Learn Equine

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? 🖤🐴

11/03/2025

Since ‘Applied Equine Psychology’ was published last summer, we’ve had quite a number of questions from readers. In this webinar, Dr Veronica Lac, from The HERD Institute®, puts some of these questions to the authors – Felicity George, Marie-Louise Holmes and Sharon Smith.

Discussions are wide ranging, touching on most of the topics presented in the book. Part of the webinar will present the pre-recorded session with Dr Lac and the authors. There will also be plenty of time for further discussion on the questions raised in the recording, and for new questions from webinar attendees.

Booking at https://www.trybooking.com/uk/EOWH

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.

💛

22/10/2024

❤️

"Applied Equine Psychology" offers fascinating science-based insights into equine sentience, the mental well-being of horses, and how to help individuals in need.

14/10/2024

Had some time now to reflect on the past week with Lucy Rees, the Pottokas ponies of Piornal, and a group of lovely like-minded people.

It was a week filled with observation, conversation, learning, and deep thinking. In the short time we spent with these beautiful ponies, we learned so much - lessons that we can carry forward to not only our relationships with our own horses and ponies but with ones we come across in our day to day.

What stood out most for me? It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing, but I would say the peace, the calm, the confidence, the relationships, and the deep understanding these ponies share. Topics like consent, touch, empathy, learning, connection, synchrony, and even the simple act of rolling were profound. These are not only valuable insights for working with horses, but also for us as human beings. I will certainly be thinking more about these topics and doing some separate posts, more to follow 🖤🐴

27/09/2024

14/09/2024

It seems to be a bit of a theme lately—writing posts on the train to or from my counselling course.

Last weekend, I had a great time at the Perry Wood clinic, despite a car issue and a small meltdown to my husband.

I came across this that really resonated with me, life, horses, and the challenges we face—things that happen to so many of us.

Even now, I still find myself getting stuck in the “it’s not fair” mindset (hence the meltdown). But what I’ve come to realise is that this thought is okay, as long as I take the time to acknowledge and understand it.

I wanted to share some of the reasons behind the “it’s not fair” thoughts. Frustration that he had been lame again, and here we were at yet another clinic where something had gone wrong on the lead up to it —either with him or with me. I was annoyed that I overthought things on Saturday, which led me to over-ride and unintentionally block him. Even though what we did was exactly what we needed, I know he’s capable of more, and I know my own limitations are holding us back. I could go on, really.

So what happened on Sunday? I had my little meltdown with my safe person, who said exactly what I needed to hear. Then I rode the way I know I can—fully present, breathing, and in the moment.
🖤

07/09/2024

All set for a Perry Wood clinic this weekend 🖤🐴

16/08/2024

Did not look back 😊, nobody wanted to play though ☹️

So happy to see him rolling, getting down and back up with no issues ♥️ Although whatever he munched on while he was down there, looked like it wasn’t very nice 😊

I always try to trust my instinct when it comes to him, and after everything it has not failed us yet. He is looking and clearly feeling great right now, after some time off from being lame 💪🏻🖤🐴

A vet who had never seen him before had such kind words, which gave me a real sense of pride.

The bond we’ve built over the years, the trust between us, has brought us this far. Our relationship, our partnership, has been crucial, and I believe it’s what has kept us going.

We shouldn’t be shy or feel embarrassed to share our proud moments—they matter, no matter how big or small.

What makes you proud?

09/08/2024

Caught some lovely synchronised grooming yesterday as I was leaving ♥️🐴

I feel bad for Joe with his rug on, unfortunately have to protect his sarcoid scar. It is at least a thin rug and they can still give him a good scratch.

04/08/2024

Lately, I've found myself, rightly or wrongly, tuning out of social media a bit. The sheer volume of opinions, comments, and debates I find can be overwhelming at times.

However, amidst all this noise, one topic has consistently caught my attention: the discussions about opinions from those who aren’t typically involved with horses, or as they are often referred to, the ‘non-horsey’ people. This discourse has been especially prominent since the release of "the" video, which has sparked a wide range of reactions from both horse enthusiasts and the general public.

When "the" video surfaced, I received a flood of questions and comments from non-horsey friends and family. These interactions were surprisingly insightful. Their questions were thoughtful and their perspectives refreshing, offering a different angle on the issues at hand. It made me wonder why there is often such disdain or dismissiveness towards opinions from those outside the horse community. Are these perspectives difficult to hear because they challenge our established views? Or is it because they expose aspects of equestrian culture that we might prefer to ignore?

Perhaps, it's easier to dismiss these voices because they haven't walked in our boots or shared our experiences with horses. Yet, there's value in considering why their observations resonate. Could it be that their distance from the subject allows them to see things more objectively? They might notice things that those of us deeply entrenched in the equestrian world overlook, precisely because we are so close to it.

This brings me to an important question: should we not welcome diverse perspectives, especially if they encourage us to reflect and possibly improve? Instead of dismissing these non-horsey voices, maybe we should engage with them, listen to their concerns, and use their insights to better understand our practices. After all, fresh eyes often bring new solutions to old problems.

The conversation around non-horsey opinions is more than just noise—it's an opportunity for growth and understanding. Whether these perspectives are right or wrong isn't the point; what matters is that they challenge us to think critically about our own views and potentially open doors to dialogue and change within the equestrian community.

02/08/2024

Def worth taking some time to watch ♥️

30/07/2024

Well worth a listen when you have a spare 15 minutes from Sharon Smith - EBA Registered Equine Psychology Specialist and Equine Behaviour Affiliation

Lots to think about and thinking about horses as individuals, not a one size fits all ♥️

We are an international horse charity that improves the lives of horses in the UK and around the world through education, campaigning, and hands-on care.

23/07/2024

I don't normally comment on these things, but here we are.

I am hopeful there is a further explanation from Charlotte, BD, FEI etc. I think there needs to be more education and riders like Charlotte to say what they did wrong and why it was wrong and what the better way of coaching and training is.

Lessons to be learned and new learnings to be had at all ages and experiences, sharing them and being open and honest matters. I do understand the world of social media can be very unfair, but we must try.

I have certainly made mistakes and let my frustrations and emotions get the better of me. I am not proud of that. I try my best to learn from them, understand them and not do it again.

Also, no thought to any pain caused to the horse in question, apologies made to the people though? Just a thought.

STATEMENT FROM CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN

A video has emerged from four years ago which shows me making an error of judgement during a coaching session. Understandably, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) is investigating and I have made the decision to withdraw from all competition – including the Paris Olympics – while this process takes place.

What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils, however there is no excuse. I am deeply ashamed and should have set a better example in that moment.

I am sincerely sorry for my actions and devastated that I have let everyone down, including Team GB, fans and sponsors.

I will cooperate fully with the FEI, British Equestrian Federation and British Dressage during their investigations, and will not be commenting further until the process is complete.

Charlotte Dujardin, 23rd July 2024

22/07/2024

In this webinar, Felicity George will present a detailed account of an individual case where establishing physical and emotional safety took time...

10/07/2024

What a nice surprise to come home to, didn’t think it was arriving until Saturday ♥️🐴

Applied Equine Psychology - the book

Equine Behaviour Affiliation

Felicity George - Understanding Equines