Lucy Butt - Equine Behaviourist

25/11/2024

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER AVALIABILITY

I have some remaining dates for sessions throughout November and December. These sessions can be completely tailored to you and your horse.

I am a qualified equine behaviour consultant, specialising in young horses. I use positive reinforcement methods to help shape desirable behaviours in our horses. Whether you are new to positive reinforcement training or a seasoned professional, I can help get the best out of you and your horse!

I can help with:
✅ Problem Solving (loading, mounting, veterinary treatments etc.)
✅ Young horse handling
✅ Young horse starting
✅ Introduction to R+
✅ Liberty training

And much more!

Wednesday 27th - AM Stock/Chelmsford
Thursday 18th - AM Colchester
Friday 29th - some AM and PM slots Stock/Chelmsford/Braintree

Monday 2nd - PM anywhere in Essex
Wednesday 4th - AM Colchester/Tiptree
Thursday 5th - PM Colchester

Wednesday 11th - anytime
Thursday 12th - AM anywhere in Essex
Friday 13th - AM Witham/Chelmsford
Sunday 15th - PM Maldon/Tiptree

I have some dates further into December too if you can't do any of the above!

Message me to get booked in!

📷 by the amazing Jessica Grange Photography

25/11/2024

1 WEEK TO GO!

We have lots of you signed up already. The content is nearly ready to go🤩

It's not late to sign up!!

DECEMBER CHALLENGE - R+

So I have had something in the works for a little while that I am excited to bring to you all.

Winter is a bleak time for most horse owners and we struggle with short days, cold, rain etc. So I figured I would do an easy to follow challenge to help motivate you in December.

This is perfect for beginners and experienced R+ (positive reinforcement) trainers and can be done with the facilities and equipment you have already.

Throughout December I will send you a new challenge each Monday for you to practice throughout the week. There will be a private page set up for you to post videos and questions in which I can answer, this will also provide a supportive virtual environment.

This challenge is suitable for horses and owners of any age and only requires a few minutes of training throughout the week, so don't stress if you can't do any training mid-week! There are also plenty of challenges that can be completed in a stable/yard setting.

All plans including videos of each task will be sent straight to your email every Monday. This means you can access it anytime, forever! I have included both written instructions and video instructions to help suit different learning styles :)

How it works:

1. Head to this link https://www.lucybuttequinebehaviourist.com/product-page/december-challenge

2. Purchase the December challenge for £15

3. I will send you information on how to join the facebook group

4. Wait until Monday 2nd December when you will receive your first challenge

5. Complete the challenge and post videos and questions on the facebook group as often as you like!

6. Complete the challenges at your own pace throughout December

7. Have fun!

Any questions about how this works pop me a message :)

I hope you all find this useful and look forward to sharing it with everyone!

25/11/2024

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC
THIS WEEKEND!

I have a young horse obstacle clinic on Saturday 30th November 12:15-1:45pm.
We only have a few spaces left so message me to secure your place.

Water Farm EC is based in Raydon, Suffolk and have recently had a refurb of their indoor arena with a brand new surface. We will be inside so no need to worry about the weather!

These clinics are popular and we always hear excellent feedback from attendees, with many coming back again and again! It is perfect for all horses and owners to help their horses feel relaxed and happy in a new place.

Our sessions are run in groups of up to 5, we find this helps horses settle as we know they feel safer in herd environments. It is a no pressure environment so there is no expectation to do all or any of the obstacles. We would much rather it be a positive experience for your horse. We use desensitisation and absolutely NO FLOODING.

Pop me a message to find out more and secure your place :)

19/11/2024

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC 13/11

Another wonderful young horse clinic last week. We had some wonderful horses and owners, was lovely to see some familiar faces too :)

It's always wonderful to see the change in horses confidence from the beginning to the end of the session.

It is always important to not pressure our horses into doing the obstacles and allowing them to explore the obstacles at their own pace. For some horses the environment is enough by itself!

Well done everyone 🥰

The next young horse clinic is Saturday 30th November at Water Farm EC (Suffolk) we have some spaces for this left so pop me a message !

18/11/2024

DECEMBER CHALLENGE - R+

So I have had something in the works for a little while that I am excited to bring to you all.

Winter is a bleak time for most horse owners and we struggle with short days, cold, rain etc. So I figured I would do an easy to follow challenge to help motivate you in December.

This is perfect for beginners and experienced R+ (positive reinforcement) trainers and can be done with the facilities and equipment you have already.

Throughout December I will send you a new challenge each Monday for you to practice throughout the week. There will be a private page set up for you to post videos and questions in which I can answer, this will also provide a supportive virtual environment.

This challenge is suitable for horses and owners of any age and only requires a few minutes of training throughout the week, so don't stress if you can't do any training mid-week! There are also plenty of challenges that can be completed in a stable/yard setting.

All plans including videos of each task will be sent straight to your email every Monday. This means you can access it anytime, forever! I have included both written instructions and video instructions to help suit different learning styles :)

How it works:

1. Head to this link https://www.lucybuttequinebehaviourist.com/product-page/december-challenge

2. Purchase the December challenge for £15

3. I will send you information on how to join the facebook group

4. Wait until Monday 2nd December when you will receive your first challenge

5. Complete the challenge and post videos and questions on the facebook group as often as you like!

6. Complete the challenges at your own pace throughout December

7. Have fun!

Any questions about how this works pop me a message :)

I hope you all find this useful and look forward to sharing it with everyone!

13/11/2024

Happening tonight! Spectators welcome but please make sure you stay in the gallery! I will be available for a chat afterwards if you have any questions :)

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC

Beechwood EC 13th November 6:45-8:15pm

This will likely be our last young horse clinic of the year at Beechwood as the diary is already pretty full for December! So now is the best time to get booked in.

We have a variety of different obstacles set up and a qualified equine behaviour consultant on hand to help you and your horse stay nice and relaxed throughout the session. We won't push them past their comfort zones and the sessions are never about completing the obstacles!

We always receive excellent feedback and often have people returning to our next clinic!

Message me today to secure your place!

12/11/2024

MOUNTING AND RIDING - FOOD ANXIOUS HORSE

Gemma and Elsa are doing AMAZING!

I have the pleasure of going to help Gemma and her adorable Redwings pony Elsa. When Elsa first arrived she had some anxiety around food . Gemma has done lots of positive reinforcement previously and has been doing an amazing job with her. We found a combination of constant access to forage, water, being near her friends and chaff mixed with some grass nuts was the ultimate combination for Elsa.

Gemma has done an excellent job of helping Elsa understand cues from the ground and they have been on lots of walks exploring their local area. Elsa has had some previous riding experience but we aren't sure how long ago/what she got up to etc. so we started from scratch.

Gemma has sat on Elsa a few times and she has been super. We set up an amazing pole exercise that I picked up from Trudi Dempsey: Equine Trainer and Behaviour Consultant to teach Elsa to come between two poles, touch a cone and be in the perfect position for Gemma to get on. Once she was good at this we introduced Gemma on the block and gradually putting some weight on her back and then getting on.

The first combination of videos was about 2 weeks before the actual riding ones!

Once Elsa mastered this, we set up a combination of cones. This gives Elsa a clear indication of where to go next. We will now introduce the walk-on vocal cue ridden so we can gradually remove the cones.

Amazing job Gemma and Elsa! Can't wait to see you out and about having fun 🥰

Thank for allowing me to share!

07/11/2024

Yes...There are no bad horses, they all just communicate through each single behaviour they may express and it's our own responsibility to understand the reason and work about it...

Picture source unknown

05/11/2024

HOW TO SURIVIVE FIREWORK NIGHT(S)

Fireworks night is often one dreaded by animal owners due to it's potential to cause extreme fear and potentially injury to our beloved animals.

Unfortunately, it now appears to be multiple nights of fireworks rather than just today! Therefore, we need to be prepared for this whole week and weekend.

I have put together this document to hopefully help you best prepare your animals for the nights ahead. One major point I want to make is, keep your horse in their usual routine but provide extra forage and extra enrichment (treat ball, lick mats, slow feeders etc.) It is debated whether it is best for a horse to be in or out, ideally for me they would be out. Horses are flight animals, this means they feel safer if they are able to get 'away' from something. However, you can obviously have this result in them running through fences in panic. Also, horses that are always kept in at night might find this change of routine disruptive.

Ultimately, you know your horse best but I would strongly consider keeping them in a field with friends and lots of forage. If you are able to come to your yard at regular intervals throughout the evenings to top up their forage and ensure they are doing okay, this will be great too!

If you know your horse reacts extremely to fireworks or they are going to be nearby, perhaps consider contacting your vet about sedative options - but remember, it is best these are administered when the horse is relaxed and the horse cannot eat until the sedative has worn off.

I hope you and your horses stay calm, relaxed and healthy throughout this period!

04/11/2024

NOVEMBER AVALIABILITY

I have some remaining dates for sessions throughout November. These sessions can be completely tailored to you and your horse.

I am a qualified equine behaviour consultant, specialising in young horses. I use positive reinforcement methods to help shape desirable behaviours in our horses. Whether you are new to positive reinforcement training or a seasoned professional, I can help get the best out of you and your horse!

I can help with:
✅ Problem Solving (loading, mounting, veterinary treatments etc.)
✅ Young horse handling
✅ Young horse starting
✅ Introduction to R+
✅ Liberty training

And much more!

Tuesday 5th - AM Colchester/surrounding areas
Wednesday 6th - AM Chelmsford/Stock/Brentwood
Thursday 7th - AM Colchester/surrounding areas
Friday 8th - AM/PM Chelmsford/Stock/Brentwood
Saturday 9th - AM Maldon/Witham

Wednesday 13th - AM Colchester/surrounding areas
Thursday 14th - PM Chelmsford/Braintree/surrounding areas
Friday 15th - AM Chelmsford/Stock/Brentwood

I also have a bit more availability throughout the last 2 weeks of November but have few weekend dates available now!

Message me to get booked in!

📷 by the amazing Jessica Grange Photography

04/11/2024

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC

Beechwood EC 13th November 6:45-8:15pm

This will likely be our last young horse clinic of the year at Beechwood as the diary is already pretty full for December! So now is the best time to get booked in.

We have a variety of different obstacles set up and a qualified equine behaviour consultant on hand to help you and your horse stay nice and relaxed throughout the session. We won't push them past their comfort zones and the sessions are never about completing the obstacles!

We always receive excellent feedback and often have people returning to our next clinic!

Message me today to secure your place!

04/11/2024

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC

Water Farm EC - 30th November 12:15-1:45pm

Our next Suffolk young horse clinic will be at Water Farm on the 30th November. This will include a variety of obstacles, I will help you and your horse become more confident in a new place.

We have had such excellent feedback from these sessions and how they have helped both owners and horses feel more confident about new situations!

Message me to get booked in as spaces are likely to fill fast!

29/10/2024

I have 3 spaces remaining for this clinic!

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC

Good Evening everyone!

I have another Young Horse Clinic running at Beechwood EC on Wednesday 13th November from 6:45-8:15pm.

Spaces are limited and these usually get booked up quickly so message me if you would like to book!

I will hopefully have a date for Water Farm (Suffolk) later this week :)

21/10/2024

3 spaces remaining for this clinic!!

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC

Good Evening everyone!

I have another Young Horse Clinic running at Beechwood EC on Wednesday 13th November from 6:45-8:15pm.

Spaces are limited and these usually get booked up quickly so message me if you would like to book!

I will hopefully have a date for Water Farm (Suffolk) later this week :)

20/10/2024

MID WEEK AVAILABILITY

I have some mid-week availability this week for training sessions. These can cover:

🥕 Introducting R+ training
🚦 Problem Solving
🐴 Young Horse Training/Starting

And much more!

Message me today to secure your slot!

16/10/2024

It's so important we protect our equine professionals!!

14/10/2024

YOUNG HORSE CLINIC

Good Evening everyone!

I have another Young Horse Clinic running at Beechwood EC on Wednesday 13th November from 6:45-8:15pm.

Spaces are limited and these usually get booked up quickly so message me if you would like to book!

I will hopefully have a date for Water Farm (Suffolk) later this week :)

11/10/2024

APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

I am back from an amazing 2 weeks in the USA being a cowgirl and attending a clinic 🇺🇸

Looking forward to seeing my regular clients and I have some availability for new clients.

Message me to discuss how I can help 🙂

📸 of the gorgeous Two Socks atop a beautiful Montanan mountain!