Sally Mitchell Equestrian

22/08/2024

Aww, bless little Snow Po 🐴😍. This was one of his earlier ODE’s when he was still finding it all a little bit scarey and lacking in confidence. We got there in the end though with a little bit more practice 😁👍

21/08/2024

*Self-Carriage* I took little Brucey in the arena the other day to see how he was doing 🐴🥰. I regularly test for self-carriage with all the horses I train, by giving and re-taking the reins for one or two strides.

Self-carriage is not just about the head and neck. I also want to check:

• Does the horse stay in the same rhythm (speed) when I give the rein or remove leg contact, or does he speed up or slow down? If he speeds up or slows down, I correct the mistake by re-applying the appropriate aid and then repeat the test for self-carriage again, until he learns to maintain rhythm for himself. I don’t want to be holding him slow or nagging him to go. I want ‘Cruise Control’ 👌☺️.

• Does my horse stay on my line, when I give the rein, or does he drift? If he drifts I just correct the mistake with the appropriate aid and then repeat the test for self-carriage until he learns to maintain line for himself (straightness). I don’t want to be holding him on my line.

• Does his head and neck change when I give the rein? Ideally I don’t want the head and neck to change, as I want to know that I am not holding him in a frame, I want him to maintain his own outline (posture). However I also want to check, did he just need that extra inch or half inch of rein to be comfortable? Sometimes the horse will hide behind the contact, giving you the illusion that he is light. Contact is not for us to take, it is for the horse to seek.

I don’t want to be forcing my horse in a frame, nor do I want him leaning on my hands (of which the latter can sometimes be due to lack of balance). I want the horse to be at the end of the rein on a light contact.

A lack of self-carriage (or being constantly held with the reins or nagged with the legs) can cause stress to the horse and compromise welfare. It can also lead to conflict behaviours as the horse attempts to escape the relentless pressure.

So remember to keep checking for self-carriage with that give and retake 😊👍. It feels so much nicer for both you and the horse when they can maintain their own balance 🐎😍.

20/08/2024

Only a £1 will help keep things going for a while. Please donate 🙏

Our original Facebook post was shared far and wide, 187 times no less and had a reach of over 12,000 people 😃

This led to just 12, amazing people, getting us to 10% of our target within the first 24 hours – then it all went quiet again 🙁

Some of the generous amounts given by those 12 people, were HUGE and for that we are FOREVER grateful.

But… the fact remains that it would mean so much more to us, if the other 12,000 people gave £1 each and in doing so, would cover our running costs for almost 2 months. How awesome would that be 💪

If, like us, you are Here4Horses, we’ve made it as easy as possible for you to make this donation – just scan the QR code in the image, to give £1 via text message.

It’s a very small individual sum, that would have a huge impact on whether we sink or swim in our need to be Here4Horses.

If you can spare a larger sum we would of course, be over the moon - you can do so by following this link: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/on-thin-ice

Thank you ☺️

19/08/2024

Aww, nothing happier than a snoozing Little Socks 😴😻

18/08/2024

We are very excited to announce the launch of our own podcast series which will run for six weeks, featuring weekly episode chats with Lisa Ashton and our own Dr Andrew McLean.

Andrew is renowned for his groundbreaking work in equine behaviour, which aims to improve equine training and welfare through scientific research and practical applications. His contributions at Equitation Science International are instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for horses by promoting training methods that enhance their well-being.

Each episode will examine a different element of equitation science, providing listeners with insights into the cognitive abilities of horses, and the future and sustainability of equestrianism.

Interviewing Dr. McLean, is Lisa Ashton. Lisa is globally recognised for her innovative approach to leading positive change within equestrian organisations and for creating the first psychologically safe online equestrian community, Coffee With Horse Lovers.

Together, they will offer a comprehensive exploration of equitation, making this podcast a must-listen for anyone interested in horse training and the future of horse sports.

Podcast link: https://theotherendofthereins.buzzsprout.com/

Don't forget to click 'Follow' in your podcasting app so you don't miss an episode!

17/08/2024

Little Brucey enjoying his bodywork session yesterday from Mary Sargeant of Equine Bodyworks By Mary Sargeant 🐴🥰

Mary being very brave coming to breezy Briestfield in shorts 😎💨🍃🤣

15/08/2024

Gorgeous girl, Holly, who has come for bringing back into work after a few months off, has been doing really well. Initially doing some groundwork, to help get to know her and check how her responses are. Also just to help her get used to using her little body again after some time off, without the extra weight of a rider. Then moving onto ridden work.

Holly’s owner, Elaine, has been coming regularly to spend some time with her and watch her be worked. Elaine has also been learning some of the groundwork techniques as, obviously, we want her to continue with the same consistent work when she gets home and the groundwork is just so useful anyway for general handling and for helping to create calm, happy horses🐴😌.

We’ve had a few hacks out too and she has been fab. She’s a very sweet girl, I’m really enjoying working with her 🐴😍.

14/08/2024

Aww lovely memories of my gorgeous little Snow Po 🐴😍

12/08/2024

What is the optimal number of improved or correct repetitions for efficient learning?

New neural pathways cannot sustain repeated stimulation due to the massive oxygen and glucose demands of brain tissue and their lack of maturation. Thus, training presents a dilemma: while more repetitions can consolidate learning, excessive repetitions may lead to a decline in learning and welfare.

However, it is known that in naïve animals, learning can begin to manifest after a few repetitions (Skinner, 1938). This suggests that trainers should terminate practice after eliciting three to five consecutive correct, improved, or corrected responses.

Although it is an age-old maxim in horse training to always "end on a good note," it is likely more efficient to conclude with a short series of correct or improved responses.

- A passage from Equitation Science, 2nd Edition. Andrew McLean, Paul McGreevy, Janne Whinther Christensen & Uta König von Borstel.

09/08/2024

Looks like little Brucey has worked his charms on new girl Holly🐴😍. We all knew he would didn’t we 🥰

09/08/2024

It is worrying for us, that despite our best efforts, we repeatedly face serious trouble financially.
Our future is far from secure. 🥹

As a small, volunteer run charity, we are always under pressure to pay the bills, as we don’t yet have the income of a more established organisation.

It currently costs around £240 per day to keep the Here4Horses wheels turning. 🙏🙏🙏
This might seem like a lot of money for some people and surprisingly little for others - equivalent perhaps to just one Director level salary in a big company.

Nevertheless - we rely heavily on our team of wonderful volunteers who step up time and again to help keep us afloat. They all wear halos 😇

Of course, there are also lots of lovely people who donate or fundraise for us and it’s a great cause for celebration when this happens. 🤩🤩
If you think you could run a fundraiser for Here4Horses we would love for you to get in touch. ❤️🐎❤️

More than 70 horses and ponies will spend the rest of their lives directly benefitting from the fact that we are Here4Horses. Hundred’s more have indirectly been helped, through our expertise, intervention, advice and commitment to education. 🐎❤️🐎

Having taken in 3 more ponies recently, we have no choice but to close our doors until the situation improves. This makes us sad. 🥲

Can we therefore ask a favour; that if you share our ethos and appreciate the great work we do, could you please try to help in any small way you can? 💪💪💪

We need donations. 💰
We need you and your friends to actively fundraise for us. ☺️
We also need your help to increase exposure and share our cause!
🙌
We need high-profile ambassadors who can bring us to a wider audience - do you know someone who can help?

Please Be Here4Horses and give what you can here: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/on-thin-ice

Please share to your friends and family and THANK YOU everyone ☺️

07/08/2024

Imagine a world where dressage scores were awarded for the most ethical performance? The lightest of pressures, the most self-carriage, the least amount of gear, and so on.

As in other sports, many horse-owners, trainers and riders will arrive at a choice between doing something ‘bad’ that may increase their chances of winning, or not doing it and relinquishing the possibility of first place.

It may be a decision about using a gadget or a drug, withholding food or water, or hurting the horse.

The extent to which sport horses are coerced to perform is often the focus of welfare debates. Equitation science will be able to play a vital role in deciding the outcome of these discussions, and, particularly in dressage competition, emergent technology will remove subjectivity from judging and will underpin the development of high-welfare dressage.

The sport of soccer has set an excellent example of how judges’ decisions can be supported by technology (e.g., by introducing goal-line technology to increase objectivity of judges’ decisions when keeping scores).

Equestrian sports that involve judging decisions might be well advised to learn a lesson from the progressiveness of other sports and science may be able to help us value training of any manoeuvre that is dependent on and achieved through lightness of pressure (i.e., attesting to self-carriage and the horse’s self-maintenance of rhythm, straightness and outline).

Equitation Science, 2nd Edition, Andrew McLean, Paul McGreevy, Janne Whinther Christensen & Uta König von Borstel

05/08/2024

New girl Holly meeting little Brucey 😍 Although I don’t think she could decide whether she liked his attention or not 😂.

Holly has come for bringing back into work after some time off and some further schooling. She’s a very sweet girl and I’m looking forward to working with her 🐴🥰

02/08/2024

Nala and Socks wondering who let the horses into their mouse-catching field 😾

31/07/2024

A lovely day up in Guisley, helping Shannon Davey with some loading practice for her gorgeous little baby Arthur. He is such a polite little baby, thanks to all the good groundwork Shannon has done with him 🐴🥰.

I will be heading up that way again soon, so if anyone in the area or on the way would like some help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Private message or contact me on Tel: 07801 946775

30/07/2024

29/07/2024

Had a great time at the Manuela McLean Clinic this weekend. A wide variety of lessons to watch, from a gorgeous little 3yr old Fell pony doing groundwork, to the amazing Mr Fonz who is currently competing at Prix St George, along with everything in between.

Lovely to catch up with Manuela and all the other like minded spectators and participants. All with the same goal in mind, to train horses whilst prioritising good welfare 🐴🥰.

Huge thanks to Lindsay Wilcox-Reid for organising such a fabulous clinic and of course to Manuela for being so generous with her knowledge.

25/07/2024

A tired little Brucey, even too tired for breakfast in bed 😴🐴. He eventually decided it might be worth lifting his head up for, nom nom 😋

24/07/2024

This is where I will be heading this weekend 😁. Looking forward to catching up with Manuela and many others 🥰

Not long now before Manuela McLean will conduct her UK clinic at Derby College.

The venue has a beautiful indoor school, ample parking, and plentiful seating, making it the perfect location.

For those who prefer to observe and learn, there will be plenty of space for spectators. Manuela always enjoys engaging with the audience and providing opportunities to ask questions.

The spectator place includes tea, coffee, and biscuits for £36 per day.

https://facebook.com/events/s/manuela-mclean-2024-equitation/947579646818354/

20/07/2024

Some more loading practice with baby Fell pony, Sula. We had the chance to try her on Hoofing Around Transport’s horsebox, which was very useful as that’s who will be taking her home on Monday and this gorgeous box is quite different inside to mine. This was also the box she got panicked in when closing the partition, on the day she was coming here, which caused her to do a runner and not want to go back in, so we wanted to get her used to having the partition closed again without the panic stations this time 👌☺️.

So she’s all ready to go home on Monday and we will all be very sad to say goodbye 🥲 as she’s such a little character and such a friendly little pony, she’s been an absolute pleasure to have around 🐴🥰 Hoofing Around - Equine Transport

19/07/2024

Nice to finally be able to sit outside in the evening and chill 😌🍹🎶. I’ve been doing so much ragworting this week I can hardly move 😖 (and still more to do) but this makes it all worthwhile, watching the amazing moon (which never looks as good on the photo)

🎶Quintus Project- Night Flight (Lexx Edit)🎶
https://youtu.be/_nvUjNtmXUs?si=XteIxLICDdgyCTYs

18/07/2024

Well the excitement for Brucey was short lived as he’s now thrown a splint, just below his knee 😞. I swear this pony is destined never to be ridden! So no sooner had I finished hosing Snowy’s leg, it’s now Brucey’s turn 🤕.

Horses, who’d have em 🤯

17/07/2024

Some more loading practice for baby Fell pony, Sula. Getting her used to the partition being closed, as that’s what caused her to panic and then not want to go in when she was on her way here. Doing very well 👌☺️. It’s much better for them when you can do it in a few shorter sessions, rather than one big session, but obviously that’s not always possible when you haven’t got them at home.

Also getting the, ‘Lesser Spotted Connor’ roped in to help (he doesn’t venture out onto the yard much, so you won’t see him very often 👀😂).

Just need to have a go in Jo’s horsebox from Hoofing Around Transport, as that’s who will be taking her home next week and it’s a little different to my horsebox.

16/07/2024

15/07/2024

Yay 🎉 Feeling very happy with little Brucey today, first hack out for a while and he FINALLY felt like he was pushing from behind and not just ‘trundling’ along 🙌🤩🐴.

He didn’t feel great after his hock injections, just seemed a bit ‘off’ and not a happy boy 😢. Mind you it did coincide with the awful cold, wet and windy weather, which never seems to do him any favours 🙁 (cue winter rug having to be dug out in June, crazy 🥶). I have to admit, having a horse with muscle disease (MIM) has really thrown my usual rugging protocols into turmoil, especially this year with the summer feeling more like autumn 🍁, I feel like I’m never going to get his rug off at this rate 😞. However, I’ve come to realise that keeping him well rugged does seem to keep him more comfortable.

Anyway, I decided to give him a couple of weeks off to give the ulcer meds a chance to kick in and then back to walking out in hand initially, whilst introducing walking over poles which I put on the yard so that he didn’t have to go in the arena.

He has had a full month on his ulcer meds now too, so maybe it’s all finally coming together for him as he felt really good today 🤞☺️🤞

14/07/2024

- Training Scale -

To date, there is a lot of confusion on the rider's behalf about what the two concepts here, roundness and self carriage, actually mean.
Here is an attempt to clarify what the true meaning of these two concepts are.

Self-carriage means that your horse maintains its own speed ( tempo ) directional line & postural outline, without support from a rider.

Roundness ( postural outline ) is the overall shape that develops as a result of correct & systematic training over a period of time.

Roundness refers to the arched head, neck and apparently rounded body posture acquired by the horse in correct dressage training. It's characterized by self carriage, where the horse has learned to persist in his speed, directional line, and head, neck and body posture without support from the rider. Roundness is however a frequently forced response where the rider increases tension on the reins until the horse shortens its neck or uses concurrent rein tension and leg pressures to "drive the horse onto the bit".
Although this is contrary to practices of classical and ethical dressage, it provides the illusion of roundness and collection and is known as false collection. However, dressage experts, experienced coaches and trainers can readily perceive the incorrect outline, where the neck is shortened, and the back is hollow. The result is that rider's tight control on the reins to maintain this posture will lead to neck and back muscles working incorrectly - and preventing correct development of the topline. The same happens with lunging systems where a horse is forced into an outline.

There are a number of significant welfare issues surrounding this type of training which manifests in a range of problems from tension to conflict behaviors. Sadly, the origin of these behaviors often goes unrecognized.

( References: Equitation Science International, Academic Horse Training )