One hoof in front of the other - RM Equestrian

20/09/2024

The very beautiful Gem.

Gem used to show in heavy horse classes and even competed at the World Clydesdale show, but she has Chronic Progressive Lymphoedema and at one point was really struggling with her legs being sore so off came the fluff. Wouldn't it be amazing if there were class where heavy horses and their other feathered friends weren't marked down for clipping for a condition that the majority of them now have? (I'll have a proper rant on this one in future at some point)

We usually use a little sedation to help with her legs but she's being doing well so tried without today, and she wasn't too keen on the underneath of the back ones being done so we gave her a little bit of Dr Dom, and she still wasn't keen, so ye know what? We left them 🤷‍♀️
Her skin is looking fantastic, no sores or scabs, nothing smelly, so was it worth stressing her out over it and taking a backward step with her clipping confidence? No. Could we have used more domosedan to get the job done? Yes! But what's left of it could also be saved for a time maybe her legs ARE sore and we DO need to get everything off to see.
Read the room. Quit while you're ahead if you have to. Welfare before vanity always x

One hoof in front of the other - RM Equestrian

21/06/2024

Just in case anyone my coach is hosting a hacking masterclass. These are always really informative. Tickets available from;

Want to crack your hacking demons? Myself and Jen Nash of The Equine Method are going to tackle your questions on hacking and how to overcome mindset and behavioural issues so you can build a strong partnership and enjoy your hacking!

20/04/2023

this one is different. I have even been contemplating publishing it... The key factor in this is that I am alone. I travel to places I have never been in before, sometimes go into people's private property, ALONE.

29/03/2023

Exciting news from me.

Equitas, the community-driven equestrian platform, is excited to announce the appointment of a new head of social team Rachel MacKenzie, who brings with her a passion for making a difference and a commitment to growing the Equitas community and brand online. "Rachel has already made such an impact w...

04/03/2023

At the National Equestrian show, first time the show has ran and its been amazing

We have some amazing articles on our wall here at

Come see contributions from .hoof.in.front.of.the.other .fletcher.1

20/01/2023

Equitas shared a post on Instagram: "Join the .campaign in collaboration with and ask people And take the time to listen ❤️ Check in on one or two of your mates and ask the simple yet sometimes the most important question We can change the stig...

02/12/2022

✨LIVE TONIGHT 8PM✨

Tonight, our hosts Life After The Yard and One hoof in front of the other - RM Equestrian will be joined by Equestrian and Mum of 1 (soon to be two!) Adele aka .
They'll be chatting about motherhood with horses, being supported by brands, sharing her horses and lots more!

Here's a little bit about Adele...

"Hi, I’m Adele, a 32-year-old equestrian that for the last 5 years has been living in London. Eventing is my true equestrian sport; I have competed up to Novice BE but with my horse getting injured and my younger horse just not sharing my love for it, I have spent the last couple of years converting to BD stepping up to Medium this time last year."

Hope to see you at 8pm and don't forget to pop your questions in the comments below🥳

09/11/2022

Swipe for the new look

I've just posted on my own Facebook and will say much the same here. I was really nervous about posting, probably more nervous to post and my "in real life" friends see it.

Having a Clydesdale, it's pretty much a life time it grow the feather, protect the feather. Like it feels like the be all and end all, and I get it they are beautiful and iconic.

Ultimately though I needed to see what's going on at Gem's skin, I was pretty sure she had CPL (Chronic Progressive Lymphedema) and the vet had confirmed she does.

I'm still learning about CPL, but I definitely feel better having seen Gem's leg nearer her skin, this will let me monitor it easier as well.

We will still get out and about but we might not be in the show ring in the immediate future.

Thanks to .queen for keeping me right with CPL

And for new feeding plan, and thanks to and for their feeding support as well

07/10/2022

Do you like everyone?

My article for the newest edition of Equitas

I'd love to know what you think?

You can sign up to access the articles for free;
https://thegrassrootsgazette.ie/equitas/

More importantly if you want to write for us, get in touch 😁, it's a safe space for woman across the equestrian sector to write. If you're on the fence, we'd be happy to help

03/10/2022

So my for is;

"Kindness is the ability and desire to have a positive impact on others"

Goes for people and horses I'd say😊

I think a wee bit of kindness can go a long way, it's a real strength to have, and something that we could always do with more of.

Photo credit

09/09/2022

Day 9 of would you chose a horses career/why?

The short answer no. No I wouldn't 🤣.

I admire everyone working with horses, but currently it's just not for me. I'm not passionate about my job, it is something I like to do well but it doesn't ignite any fires for me. But it pays for me, my family and my horses so for that I love it.

I like my horses as a passion rather than something I have to do.

Recently I've written for and it's rekindled something for me. I used to be a really creative person and I say used to as I stopped painting, writing, making, playing because other stuff just gets in the way

The community created by Equitas, the encouragement and the inspiration kinda made me remember I always wanted to be a writer 🧡💙

My article in edition 3 is about the pressure that's put on us to look a certain way- I hope you like it.

If you're interested in writing for Equitas, or you are on the fence, if you want my 2 pence- give it a go. Nothing to lose 🧡

29/08/2022

"In the end, we only regret the chances we didn't take"



This quote is really important to me. March 2021 I was so close to not started my Instagram page, on a thought a lot of us have had "who Will care about what I post/my pictures/what I have to say"

This page has given me opportunities to meet amazing people, to do some things I used to think were so outside my comfort zone I'd have laughed you out the door.

I got asked to do a pod cast with the superwoman that is Rosie .pony.sleep.repeat

I've BA'd for some companies, I've found a great coach () after asking her to stop in to the yard, after meeting her on here.

I was on a live with Equitas] and now I'm part of the team?!

I'm not naturally outgoing, I've had to really learn the only one that's going to push you to take the opportunity is you. You have to practice having faith in yourself to start with.

Whats your Monday motivation? Tag Equitas] we love seeing them!

26/08/2022

It’s time to announce the next leader of our advisory group for Equitas 👸🐎👸. A history maker and just an amazing person. She is the first ever International member of our Equitas Advisory Group 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

Ladies and Gentlemen please meet the latest member from our incredible group of queens, the wonderful Rachel MacKenzie aka .hoof.in.front.of.the.other 👸🐎👸. Rachel embodies what we stand for and who we are… just read her bio and her why 😉👸🏻👏.

Hi I’m Rachel, born and raised in Scotland , I’m a wife, a mum (to a slight feral 2 year old daughter) and I work full time in the financial sector. I have a 25 year old fell pony, Dougal, who shows no desire to act his age, and a 17hh Clydesdale mare,Gem, who is a total saint. I’ve struggled with confidence issues on and off, and try to stay open and honest about this. My main discipline is showing, mostly due to Doog’s age, previously we’ve done a bit of everything, I really miss cross country! I used to back and bring on ponies, and that is something I’d love to do again in the future, as both of mine are home produced.

MY WHY for Equitas:
So many reasons! The biggest ones; I want to make my daughter proud. I want her to know that given the chance her mum stepped up and supported something important. I want to be part of this movement because it is a feeling of unwavering support, a powerful voice for women in the equine industry, and it is so inspiring.

It’s a magazine, a movement but most importantly to me, it is a community, a community I am extremely proud to be a part of. We are the Equitas generation.

What an addition to the growing team of leaders on our Equitas Tribe 👸🏻🐎🚀. We may have more exciting news coming tomorrow 🫣😊.

05/08/2022

I did something 😁

I have my first published article in !

"Equitas is a brand new media brand and online magazine for women throughout the equine industry and across the world launching July 1st. Presented by The Grassroots Gazette, Equitas is focused on Empowering Change, Together by creating a positive movement for women worldwide. 

Equitas is a celebration of the role and importance of women across the equine community. This monthly publication will educate, inform and inspire you to share your passion for horses with a greater audience and create positive tribes of women supporting women."

It's free to sign up to Equitas to read all the articles. And anyone can submit an article for consideration.

If you read my article I'd love to know what you think?

Well done to all the amazing writers 👏 🙌🏼

03/08/2022

Oldest bit of kit I own 🤔

Dougal surely counts 🤣 I can't think of anything I've had as long as 18 years.

The first picture is Dougal before I got him, he was about 3 in the photo and the second one was from Friday.

01/08/2022

Saddle pads for sale
Temporary post
All prices on the photo. Can post at buyers cost. PayPal payments preferred

Having a clear out as Gem seems to like one sort of pad with the treeless- and its not these 😬