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Bridging Hearts and Hooves, Kelso (2025)

24/04/2025

✨️This was our last session with Rhiann and Scout, and we focused on something so simple yet so often overlooked: body language and clear communication.✨️

One of the big issues Rhiann had before was trying to send Scout out on a lunge. She’d been told she needed to use a whip to get him to go—but every time she tried, Scout would go straight into defense mode. Sometimes he’d even come in to bite. Needless to say, the whip wasn’t helping the situation—it was only adding pressure to a horse who already didn’t feel safe.

After spending time rebuilding their relationship, we decided to check in on how he responds now.

And what we discovered is that Scout is one of those horses who picks up on everything. He checks boundaries—not to be difficult, but to figure out where the safety is. If you’re not clear, not present, not aware—he notices. And he’ll try to take charge, not out of dominance, but out of self-preservation.

That’s exactly what happened at the start of the session.

Things began messy. Rhiann wasn’t quite sure of herself, and Scout knew it. He started using that uncertainty—not to be naughty, but to take control because she wasn’t offering the clarity or leadership he needed.

To make things more interesting, there’s now a new mare in the field with Scout. She’s very attached to him. He’s not particularly attached to her, but if Rhiann isn’t fully engaged, he disconnects from her and tunes into the mare instead. It’s not ideal—for connection or for future independence.

So, we went back to the basics. A simple circle on the long line, just checking for communication and understanding.

When I stepped in, it took Scout two seconds to respond. Soft, clear, connected. When Rhiann took the line again, Scout immediately started testing her—because that’s what horses do when they’re figuring out if they can trust your leadership.

And Rhiann wasn’t quite aware enough of her own body yet. She let him push into her space, and he took it—not as a challenge, but because the space was available. He was doing what horses do when we’re not fully present.

That’s really the heart of it. Horses know exactly what their own bodies are doing, and they know when we don’t. They read us clearer than we read ourselves.

And when we become aware—when we hold our space, move with intention, and stay grounded—they stop needing to take over. Because finally, they feel safe.

*it's not about lunging... its not about the task, it's about how we communicate....

22/04/2025

✨️When trust breaks, it doesn’t always look the same.✨️

Some horses go quiet when something doesn’t feel right. They shut down, disconnect, and just go through the motions. Others get louder—more expressive, more physical. They might start biting, kicking, or reacting in ways people call “aggressive.” But most of the time, those reactions aren’t about dominance or being difficult. They’re a response to stress, confusion, or fear.

And often, it’s only when a horse starts to get loud that people stop and ask, “What’s really going on here?”

The truth is, trust is delicate. Horses are constantly reading us—how clear we are, how much pressure we use, how safe they feel in our presence. If they’ve had experiences where things didn’t make sense to them, or they were pushed through things they weren’t ready for, it can take a toll. Sometimes it’s one big moment. Sometimes it’s a buildup over time.

Rebuilding trust takes more than just time—it takes intention. A willingness to change how we show up. It means looking at the horse’s behavior as communication, not just something to correct.

If your horse feels distant, tense, or reactive, it might not be about what’s happening today. It might be about everything they’ve experienced up until now.

19/04/2025

✨️The Way We Move, The Way We Leave Marks✨️

Every time we step into the space of a horse, we leave something behind. A print. An impression. A memory—whether in their body, in their mind, or in the way they feel about us.

It’s not just about what we do, but how we do it.
Our energy, our posture, our hands, our patience—or lack of it.
It all adds up to a language they cannot ignore.

Sometimes, horses come back to me changed. Not in the way you'd hope—more guarded, more reactive, less trusting. And it makes me reflect deeply on our responsibility as humans: to train without trauma, to teach without fear, and to be so very aware of what we're putting into our horses, not just physically, but emotionally.

The way we use our body in relation to theirs matters. Are we stepping into their space with clarity or dominance? Are we guiding, or are we pushing? Are we asking, or are we forcing?

A horse may comply—but at what cost?
And a horse may resist—not out of rebellion, but as a voice that's finally trying to be heard.

Let us all take a moment to remember: the goal is not obedience, but partnership. Not submission, but trust.
Because when they speak with softness, it’s a gift.
When they offer their body freely, it’s a privilege.
And when they carry us—literally or emotionally—it should never be taken for granted.

So, let's be mindful of the prints we leave.
In the end, it's not about how quickly a horse gets 'done'.
It’s about how they feel once it is.

Image AI

19/04/2025

🎉🎈Happy 6th Birthday, Patch!🎈🎉
Today, we celebrate six years of your light — your playful spirit, your curiosity, your gentle heart. Watching you grow into yourself has been the greatest joy.
You remind me every day to stay present, to listen with more than my ears, and to meet the world with softness and strength.
Here’s to more adventures, more discoveries, and more quiet moments where nothing needs to be said — just felt.
Love you, Patcholli ❤️

18/04/2025

Just watched this little gem from Nairie and couldn’t be happier. Her energy is absolutely glowing — so proud and joyful — and Poppy? Just look at her! Moving so freely, calm and happy in her bitless bridle today.
We’ve been playing with switching between bitless and bitted depending on the day, and this felt like such a clear “yes” from both of them.
I’m honestly so chuffed.
These moments mean everything to me...

18/04/2025

✨️Time to live✨️

After a few tough weeks — full of change, disruption, and not-so-great moments — all that’s left now is time. Time to just be with them. Everything is packed away, nothing left to prepare or plan for, and honestly… that’s probably the best thing we could have right now.

Today, Pachy gave me something I’ve been waiting on for a long time. He let me sit beside him while he lay down — and not just tolerate it, but relax into it. Yawning, softening, even drifting off. That might sound simple to some, but if you’ve followed our journey, you’ll know this is the first time he’s ever let me in like that.

Until now, he’d usually get up the moment he noticed me nearby. On some days, he wouldn’t even stay down once he saw me. Unlike Billy, who couldn’t care less whether I’m lying next to him or sitting on his shoulder, Pachy has always been more cautious. Reserved. Watching.

And to be honest, some of the tension we’ve gone through lately has involved me — not always in a negative way, but still, I’ve been there through the upheaval, and horses don’t separate events from people the way we do. So the fact that despite all that, this is what he gave me today — that softness, that quiet closeness — feels massive.

Sometimes progress doesn’t look like training wins or breakthroughs under saddle. Sometimes it’s just a horse choosing to rest in your presence, where before he would have walked away.

And for me, that means more than words can say.

You all know how I like my videos 📹 😏

15/04/2025

✨️To the ones standing on the edge of something new…✨️

There’s a quiet kind of self-doubt that shows up when you're about to bring something into the world.

Maybe you're opening a new business, offering something different, putting a part of your soul on display through your work. You start small. You undercharge. You overgive. You treasure every kind message, every small win. And deep down, you wonder—Will anyone understand what I’m trying to do?

I’m there right now.
I’m about to step into something big—building my own place, creating a home for the work I’ve been doing with horses and people. A place where connection comes first. Where communication, consent, and care guide the process. Where horses are heard. Where people feel safe to learn and grow alongside them.

And today, Patch reminded me why.

His leg had to be re-bandaged. The old one was slipping off, and I knew I had to keep it clean and protected—but he's incredibly sensitive on that leg. In the past, we had to sedate him just to go near it. But today… today was different. We went through what felt like a little dance battle. He threw hooks, made his feelings very clear, and for a moment, I felt absolutely miserable. Like I was failing him.

But I stopped. I slowed down. I listened.
And together, over two hours, we found a way—on his terms.
He let me touch his wound. He let me wrap the leg. Calmly. Trustingly.
And then… I saw it.
A softness in his face. A look I hadn’t seen in days. Relief. Trust. Peace.
That moment—that is why I do this. Why I keep going. Why this work matters.

And I was reminded again that horses, like humans, are individuals.
Not problems to be fixed. Not boxes to tick. Souls to meet. Stories to listen to.

Today, two clients messaged me—one saying they couldn’t have come this far without me. Another, receiving free sessions, told me how much this support has meant. These words mean more than I can ever explain. They root me in my purpose.

Because sometimes, when a business grows, something gets lost. The care. The warmth. The humanity. That feeling of “we’re in this together.”
But I want to say this—out loud, in writing, for the future:

I will stay grounded in humility.
I will remain close to the reason why I began.
I will continue to care deeply, to be present, to listen, and to honour each horse and human that crosses my path.

And to you—yes, you—if you're on the edge of creating something, doubting yourself, or wondering if your thing is "good enough"...

Please hear this:

No one else can bring what you bring.
They might offer something similar. They might imitate parts.
But no one will ever create it with your colours, your energy, your story, your love.

So don’t waste time wondering if people will like it.
Don’t hold back waiting for it to be more polished or more proven.
Do your thing.
Your people will come.
Your horses will feel it.
And your work will speak in ways words never could.

Believe in yourself. Respect what you’re creating.
And if ever you forget who you are—look at your horse.

❤️They never doubt you.❤️

*AI generated us a wee picture and I love it!*

15/04/2025

I love days like this...

12/04/2025

✨️Nyree and Poppy — a bond built on patience, trust, and two hearts learning to soften together.✨️

Today’s session was one of those moments that quietly take your breath away. Not because it was loud or dramatic, but because it was so real. Nyree has poured so much heart and effort into this journey, and while it hasn’t been easy, it’s been worth it. Poppy didn’t have the easiest life, and for a long time, her answer to discomfort was tension — tight body, high head, braced against the world. And Nyree, doing her very best, would often unknowingly meet that tension with her own. They were triggering each other, stuck in a loop that felt impossible to break.

But not today.

For the second session in a row, something has shifted — and this time, the change feels like it’s here to stay. Poppy carries herself soft and low, showing moments of uncertainty but returning to calm when met with understanding. Nyree has learned to listen in a way that Poppy can hear. And together, they are finding the sweet spot where communication lives.

As I always say, once the relationship is in place, a lot of other things fix themselves on their own. Today, Poppy — the same horse who once couldn’t tolerate being shut in her stable — stood calmly in a wide open stable while Nyree moved freely around her, mixing feed. Not a single twitch. No brace. Just peace. That’s not training — that’s relationship.

The way Nyree has embraced her role — not just as a rider, but as a partner — makes me so proud. Her awareness, her willingness to soften, to reflect, and to adjust… that’s the reason this relationship is blossoming.

These are the moments I live for. Not just the visible progress, but the invisible threads of connection being woven, slowly and surely, between two very special souls.

Enjoy their wee video 😌✨️

11/04/2025

Thank you Rhiann Charters for sharing your superb wee video ! So proud of you!

08/04/2025

✨️Because They Know✨️

Patch had to be sedated today to get the stitches out of his leg. He’s needle-shy (another somethingto work on 🙈) , and before we managed to inject into the muscle, we had a bit of a struggle trying through the vein.
Right then, Billy walked over.

Once the sedation was in and I sat with Patch while it kicked in, Billy stayed close.
He offered both emotional and physical support—positioning himself at Patch’s hind end, the most vulnerable spot, as if to say, “I’ve got your back.”
Then he moved to Patch’s side and stood with him through the whole process.
And when Patch began to wake up, Billy quietly walked away and carried on with his day.

Billy always shows up when Patch is worried or unsure
It’s not a coincidence.
It’s care. It’s instinct. It’s connection.

Yes, in some herds, the weak or injured are pushed away. That’s nature’s way of protecting the group.
But even in that, some horses choose to offer support.
They stay. They comfort. They know.

So if your horse has a buddy they trust, let them be there in the hard moments.
Sometimes what looks like interference is actually just love—in the only language they need.

✨️Have you seen your horses do something like this?✨️

06/04/2025

📦 A Little Note as We Begin to Pack Up 📦

🚛 In just one month, I’ll be closing the gate on one chapter that’s meant everything to me. I’ll be loading up the boys, the gear, the memories—and heading off to start our next chapter, full of excitement and big opportunities for both horses and people.

I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve built. And it’s all thanks to every single person and horse I’ve had the privilege to work with. You’ve taught me, you continue to teach me, and you’ll keep guiding me forward as this work evolves in new spaces.

To all of you who have been part of this journey so far—thank you.
Thank you for your trust.
Thank you for your time, your openness, your willingness to grow.
Whether we worked together once or walked through weeks, months, whether we are still in touch or not —your stories are woven into mine. I carry them with me.

🎊This isn’t a goodbye. It’s a shift.🎊

I’ll be keeping this page alive and well—sharing the move, the miles, the moments in between, and what unfolds on the other side. You’re welcome to stay here with me, if you’d like. I’d love for you to follow along.

Also—if you’ve been sitting with something you feel needs attention before I leave, now is the time to message me. I’ll do my best to fit in anything urgent before the boxes are closed and the wheels start rolling.

There’s something quite special about taking the heart of this work and placing it on new ground.
It’s real.
It’s happening.
It’s time.

Here’s to the next part of the journey—and to all of you who helped me and believed in us.

06/04/2025

✨️When a Horse Comes to You—What Are They Really Saying?✨️

We often look for affection in our horses the way we’d look for it in another human.
They come up to us? That must mean they love us.
They stay away? They must be angry. Distant. Offended. Maybe even rejecting us.

But horses don’t work that way.

They don’t come up to hug you. They don’t hold grudges like people do. And they don’t seek out your presence for the same reasons another person might.

So when your horse comes to you—or when they don’t—it’s worth asking:
Is it relationship? Is it need? Or is it simply not time yet?
Are they drawn to your company because of the connection you’ve built together?
Or because you usually come with a bucket or a treat?
Or maybe they keep their distance because… they’re still figuring you out.

This is where we have to pause and reflect—on what we bring, and how we read what they’re saying.

Billy often chooses to come and sit with me in the field. He doesn’t expect anything. He doesn’t ask for anything. He just comes. He’s present. Peaceful. The connection is light and easy. And I know it’s not because he’s looking to get something from me—he’s just okay being with me. That kind of relationship took time, but it’s built on trust, softness, and choice.

Patch, on the other hand, is in a different space. Before he got tangled in the fence, he would come to me 90% of the time I entered the field. Even with tack in hand, he would approach. Our relationship was honest, clear, and growing strong.

But the fence accident changed something. The trauma. The vet visits. The pain. And I was part of all of it—helping, holding, doing what needed to be done. That shook the trust. Not destroyed it. Not erased it. But shifted it.

After that, Patch needed space. He turned away more. Responded less. He showed signs of discomfort—physically and emotionally. And that, too, was part of our relationship. Not the end of it, but a chapter.

Within a few days, things began to shift again. He let me touch the places that were “no zones.” He allowed the physio to work with him. And just this morning, he came up to say hi. No asking. No offering. Just a little moment of checking in.

That’s not about food. That’s not about routine. That’s not even about full trust.
That’s about readiness.

So here’s the truth:
Not every horse that comes to you is choosing you.
And not every horse that walks away is saying no.
Sometimes, they come out of habit. Sometimes, out of need.
Sometimes they stay away out of uncertainty.
And sometimes… they stay close because the relationship is real.

Our job is to tell the difference.
Not through emotion. Not through what we want the horse to feel.
But through what they’re actually saying.

So next time your horse walks up—or doesn’t—ask yourself:
Are they here for me?
Are they here for something else?
Or are they simply not ready to be here at all?

And meet them wherever they are.

❤️

Super short video as a visible example of this.

31/03/2025

✨️Trust, Peace, and the Journey Back to Each Other✨️

Rhiann Charters sent me an update that speaks volumes. In just about four weeks, we’ve gone from reintroducing Rhiann and Scout , to getting back in the saddle. Their relationship, once distant, is steadily rebuilding, and both are adjusting to this new version of themselves. It’s a process—mentally and physically—but one that is moving in the right direction.

One of the biggest shifts is how Scout now approaches things that once carried tension. The mounting process, for example, has changed completely. He’s no longer guided into a narrowish space to be mounted—now he stands by the block, relaxed, with the freedom to move if he chooses. And yet, he stays. Not because he has to, but because he’s comfortable.

The stable, once a place of insecurity, that he would not walk into willingly much , has also transformed. Where before, Rhian had to shut the gate and stay with him, now she sent me a picture of a completely relaxed horse in an open stable—no stress, no guarding, just peace. And then, another photo: Scout down in the field, soaking up the sun while Rhian stands quietly in the background. That says it all.

Time and patience are what make the difference. When a horse finds peace in our presence, they start finding peace in everything else that used to be a problem. Scout isn’t being ‘fixed’; he’s just being given the space to process, adjust, and choose comfort over defensiveness. And in return, Rhian is finding her way back, too.

This is what progress looks like.

Thank you guys for being and doing ❤️ 🙏

28/03/2025

✨️Trust and Connection: A Turning Point with Patch✨️

Horses are relational animals. When they don't feel that deep trust with their humans, they often look for it elsewhere—whether from other horses, animals, or even people. The last 3 days made a significant shift in my connection with Patch, and it's a powerful reminder of trusting yourself.

Three days ago, we had a scary experience. While rolling, he got caught in the fence wire. It was a chaotic moment—he panicked, struggling to free his leg. My husband and I were in the field, and together we worked to help him. I’ve spent a lot of time with Patch, teaching him to relax under pressure instead of fighting it. That foundation played a huge role in helping him avoid a serious injury.

While my husband was trying to free Patch’s leg, I ran around looking for something to cut the wire but didn’t have any luck. Something inside of me told me to get back to P and all i remember in the chaotic state of my panic I grabbed Patch’s face and shouted “Ho! Stop!”—and he froze. That moment of stillness allowed my husband to safely release his leg, and Patch only moved when I asked him to. It was a powerful moment, a shift in our trust.

Today, after that intense experience, I found Patch lying in the field, I went to check on him, when I approached, he observed me ,let me come and say hi ,and instead of getting up after a few seconds like he normally would, he stayed down. A few minutes into it , he flattened out beside me, relaxed, and even took a little snooze.

Patch has always been a reserved horse. He takes time to trust, and even when he allowed me to sit with him, it would only last for a few seconds before he’d get up. When I sat with Bilbo, Patch would circle around, keeping his distance and staying more focused on Bilbo than me. On the rare occasions he joined us, he’d stay close to Bilbo, never fully settling near me.

It felt more than just him being tired or injured; it was a sign of trust, a sign that our bond had shifted. Moments like these don’t happen overnight. They are built through patience, understanding, and experiences that deepen our connection with our horses. And in those moments, horses show us just how much they trust us, even when we least expect it.

✨️ CREDENDO VIDES ✨️

26/03/2025

✨️Wind of Change✨️

Today was a big day for Scout and Rhiann. The plan was simple—tack up, take things step by step, and, if all felt right, have a quiet sit in the saddle. But for Scout, the simple things aren’t always so simple.

Tacking up took longer than usual, not because of physical difficulties, but because of the mental barriers he still carries. In his past, tack wasn’t something to acknowledge—it was something to shut down to. Today, for the first time, we did it properly, and Scout stayed with us. He engaged, he processed, and he communicated every step of the way. That alone was a huge win.

With that success, we moved to the mounting block. No rush, just a quiet moment to build confidence. Rhiann got on, and with me there to support, Scout took a few steps around the yard on a lead rope. Then, just as intentionally as we began, we ended—Rhiann dismounted.

✨️But what truly stood out today was Rhiann’s effort. She’s doing this the right way—for him, for herself. She’s taking her time, listening, and allowing the process to unfold. That takes patience, courage, and a deep level of care. It was an honor to support them both today, and I hope this is just the beginning of Rhiann getting back into the saddle when she feels the time is right.

Small steps, big changes.

25/03/2025

❔️❓️Rethinking Desensitization: Why Sensitivity is a Gift, Not a Problem❓️❔️

Many people believe that desensitizing a horse is the key to making them safe, but in reality, it often leads to a horse that no longer communicates honestly. Sensitivity is not something to suppress—it’s something to listen to. When a horse responds to their environment, they are showing us how they feel. If we take that away, we don’t create a braver horse; we create a disconnected one.

The goal should never be to make a horse ignore stimuli but rather to help them engage with it in a way that allows them to process and make choices. A horse that flinches, steps back, or even spooks is not misbehaving—they are expressing. The real work is in guiding them to assess the situation, stay present, and decide for themselves whether something is truly a threat or just part of the world around them.

Today with Patch, I saw a real shift. In the past, he would simply freeze, shutting down rather than reacting. That kind of stillness isn’t a sign of confidence—it’s a sign of internalized stress. But today, he stayed with me. He acknowledged what was happening, processed it, and then chose to let it go. That’s the difference. We’re not forcing a horse to “get over it”; we’re offering them the space to understand and move through it at their own pace.

You can’t prepare a horse for every unexpected thing they’ll ever face, but you can show them that they have the ability to navigate uncertainty without fear. And that starts with respecting their sensitivity, not dulling it.

Bridging Hearts and Hooves

24/04/2025

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19/04/2025

19/04/2025

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18/04/2025

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