Ottolina

22/08/2025

Some thought about riding a circle with your horse.

Riding the perfect circle can be a lot more difficult than one would think. But is is such a great way to work your horse. To work on balance, bend, softness and autonomy.
If the horse is not balanced, he/she will not stay on the perfect round circle but fall out or in. If the horse is stiff, he/she will not be bend/flexed from head to tail and will probably look outwards or strait ahead. If the horse has no autonomy, he/she will need/seek constant support from the rider.
What I see a lot is the rider doing their best to get that perfect round circle, by doing a lot, by micro managing every step of the way.

So how do you approach it when you and your horse struggle? The best way is to first get a clear idea about what exactly the horse is struggling with. Is it that he/she is not balanced? Is he/she stiff or very one sided? Does the rider "help" too much and in that way interfering with the horse's ability/autonomy in the work?

Most of the time it is best to address these issues separate and use the circle to test how you have done. Crucial is how big you ride the circle by the way, use the same size on both sides! Does it get easier, smoother, more balanced then your training is paying of.

ps. As a Centered Riding instructor I will also look at the riders balance, awareness and communication 😎.

30/05/2025

First impression, nothing much going on here ... 😎
So what is going on here? A big yellow lorry came into the arena and backed into the corner to then dump a load of shavings.
What makes me really proud? This little mare used to be highly reactive, to sounds, machines etc. Look at her now, walking around with me, very relaxed! Not bothered in the least. Let me tell you that a lot of training hours went into this. Changing a life time of habits in a 20+ year old is not done quickly 😀 ❤️

16/05/2025

Some gentle TLC for this lady ❤️.

18/04/2025

The value of groundwork, getting a true connection with your horse.

09/04/2025

I have been writing in my blog about my riding sessions with Molly (32). But basically, the training is all done from the ground and the riding brings it together in a way that Molly and I both enjoy. Even if weeks go by that I do not ride her the training always continues. Keeping her shoulders loose and her hind legs flexible. Training her core muscles so she stays strong.
This is done by groundwork and “in-hand” training. I use poles and natural obstacles along with lateral work.

Then the riding is a way of integrating all the training. And the liberty work is just for fun and to have some variety in our time together. Not to forget in hand grazing when the fields are closed!
A video compilation of riding and work in liberty from last week:

The training of Molly (32) is all done from the ground and the riding brings it together in a way that Molly and I both enjoy. The riding and the liberty wo...

14/02/2025

Sharing a post I wrote in a group about training. Yes, the horse needs to be well trained. But the rider need to be balanced with an independent seat.

In my previous post I mentioned "So when teaching I focus on the training of building up a strong flexible horse. A horse that thinks and works with you. To be light in your hands while strong enough for collection".

Here a picture how "light in your hands" can look like. Djarra was traumatized (not ridable) when I bought him. It took 2 years to get him fysically healthy, mentally and emotionaly took a bit longer 😎. So if we could get here, riding bridle less you can too!
PS. I do not expect people to ride bitless, but in balance 😃so the horse can be in balance on his own accord!

24/01/2025

My journey with Molly started last summer. Molly had not been ridden in a while and is 30+, so we would need to take this slow following her pace. First building up strength and then work on balance.
In September I wrote how the training wheels were off, Molly no longer needed my support through reins and legs to stay up and straight.
We had a break due to losing molars, Xmas holiday and a period of frost.
This week Molly and I were back to riding. I got confirmed yet again you do not need to ride daily or weekly to make progress! Because after 2 months off she was better than before.

When I rode a halt, she stopped nice and balanced, no side stepping to regain balance.
Cherry on the cake: Going from A to C in a straight line with square halt, circle left and circle right. The proof is in the pudding watch the video.

06/12/2024

Last week I was in Donegal to work with two horses. This is Callum getting an explanation how to move through a Labyrinth. First I had to lead him every step of the way. But not by pulling on the lead rope! Just being close and in front so he could follow me. He loves to just follow and not think of anything 😃!

Then he got the idea of actually moving through and not just walking straight out over a pole! I am still in front, but with lots of room for him to think and navigate by himself.
Super proud of his work ethics 💚