Learn Equine

31/12/2025

As this year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how much can change when we’re willing to take small, brave steps into the unknown.

This quote feels especially fitting as I look ahead.

The year ahead feels like a turning point for me.

✨ I’ll be finishing my qualifications

✨ I’ll be building the next chapter of Learn Equine, including a new website

✨ And yes, stepping away from my employed role to fully follow this path

It feels exciting, grounding, and a little uncomfortable, which usually tells me I’m heading in the right direction.

Learn Equine will continue to grow as a space for thoughtful horsemanship, emotional awareness, and connection for both horses and humans.

If you’ve been part of the journey so far, thank you.

If you’re new here, welcome, there’s plenty more to come, and please come and join our community page.

Here’s to learning with horses, and letting them teach us who we’re becoming 🐴✨

Lisa
🐴🌿

23/11/2025

Penultimate day of counselling diploma finished, I am not quite sure I believe it but here we are, what a journey over the last two years.

07/10/2025

After seeing this quote recently, I’ve been reflecting on how empathy weaves itself through every moment we spend with a horse. It’s easy to focus on the technicalities, the precision of a transition, the correctness of a frame, but I think real connection begins in the quiet spaces between those things.

Empathy, to me, is the invisible thread that binds horse and rider. It’s the soft awareness of another being’s experience, their breath beneath your leg, the rhythm of their heartbeat, the subtle shifts in their body that speak volumes if only we pause to listen. It’s a kind of listening that goes beyond words or aids, beyond training plans or goals.

When I ride with empathy, something changes. The movement ceases to be a task and becomes a conversation. There’s a shared trust, a sense that both spirits are moving toward the same moment of balance and grace. It’s here that the art of dressage truly lives, not in perfection, but in partnership.

Perhaps this is what makes great riding so powerful to watch: it’s not just skill we see, but understanding. The rider’s empathy breathes life into the form, turning precision into poetry and discipline into dance. 🐴❤️

23/09/2025

This will be good, open to members and non-members

Since it's establishment in 2018, the EBA has been advocating for a move 'beyond behaviourism' in the equine world. We can learn much from others travelling the same path with other species.

We are delighted that Andrew Hale is presenting our next webinar, and will be sharing some of the new insights now being considered in animal training and behaviour. Moving beyond the usual mechanics of behaviour change, Andrew will introduce the principle of the individuals lived emotional experience, with a strong focus on social and emotional safety. Drawing from the latest in human and animal behavioural science, Andrew will explore what motivates historically held received wisdoms and make a case for why many now need to be reappraised. Whilst Andrew works with dogs, the content of this talk will be applicable to not only horses, but the humans they share their lives with.

Andrew Hale BSc, ISCP.Dip.Canine.Prac is a Certified Canine Behaviourist. He is the behaviour consultant for Pet Remedy, an expert advisor for Canine Arthritis Management and the British Isles Grooming Association, and is a Kids Around Dogs Trainer. He also acts as a consultant to many dog welfare and rescue organisation. He runs the successful Dog Centred Care platform, transforming the perceptions and language around dog training and behaviour. With a background in Human Psychology, Andrew is passionate about exploring the emotional experience that lies behind behaviour, both in dogs and the humans around them. Andrew also runs a support service for animal care professionals called Your Safe Space, which offers mentoring, counselling, coaching and supervision.

To book your place, visit https://equinebehaviouraffiliation.org/product/behaviour_matters_andrew_hale/

18/09/2025

I cannot recommend this enough, even if it is just to learn more for you and your own horses 👌

30/08/2025

The Farmers Club on 23 October will be discussing Applied Equine Psychology - the book with authors Sharon Smith - EBA Registered Equine Psychology Specialist and Marie-Louise Holmes .

The event is open to non-members and includes a talk and Q&A with Sharon Smith and Marie-Louise Holmes, a drinks reception and dinner with wine.

https://www.thefarmersclub.com/events .EVENTS.BRIEF

Please note that non-members need to book directly by phone:

Office +44 (0)20 7930 3751

24/08/2025

TRANS-SPECIES PSYCHOLOGY IS NOT ANTHROPOMORPHISM

Both anthropomorphism - attributing human traits to animals - and anthropodenial can be problematic for several reasons:

1. Misunderstanding Behaviour: Misinterpretation of emotional state, such as assuming a dog's wagging tail always indicates happiness, or using 'one-technique-fits-all' practices.

2. Ethical Issues: It may justify the misuse and/or mistreatment of animals in particular contexts (e.g. entertainment, research) or more generally.

3. Biased Research: resulting in, and building upon, skewed scientific observations and conclusions.

4. Conservation Impact: Unrealistic expectations can affect conservation efforts, and lead to dangerous human-wildlife interactions.

5. Cultural Misrepresentations: perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions, resulting in falsely-confident cultural belief and institutional bias.

FEEL FREE TO SHARE!

30/05/2025

06/04/2025

I came across this quote recently, and it spoke to me in so many ways - while riding, spending time with horses, working with people, and even in my own personal journey.

It’s been a little quiet on here lately—life has been full with my counselling diploma, which is now well into its second year. It’s been a deep and transformative process, and I’m learning so much about the power of presence, observation, and slowing down.

This quote reminded me how important it is to pause. To really watch. And not just with our eye - but to listen and feel what’s going on beneath the surface. Whether we’re working with horses, connecting with others, or checking in with ourselves, there’s so much wisdom in silence and stillness.

In the rush of everyday life, it’s easy to fall into pressure and expectation - on ourselves, our horses, and the people around us. But what if we gave everyone (and ourselves) the benefit of the doubt? What if we slowed down just enough to really see and hear what’s going on?

That might just be my phrase for 2025: give the benefit of the doubt ♥️

Just some quiet Sunday reflections I wanted to share with you.

What’s something you’ve learned lately from slowing down? 🖤🐴

07/01/2025

🌟 Start Before You’re Ready 🌟

When it comes to horses, there’s rarely a “perfect” time to take the next step. Whether you’re facing behavior challenges, working on your confidence, or building a stronger bond, waiting until you feel fully prepared often holds you back from the progress you and your horse could make right now.

One of the most powerful tools you have is your gut instinct. Maybe you’ve noticed something feels “off” with your horse—they’re spooking more, resisting certain activities, or just not themselves. Or maybe you’re feeling unsure about how to handle a situation. Trust your gut. It’s often your first sign that change is needed.

Your journey with your horse isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present, listening, and growing together. When you start before you’re ready and trust your instincts, you open the door to new possibilities.

🐴 Take the leap. Trust yourself. Trust your horse. Create a safer, happier partnership built on confidence and connection.

💛