My day to day with my 3 horses & my confidence journey post pregnancy. At times brave pants still re
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!
Equitas
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.
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...
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
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...
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
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
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
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 🧡
"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!
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 🫣😊.
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 👏 🙌🏼
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.
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 😬
We are back for another live tonight and we can’t wait for this one 😊👸🐎.
Tonight at 8pm, we have the absolute pleasure of interviewing .hoof.in.front.of.the.other and we’re super excited about it 😊🐎👸.
Rachel is a 30 year old Scottish Equestrian, a Mum and a wife. She currently has 2 horses Dougal and Gem and her main discipline is to compete in is showing. However, since having her daughter, she says it's just about enjoying it, and keeping on top of her nerves.
She started her Instagram in March 2021, initially with the sole purpose of accountability to get back in the saddle, and her account has proven extremely popular gaining an impressive following of 6.5k in that short time.
For fun (and inspired by an idea gave me)
Guess Gem's weight 🤔
No prize bar pride and I'll share who gets the closest 🥳
P.s she's not sweating- I'd hosed her before we traveled 😁☀️
Weighed at
Just want to talk about something maybe a wee bit off topic, tiny tangent 😄
Being in a photo, so I love this photo as I actually like myself in it. There I said it! Now even saying it feels weird. Really weird. I don't like myself in a lot of photos, I'm self conscious about various things, just one of those things.
I think a lot of people go through this; at different points (as a teen and affer having Jess), I didn't want to be in photos. And then it would get to the end of a day out, and it looked like I wasn't there.
Now I've got hundreds of pictures of me and the horses, me and Jess (less of me and the husband these days 🤣), and do I pick faults in them, yes, but I'm happy I have them.
What I'm getting at, and what I try and remind myself is; be in the photo 💙🧡🥰
Photo credit;
Doogs is also not a hugger, but every so often it is acceptable 🥰
Just for fun, if you were getting pictures done, what would your ideal photo be? I got to many moments that I had no idea I wanted 🥰
Photo credit
Ridden Clydesdale Royal Highland show 2022
(Thanks to my friend Suzanne who took these for, still got the pro ones to look at 😁)
Thank you to for being my groom
My thoughts about today. First of all I was ready on time, which doesn't always happen 😅
Gem is probably the most genuine, near unflappable mare I've had the pleasure of owning, and I'm just really grateful for her.
For the first time in I don't know how long I was NOT nervous!!
I enjoyed being in the ring so mission accomplished. Even if the go round was a bit hairy 😅, not Gem, but there was 20 horses in our class.
My last thought is I really appreciate that there are so many friends that have cheered us on, and just want us to do well. And they aren't classing me doing well as placing they celebrate what I'm aiming for, like not getting nervous, oe getting our canter . It's beyond appreciated, and makes me glad I started this page.🧡💙. Thanks guys
Another show picture of Doogs 🥰
I am off on holiday till the 29th 😁🥳. That is all 🤣.
Non horsey news- went and got my eyes tested in case that's what's causing the migraines. Still got good eye sight, so its not that 🤷♀️.
Was really interesting seeing the scans of my eyes though, very cool🤓
I could look at him all day. I bought this one as I don't think I've got a pro photo of him standing side on, quite liked it 🥰.
He's turning into my reliable at shows, can't fault him these days. Some things are worth waiting for 🤣.
Photo credit:
I meant to post this yesterday but I keep falling asleep at like half 8 😅 rock and roll I know!
Also sorry I've not maybe kept up with everyone as usual, but having these migraines on and off is really flooring me. But hopefully back on it now💪 . I know you guys are always understanding but still 💙🧡
New fly rugs from .horsewear . I can't give a full review on day 1 but I love how they look. What I really love is I can get a Gem sized rug (7ft3) in cool patterns 😁. Very inclusive brand size wise.
They are definitely the funkiest fly rugs I've had 🥰😆
Last of my pro photos 😁. I just thought this one was a bit different. And my mum is in the background 😄.
I'm showing under the same judge in June or July and I'm going to try really hard to make sure our turnout is spot on 💪. I'm not looking to qualify, the shows are usually too far for us, but even if i get better feedback I'd be chuffed
Good to have something to aim for
Another show picture 😁.
Outpouring from my brain; I was talking to Katie after my lesson yesterday and I said something out loud that I maybe haven't (nothing too exciting don't worry!). I was talking about do I WANT to do the Highland and world's, as in if the world clydesdale show was happening every year would I be doing it this year- no probably not if I'm honest was my first reaction.
This came about because I went hacking on Saturday and I loved it, she loved it and that's not the feeling I have showing- yet.
But then I say to myself, right don't go, and then I think of what it would be like to just go and spectate, and then I got my answer. I do want to go, if i went to watch, i'd want to be riding 😅
But after verbalising it, I have a clearer thought in my head. So when I ride Doogs I enjoy it, I love showing because I know him inside out and back to front. He doesn't make me nervous, I know if I ask him to do something I can ask him specifically, and he will answer.
My overarching aim is to enjoy the big shows with Gem (Doogs doesnt have any big shows like the highland), which has a few parts to it. I want to be confident that we've practiced enough. I want to go in ideally as a competitor, which to me doesn't mean winning it just means I want to go in and produce respectable work, not stand out as being under prepared aka no flapping and get canter 😬.
And I'm the wise words of Fi , I need to ride her like I've stole her 🤣.
I want to go in the bigger rings just like I did in 2019, but, with slightly less gin and slightly more belief in us both, I want to be smiling and just enjoy it, like we did when we were hacking 😊
There was a moment in the ring, I knew I was coming 3/3 (no sour grapes the other 2 ponies did far more technical shows, and were what the judge were looking for), and I was just enjoying his canter.
Not a big deal maybe, but there have been 100's of shows I've been fearing what Doogs would do 🤣. Jumping especially he had the ability but he was not always honest. Most of you know I was given him when he was 6, I was 12. I don't think we even knew what am outline was for the first 7 years- not for lack of trying, but he was just not for it 🤷♀️.
I joke he's a great old pony, he's had some good results in the veteran sections over the years.
The point I'm making, mainly to myself is some horses are all ready to go in a year (or less!), and they are out winning and kicking butt. And some have loads of different things to do first, before they go well in the show ring.
Doogs loved XC, mainly because he could go, and now he's putting up with showing for me.
I suppose if anyone is having a sh*t time, I hope I can give a bit of hope (not every horse if a fit for every rider), this pony used to make me cry ALOT 🤣, and now he's my go to safety blanket.
It was all worth it, for a moment in the ring enjoying a canter 🧡💙
I know I tend to post less photos but the next few days will be about the pictures 😁.
So when I look through Gem's photos, and I mean this in the nicest way possible. There weren't many I liked how she looked in them (not blaming the photographer!!). And it's because we aren't the whole picture yet. But sod it I'm trying 🤣.
I got to ride in a class with friends. I was nervous and I had the luxury of having my best mate in there who I can tuck in behind and I know she's looking out for me.
Anyway I liked this picture because I think she looks happy with what she's doing. And it's a reminder of the day we got canter on both reins.
I was saying to a friend, if I waited till we were ready to go out it would probably be next year or the year after. I might be really great at coming last just now, but one day we won't be 🧡💙
I couldn't have asked for more of him on Sunday 🧡💙, he was such a good boy. I still puzzled why he marked down on condition, but at 25 I think he's looking pretty good 😉
I love the whole (almost ritual) of looking at the professional photos 🥰
Photo credit
Happy 8th Birthday Gemmi 💟 the kindest, most food obsessed honest mare I've had the honour or owning.
Can't wait to see what the next year(s) bring!
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#equestriantopthrees2021 Day 9 3 things horses have taught me 1. 10 minutes work is sometimes more than enough. Sometimes this is what motivates me to get on telling myself; I'll just do 10 minutes. Equally sometimes even if I have an hour, 10 minutes of good work is better for us. 2. Be willing to change the plan. If you get on with one plan, sometimes (alot of the time 😅🤣) you need to be open to the idea of working on something else. This also works on a higher level e.g if you horse was meant to be a showjumping and hates jumping etc 3. Your ego has no place on the back of a horse... Dougal taught me this very early on. If I got too big for my boot, I ate dirt 😂 @diaryofadappledgrey @thetekodiaries @teacupsandtrotting @vicki_gallacher_kilbey #equestrianblog #horsesofinstagram #horseridersofinstagram #equestiansofinstagram #scottishequestrian
This is my biggest achievement this year. Harris and I went for a solo hack for about 40 minutes/ 2 miles. I've left the audio in for your entertainment. This is not a reel for going viral 😂 very much a record of achievement! These are just silly moments for fun for the reel. Most of it was lovely and BORING 😁🥳. Harris gave me a scare a couple of years ago which I associated with a really really bad fall I had years before- the mind is a funny thing. I talked to my go pro the whole time, I had a couple of calming cookies before I went from @premierperformancecz and I put pulled up my brave pants. What a boy! I don't say this often but I am so blooming proud of myself! #equestriantopthrees2021 so this was one of my monthly goals ✅. My 3 proudest achievements 🤔 1. This 2. Riding Gem at the Highland in 2019 3 jumping Dougal over the ascending spread at Craigie XC 2ft9" track @teacupsandtrotting @vicki_gallacher_kilbey @thetekodiaries @diaryofadappledgrey #clydesdales #clydesdalesofinstagram #riddenclydesdale #hacking #trailriding #drafthorsesofinstagram #heavyhorsesofinstagram
I did ride in a headcollar today and he was a gent, apart from when he saw a new hole in the hedge that was clearly going to eat him, but glossing over that face it was fun to just do something for well fun 🥰. I have misplaced my Pivo 😭😱, so the footage is brought to you courtesy of the gate 👍. Have you ever had the urge to ride in a headcollar? Or would you? Happy Thursday folks...nearly Friday 🥳
Today was just a trial using a cheap harness that holds my phone, its maybe not quote right for what I'm wanting but that's fine. It was such an odd ride, we usually see the same people but today was just one of those days 🤣. ⭐The robot lawnmower was out, he didn't like it today. ⭐We got called a pantomime home/ carnival girl because of our hi viz. ⭐lots of people out behind hedges because of the nice weather Then comes the above clip and I stupidly said what else could go wrong. Dougal then proceeds to spook at a pile of old fence posts and nearly go down the ditch behind him... I think I jinxed myself 🤣. Not the most relaxing ride but I can laugh. This clip is pretty much Dougal, needless to say, on the way home it wasn't scary 🙈 Day 54 3.5miles for #myhackathon
Dougal schooling at bellsdyke today :)
Eilish 2nd time side saddle- good riding and amazing pony x
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