sympathy by saying no, opposing and maybe insisting on my point of view. It's become very uncool in our society to say no, speak the truth, say the real opinion. Somebody might be upset! UUHHH!

I believe the first thing we should do when we think about this sentence is, to get very clear about what kind of relationship we actually want with our horse?

One of play buddies?
One where the horse makes all decisions and I am just the toy with the carrots in the pocket?
One where the horse is the slave and I am the dictator?

Or one where BOTH are allowed to express each other, share their opinion. Because where does that leave me if I don’t express what I want towards my horse?

Do I always have to respect what he/she wants? Do I always have to follow his/her ideas?

No, I value myself just as much as I value my horse. I express myself just as much as he/she does and tell my horse what I would like to do and what I don’t want him/her to do.

This is what horses teach us: To express what we feel and think clearly and honestly.

Putting the relationship first doesn’t mean that we should always back off or give in if the horse says no.

It might also be an invitation to think about how to turn the no into a yes. And often, the no isn’t real no - it is simply an expression of a misunderstanding, lack of clarity.

So then, the solution wouldn’t be to back down and give up, but to rethink my approach and to be more clear so I can effectively communicate my point.

And in the end, we brought the horse into our human’s world with all its dangers and restrictions for our horse. We can understand this world of ours and understand all the complications and consequences certain behaviours can have. Our horses can’t.

After all, I can't really accept a no when I have to load the horse for a vet emergency - right? Its not really about if he feels like going to the vet or not in such a case.

So, I have to be the one who takes the final decisions. And for this to work when I really need it, my horse has to accept it when I take control and ask for obedience. I need to take care that my horse learnt to accept my guidance when it counts - without throwing a tantrum.

And that’s why I practise a certain level of obedience on the basic rules every single day.

This is what it means for me to put the relationship first. I prioritize a HEALTHY relationship - with boundaries and all.

Maybe I follow my horse’s idea, maybe not. And if not, I wish that my horse follows my idea with as little discussion as I do when I choose to follow his idea.

Like friends do.

And of course I pay attention to what I my horse communicates. When my horse is worried, or scared, I slow down, take time to explain, etc. But I don’t give up or cave or let him walk over me just because he WANTS to go eat grass.

31/01/2025

What a perfect day on our guided trail ride today. We had 2 lovely ladies join us! All horses became acquainted and set off on the ride as part of a team. The theme for today seemed to be listen to your horses needs, if they are becoming anxious and it's about being left out then let your horse in the lead, notice when they feel comfortable to hang back. If you listen to your horse and know yourself and have trust in your relationship with each other then you are setting yourself up to succeed!! Thanks ladies for joining and I look forward to the next ride!!

29/01/2025

Very true.. I had a student recently who wasn't sure of how to tell when they were on the correct rising trot diagonal. They struggled to pick up correct canter leads. As soon as I dedicated a lesson on their awareness and focus on this, using visual aids such as colour coordinated bandages on the diagonal pair of legs to show the student on the lunge, how the trot looks. Then tested their understanding under saddle. Then they could get their rising trot diagonals correct which improved all aspects of their effectiveness of their aids, including getting canter transitions when asked.

Just a fun fact. People all have different learning styles, so the more you can be creative the better coach you can be!!

Communicate with your horse successfully by timing your aids to the sequence of his gaits for harmonious movement.

28/01/2025

Trail riding Friday is going ahead this week. Enjoy the tranquil Eumundi State forrest with a mindful coach and like-minded others.

8:30am to 11:30am.
$40/rider.
Sit down and relax for light refreshments or bring your lunch for Q and A after the ride.

This trail has one creek crossing. Make sure your horses have front shoes or scoot boots to cross the creek as it is rocky or otherwise can meet us at the Eumundi-Noosa Rd entrance! Suitable for intermediate riders, mostly walking but if others are comfortable then some trot and canter can happen. This is up to the group as a whole.

Please Book by Thursday 5pm

37 Venning Rd, Verrierdale (take 2nd driveway and park behind stables or at the end of vennning rd! Thankyou. Hope to see you there!!

17/01/2025

What a great day for a trail ride today!! A nice way to finish the working week. Thankyou for the riders who attended today. We were blessed with beautiful wheather and not too HOT🥵 like yesterday.

Take home message of today: You need to know and trust your horse before going out on a trail and you know what's best for your horse and what they are ready for!!

We will be continuing our weekly trail rides every Friday 8:30 to 11:30 weather permitting.

Make sure you book to save your spot. Places limited to 4 riders.

Upcoming dates are:
Jan 24th
Jan 31st
Feb 7th
Feb 14th
Feb 21st
Feb 28th

Happy Riding🐎🐎

14/01/2025

Trail riding Friday is going ahead this week.

8:30am to 11:30am.
$40/rider.
Sit down and relax for light refreshments or bring your lunch for Q and A after the ride.

The creek should be slightly up but enough to cross. Make sure your horses have front shoes or scoot boots to cross the creek or otherwise can meet us at the Eumundi-Noosa Rd entrance!

Please Book by Thursday 5pm

37 Venning Rd, Verrierdale (take 2nd driveway and park behind stables or at the end of vennning rd! Thankyou. Hope to see you there!!

03/01/2025

A Big thankyou to Queensland Off The Track Program for supplying your appro Ed coaches with such a wonderful package of goodies. Very handy and I appreciate the goodies and support you give riders and their QOTT horses for being able to access coaching support during their early stages of owning a OTT horse. This program will set you up for success with your furry friend. Thankyou.
If you want lessons I travel to you around the Sunshine coast or am available at my agistment in Verrierdale.

Ailish Hill Dressage is back at work after the festive season. So get in contact if you need help with your horse. Happy 🐎🐎🐎

10/12/2024

We are still looking for riders to join us this Friday for a guided trail ride in the beautiful Eumundi state forrest at our own private entrance....

I am running one more before Christmas on Tuesday 17th at 8am to 11am.

Let me know if your interested for either day!!

Come enjoy a chat and ride with the comfort of a dressage instructor with a horsemanship approach.

So expressions of interest for this Friday 6th Dec and Tuesday 17th Dec.

Byo morning tea or lunch, refreshments provided.

37 Venning Rd, Verrierdale

Contact Ailish for bookings.
0421849428

09/12/2024

Come join us this Friday for a guided trail ride in the beautiful eumundi state forrest. There's a little water in the creek but as long as your horse is brave enough they can walk across. No need for swimmers this time 🤞🤣

8am to 11am BYO morning tea or just join us for a Q & A over a iced coffee or ice cold drink!!
Contact Ailish for bookings
0421849439

05/12/2024

This week is Grief awareness week. I came across this page which is really helpful for those who may be experiencing grief and loss. Not just with our beloved horses but in life. Take a look.....
https://ridersminds.org/grief-and-loss/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG97QxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVPY1peLhcj5qBkvL9oGXeGxe0ngZ5d9jd-220YbhhfJSjnbrVyquQophQ_aem_411OyRrPtyqc3bV1wQWPzA

Also check out Stable Life Therapy if you are looking for equine facilitated counselling services. www.stablelifetherapy.com.au
Enquires:[email protected]

Grief is how we react to losing someone or something in our lives. Experiencing a loss, of any kind,  can be incredibly tough. Loss is not only

04/12/2024

Spots available for Beginner riding lessons on my mini Shetland, named River. She is small, standing at just 10 1/2hh so kids 5 to 7yo who are not too tall and don't weigh more than 45kg will suit her.

Come learn about all aspects of horse ownership, riding, horsemanship and fun interactive games for learning and engagement.

Contact Ailish on 0421849439 or PM for enquiries.

Alternatively, if your child or teen is struggling in school, finding it hard to emotionally regulate, struggles making friends and maintaining relationships, lacking motivation or struggles to engage and learn? Have you considered equine assisted counselling/therapy? Check out www.stablelifetherapy.com.au for more information.

03/12/2024

Last week's deluge of rain definitely filled up the creek backing onto the place. Think we'd be swimming to get to our Eumundi State forrest trail ride this Friday morning.

Next year Ailish Hill Dressage will be hosting some clinics at local indoor arenas. Put your hand up if you'd like me to come to one near you👋

29/11/2024

I had a zoom meeting Wednesday and to maintain privacy for equine therapy (my new counselling and equine therapy business: Stable Life), I decided to venture to the shelter, which I'm not sure was very private, I had the Dressage/therapy equine team and trainee canine member peeking in for a good look😂.

If you want a better relationship with your horse or perhaps with yourself and others in your life. Then, reach out to Ailish today on 0421849439 or PM or email at [email protected]

26/11/2024

Trail Riding Friday is happening this week, pending weather. Feel free to get in early for bookings or if you would just prefer to join the morning tea where you get to chat with like minded people and have your horse related training questions answered.

Contact Ailish on 0421849439 or PM

21/11/2024

Mother Nature is not on our side for Trail Riding Friday.

We are starting to get the wet season weather.... perhaps its time to consider what else lights you up and gives you the same feeling as our horses? What is it about spending time with our horses that makes you feel so good and satisfied?

I know when i havnt seen my horses for a day or two and my routine has changed it does unsettle me. Is it being outdoors or is it my need to look after them and be responsible for them. Perhaps its just they bring me fun and laughter, exercise, fresh air and nature which ultimately is the key to well-being.

Don't forget we have other ways to meet our needs that aren't our horses. sometimes we need practise with that especially when we are so dedicated to our horses. There is always other things that light us up and de stress us.

Mother nature or life in general tends to bring us what we need, even if we don't think it is want we want. So this week, ask yourself, what else lights you up?