Bits and Behaviour

22/10/2025

✨ Talking Horse: Reading Horses ✨

I’m excited to share that in our second session, Helen Phillips and I will be diving even deeper into the horse’s natural behaviour and emotional world, and how this understanding can transform the way we work with them.

🐴 Helen will be recapping and expanding on key ideas from the first session, including:

• Facial expressions & subtle communication cues
• Wild herd dynamics and what they teach us
• Survival behaviours and instinctive responses
• Why many of the things we ask horses to do fall outside their natural behavioural range — and how we can support them more ethically and empathetically

💛 Then I’ll be exploring how we can connect more deeply with our horses by understanding their nervous system — and how to recognise the physical signs that tell us what state they're in, moment by moment.

We’ll look at:

• Reading tension vs. relaxation
• Understanding flight, freeze, and fawn responses
• How safety and curiosity shape learning
• Simple ways to help your horse feel more calm, confident, and connected

This demo is for anyone who wants to build a relationship based on trust, clarity, and emotional attunement — not pressure or force.
We can't wait to see you there and continue this journey toward kinder, clearer horsemanship. 💫

Location: Old Tiger Stables, Soham
Date SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER
Time 10 am - 12pm

Cost £20 pp for booking and payment in advance
£25 pp on the day ( if space allows)

We welcome anyone who is interested!! Please message myself or Helen to confirm your place!

21/10/2025

This is what dressage can look like. Not a single tail swish, and no noseband ❤️❤️❤️

13/10/2025

Always lovely to get feedback from customers after I've visited! So pleased for Hannah and Lady 😊

24/08/2025

Are you thinking about your horse's gut health?

The microbiome is proving to be intimately connected to behaviour in many species and it's the same for horses.

🐴 Is your horse trying to tell you something?

Even if a vet says “no pain detected”, many horses struggle with mild digestive issues which can cause them to buck from discomfort. Adding natural diversity to their diet can really help.

🌱 I’m excited to team up with my friends at Hoof & Habitat to offer *10% off the British Rewilding Mix* – designed from a horse’s perspective, also supporting soil & wildlife.

💻 Get yours | Use code: LAURA10
⏳ Offer ends *15th September 2025*

Balanced for Horses. Designed for Land. Rooted in Nature.Formulated to support equine wellbeing, natural grazing behaviour, and soil regeneration, with no pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers, our British Rewilding Mix is a blend of 15 British wildflowers and legumes suitable for Horses and Ponies....

26/07/2025

Tight nosebands cause shortened strides, but did you know the wrong bit can also do that?

Many horses will clench their jaw in an attempt to make their bit more comfortable. This leads to tension in the poll, neck, withers, and shoulder, reducing stride length.

21/07/2025

I will be in the IP13 area on Monday 28th July if anyone would like to book with 💥50% off💥 travel fees!

19/07/2025

🐴 Curious about Clicker Training?

Want to understand how positive reinforcement can transform your relationship with your horse?

I’m now offering Intro to Clicker Training sessions — perfect for anyone new to the concept, or those who’ve dabbled but want a bit more structure and guidance.

Clicker training isn’t just for circus tricks (though those are fun too!). It’s a powerful tool for building trust, motivation, and clarity — especially for horses who’ve lost confidence or shut down in more traditional training approaches.

🌟 In these sessions, we’ll cover:
✅ What clicker training is (and isn’t)
✅ How to get started safely and clearly
✅ Core concepts like timing, clarity, shaping, and reinforcement
✅ Practical groundwork exercises tailored to your horse
✅ How to avoid common pitfalls and build a solid foundation

Whether you want to add a new tool to your toolkit, or you’re looking for a completely different way to work with your horse, this is a great place to begin.

📍 Sessions are one-to-one and tailored to your goals.
📩 Drop me a message if you’re interested or want to chat about whether it’s a good fit for you and your horse.

Let’s make learning fun for both of you 🧡

16/07/2025

🔥Discounted Fittings🔥

Did you know that if you book in for a Bit Fitting or Bitless Bridle Fitting with a friend you'll get a 💥Discount💥 on your fitting plus 💥50% off💥 travel fees?

For more information get in touch via messenger or WhatsApp 07717 682 045 😊

08/07/2025

22/05/2025

Back to Forest Edge Arena tomorrow for more Bitting Talks and Bit Fittings! This time with the fantastic Fun Equestrian Camp gang. Looking forward to seeing everyone there and helping more horses and riders 😁

16/05/2025

First talk of the year this weekend for the riders at Cook Show Jumping Adult Training Camp at Forest Edge Arena this weekend! Can't wait to see everyone and answer all their bit fitting questions 😁

14/05/2025

I wanted to share this lovely video (and message) that Tricia sent me of her and her gorgeous horse, Storm—who's an incredible 30 years old and still looking amazing! We recently did a bitless bridle fitting, as Tricia felt Storm might no longer be comfortable in his bit and hoped that going bitless would help keep him happy and going strong for a few more years. I really hope so too.

"Hi Laura, at last it's been cooler and I could properly try the new bridle. He was great, really taking me forward and no pulling his head down to the ground at all. And I really enjoyed riding him because he seemed happy. I was laughing at his antics at 30. Am very hopeful that I can continue riding now while he's enjoying it. Many, many thanks, so glad I didn't wait."