Gentle Equine Cornwall

23/01/2025

Change isn't always easy, even when it's for positive reasons. Doing something different can threaten our sense of safety, our comfort in familiarity. We tend to stick with what we know, even when it no longer serves us. Letting go is a tricky concept for many of us, and I'm no exception.

Recently, I made a change that was needed for both the welfare of my herd and for my own wellbeing and peace of mind. Despite it being my choice, it wasn't easy. Stepping away from places, people, or dreams we've become attached to, can evoke conflicting emotions. Excitement of the new sits with grief at losing the old, and our future plans lie beside all that we've left behind.

It's ok to change, and it's ok if it's not easy. It's ok if no-one else gets it; that doesn't make your choice any less valid. All that matters is that you know why you've taken those steps and that they sit well with you. 💗

25/10/2024

24/10/2024

It's not always about change. Sometimes, it's about getting back to where we started, connecting with the roots of all we hold dear.

Like many of us, my love for all things equine started in childhood. I read obsessively about horse care, pored through pony magazines and stories, and got close to horses whenever I could. I enjoyed riding, but my happiest place was alongside horses. Mucking out, grooming, feeding, tack cleaning, walking them out to the field...anything to be around them.

It's taken a long time and lots of wrong turns to get back to that place, and to trust my intuition about what feels right in how I choose to interact with horses. There's been many lessons along the way, with many more to come, and that's ok. We do the best we can with the knowledge we have at the time, and when we know better, we can do better.

I no longer carry a whip, choose to ride bitless with my own horses, keep them out 24/7 as a barefoot herd, and spend most of my training time with them working from the ground, using positive reinforcement techniques. I have no desire to compete ( although I'm not judging anyone who chooses to, it's just not for me anymore as I know it doesn't bring out my best ), and my top priority is to give my little herd the best quality of life that I can, with their needs put before my plans and wants. I get it wrong often, but I will always keep trying to be the best I can be for them. To Delilah, Gwen and Proffi; thank you for bringing me back home ❤️, and thank you to all the other beautiful equine souls who've been part of that process ( Keo, Norah, Norman, Tulie, Chymnee and Annie, my rainbow horses 🌈❤️ ).

16/10/2024

A few days ago, I was with my horses, tired to the bone. I'd spent another morning filling water tubs, skidding around their track picking up poo, taking hay out, topping up nets, treating an abscess, and I had nothing left in my tank.

As I hid in the shelter waiting for the rain to clear, I glanced up the field and saw a vivid rainbow, and our beautiful Proffi was standing underneath it. He was the picture of contentment, not bothered by the rain or the mud, just present in the moment.

That picture has stayed with me. This time of year can feel like Groundhog Day, an endless stream of physically demanding jobs, feed bills, vets bills, repairs. It can be exhausting and worrying, but there's joy to be found too, in the quiet moments alongside our beloved equine friends. Caring for them is a responsibility and a privilege, and I wouldn't have it any other way 🐴💗.

15/03/2024

When winter feels never-ending and the skies are dark, hold onto the knowledge that brighter days are coming.
The last few months have seemed relentless, with persistent rain reducing fields to muddy swamps and continual storms knocking our energy and spirits.
If this is how it is for you right now, you're not alone. Be kind to yourself, knowing that you're doing your best against the odds and that soon, it will get better.
Sending love to all my fellow horse folk out there....you've got this 💗💪💗