15/07/2025
Tuesday Check-In: It’s Not as Easy as It Looks! 🐴
This week, we’re catching up with our fab apprentice groom Maddie, who’s working through the Your Horsemanship program with her own 3yo Dartmoor Hill pony, Flint — with a little help from Hamish, of course!
They’re building on the flexions, rope work, and longlining Flint has learned in the halter as they begin introducing him to what the bit means. It's a big step, and it takes patience, feel, and timing (plus a fair bit of coordination — ropes, pony, brain… all at once!).
🎯 Top Tips from Hamish:
Keep arms long, rope short – this way, you can easily shorten by bending your elbow and lengthen by letting it slip through your hand.
Recognise flexions easily – place your rope hand on your horse near the wither so you can see the rope go slack when your horse softens.
Focus on one thing at a time – when introducing something new, stay on task. Don’t try to fix something at the same time, or you’ll just confuse your horse.
🎬 Oh, and let’s not forget — doing all this on camera (esecially when you didn't know you were going to get filmed!) adds a whole other layer of pressure! We’re all incredibly proud of Maddie, who not only takes great care of horses and owners but has a real interest in learning about training horses, too, which she is using on Flint and her ex-racehorse, Via.
✨Please keep the comments kind and encouraging — we’re all learning, and Maddie’s doing a brilliant job. 💛
