Equine Partnership

06/09/2024

Trust is a beautiful thing

When your trimmer has the patience of a saint 🫶😇 Another visit from the wonderful Maria Blumenthal

05/08/2024

Good to keep up with the latest studies and technologies with Centaur Biomechanics

29/07/2024

A gentle reminder that all equines NEED genuine companionship to feel SAFE enough to sleep and relax properly.

Sleep is important for brain functioning such as the nervous system, memory, learning.

Equines that don't have this need met can show signs of abnormal behaviours and even collapse from lack of sleep.

Not all equines show signs and symptoms from lack of sleep because they are evolved to hide their weaknesses. In extreme they may even become withdrawn or violent.

Not every companion is the right companion. We don't like everyone, why would our equines? Introduction, abundance of forage, water and space are all important factors for how equines view one another. Lack of any of these can result in fighting.

Creating a long term harmonious environment is not easy or cheap (unless you have a lot of land to begin with!). It takes knowledge, time and money. But it is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to your equine because they live it 24hrs a day.

------ Triggers & Reactions ------

If you're a horse owner and this triggers something for you, ask what you can do to make it a reality for them.

If you're a horse owner and this makes you feel warm and fuzzy, your horses probably already have this need met.

If you don't have horses you probably thought this was standard practice.

16/07/2024

Teddy and Flicka at the end of a long day, just munching on the bankings. 💞

Did you know that being part of a herd is incredibly important for equines? They need the connection to feel safe, groom, play and play more 🫶.

If your equine is alone and you would like to encourage bonding, here are some ideas..

💡Ask around locally to find out if someone else has a similar situation, and gradually introduce them until they are friendly enough to turn out together.

💡 Foster or adopt an equine from a local charity,. This eases the burden on the charity and you don't have the up front expense.

💡 Move to a track or progressive livery where movement and connection is encouraged.

If you have more ideas please share in the comments.

🫶 EP

14/07/2024

Consent based training means thinking from the horse's perspective, and regarding their comfort above your own wants.

THE EXPECTATIONS CHECKLIST

"Training often fails because people expect too much of the animal and not enough of themselves." - Bob Bailey.

You're totally allowed to have goals. Those goals come with expectations, and to accurately estimate what one can expect from the horse (today!) one needs to be able to predict behaviour. We do that by collecting data and focusing on the process rather than the outcome. This way, your goal functions as a general guideline instead of this blinding ambition that takes you out of the present moment setting both of you up for failure.

Now, I'm not saying there's no place for play and spontaneity in training, but it's important to play and improvise mindfully with realistic expectations. This way, we keep ourselves and our horses safe and happy, our training efficient and our progress sustainable.

There's a way to quickly assess whether your ask is a fair one and how good your chances are that the horse will perform or participate happily. I want you to quickly ask yourself these 4 questions in this particular order before you expect your horse to do something.

1. Would he be able to do it?

2. Would he feel comfortable doing it?

3. Would he understand it?

4. Would he be willing to do it?

The more often you do this, the quicker you'll go through them and the more accurate your predictions will be. In other words; you'll get to know your horse a whole lot better. This post will address the 2nd question.

QUESTION 2 - Would he feel comfortable doing it?

You can answer this question for yourself by observing your horse carefully and reading up on equine body language and emotions. It's important for you to know what your horse looks like when he's worried, relaxed, confident, anxious, nervous, or closed off, or terrified, and how to help him when he's feeling scared or unsure. Here are some keywords for you to get started, look them up!: trigger stacking, calming signals, displacement behaviour, Panksepp, threshold of stimulus aversiveness, flooding, systematic desensitisation, counterconditioning.

Is your horse barely showing any stress signals, but still saying No to your question? We'll move on to question 3 next.

03/06/2024

Germany’s decision to ban training young horses for sport raises many questions

"German federal animal welfare law means horses under the age of 30 months are no longer eligible to start training or be used for competition. Two-year-old racehorses are currently exempt, providing they undergo two veterinary assessments."

An interesting decision but the German ministry for agriculture.

While there are studies stating that young horses build resilience from training at a young age, the motivations and sponsors of these studies is sometimes questionable and there are still many debates withing and outside of the industry.

What do you make of this move?

Educating horses to cope with the world around them from a young age is crucial to set them up for a happy life

24/05/2024

Enjoyjng a free forage on our lane, so many plants and lots of long grasses to choose from. Teddy was very happy about this activity and yes Ted we'll be doing it again tomorrow :)

10/05/2024

Looking forward to this, we will also be bringing our EDIX saddles & bitless bridles collection with some fabulous accessories on special offer!

Hoof Boots Ireland are excited to announce we will be exhibiting at Kingdom County Fair on Saturday, May 11th and Sunday, May 12th 2024. The location of the Kingdom County Fair Showgrounds is Ballymacthomas, Tralee, Co. Kerry, V92 XRW6 COME AND VISIT OUR STAND FOR EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS! Visit our stan...

09/05/2024

Sharing a little sparkle with my friend at Maggie's Voice Equestrian Center. Elinor does amazing work there, being a bitless and R+ centre the learners develop partnerships based on Trust, kindness and respect. Beautiful!

07/05/2024

Putting your horses emotional health first is part of the responsibility as a horse owner. I love the idea of opening one's space to a retired or rescue horse to ease the burden.

Hard truth - your horse shouldn’t be living alone.

Horses are herd animals. They are a social species. And humans are not appropriate replacements for other horses.

Goats, donkeys, mules, sheep, cows, etc can sometimes act as an acceptable temporary companion for horses who are familiar with these animals and find comfort in their presence. However they are still not truly appropriate companions long-term.

There are times when it’s necessary to keep a horse in its own space, but they should always have companions very near. Right over the fence really.

Imagine never seeing another human ever. Sure, many of us are more introverted and like our space, but eventually our mental health becomes compromised if we are truly isolated from all human contact for an extended period. We need other humans.

The same goes for your horse.

I understand that horses are expensive and time consuming. So it may not be possible to afford more than one horse.

In cases like these I recommend keeping your horse somewhere there are other horses already, or opening up a spot in your pasture for someone’s retired horse. There are always older retired horses looking for a perfect place to spend their golden years.

01/05/2024

Can we stop sharing scary photos? As a pro bitless equestrian I am not sharing a bitted photo likely but this is one of my horses in training (not by me due to health reasons I am not currently able to ride).

I thought as we are constantly being hit with photos of horses in pain with bits you might like to see one not in pain, not uncomfortable. This mare has always been ridden in a bit and will need to be sold ridden in a bit so there is very little point in training her to be bitless now. She is riding very soft and on a very gentle rein.

My point being that not all bitted horses are ridden in scary bits with their mouths clamped shut. Yes it might cause a stir and get a page lot of comments and reactions, but triggering people isn't my route (at least not anymore!!!)

Be the change you want to see is my way forward 😘

P. S the bridle is a little on the big side so not an ideal fit but as a very light bridle it fits beautifully elsewhere.

29/04/2024

How do you stop a horse in a bitless bridle? That's a very good question - I've done my best to answer it for you in my approach to bitless horse riding

Quite often this question is posed by a rider who is used to using a bit and is relying on the reins to steady, slow or stop the horse. If this is you, firstly welcome, and you are not alone in this question. Whether you have learned from a riding school or self-taught, many riding […]

27/04/2024

We've been teaching this for years, so it's great to see more people sharing this knowledge. The more professionals and groups do, the more common knowledge it will become and perhaps one day we can look back and say 'do you remember when people used knotted halters'

Here’s something I didn’t know… until I knew!!!
So, maybe this can help someone else who didn’t know… until now!

These halters can be so effective in controlling a horse - because the knots on the noseband sit right over the infraorbital nerve, ouch! This is an extension of the maxillary nerve, a peripheral branch of the trigeminal nerve. We know compression of these nerves can wreak havoc on our horses sensory function and cause a number of issues from there (lots of studies done and evidence gathered through dissections, on the effects of tight nosebands.)

Until taking the Lazariz Nerve Release Course, I had a general understanding of how these types of halters could be harsh, but not clearly enough to stop using them… I had no idea what was happening under the skin! I had no idea how delicate these structures of the face were, and just how brutally harsh we can be toward them.

So, knowing what I know now, I won’t use these halters anymore. I choose to not use anything now on my horse, other than a leather halter. But, when I am working with a horse who’s wearing a rope halter, especially ones with the knots directly over that nerve, I operate with deep caution and care. Like with anything though, our tools can become weapons fast, with lost or skewed intention.

The best thing we can do? Continue learning and evolving our stewardship of the horses. Release the grip on our ego, so we may remain open to new concepts, ideas and educators that offer anything better for the horse. And at the root of it, adhering to the mentality, “when we know better, we do better.”

18/04/2024

Great news for our students 👏👏👏🎉

⭐💙NEW FEATURE IS LIVE 💙⭐
We are delighted to share with you that the Learn to Earn points system now applies to all courses and classes on the Equine Academy up to the value of 50%.

Earning points is easy! All you need to do is show up and complete courses. Repeated visits, studying hard and getting good results get you points and points = €€€.

Learn more www.equineacademy.org/badges-rankings-points

12/04/2024

An original article originally posted in 2020 in Horsemanship Journal, with thanks to Heald Town Highland Pony Stud for their contributions and beautiful images.

This original article was originally published in 2020 in Horsemanship Journal by Phillippa Christie Historically, traditional horsemanship has not taken the information available on physical and emotional development into account for the basis of age-appropriate training. There is a great deal of n...

12/04/2024

It's so frustrating to have people copycat you - from my business name(s) to my logos, website, training method names and now my articles. I know it's meant to be a sincere form of flattery, but I'd rather they had an original idea!

Beth the Mule would like a word!

01/04/2024

NEW! Easyboot Cloud PEGASUS Edition 🦄💚
For a limited time; Cloud Boots will come equipped with groundbreaking flying horse technology, allowing your horse to experience the joy of soaring through the paddocks with unmatched comfort. Witness the look on your friends' faces as their horses remain earthbound while yours gracefully glides across the field.

Don't let this limited-time offer neigh-say its way out! Get your Cloud Boots ordered today and watch your horse reach new heights... of comfort, that is. (Unless, of course, they perfect actual flying horse technology in the future... stay tuned!)

APRIL FOOLS! Have a great day and why not share this post with your horsey pals for the craic!


EasyCare Inc. Protective Hoofwear

30/03/2024

We have several courses on the EA, get up to 100% off when you take our membership, now on sale at half price!

Saddle Up for Savings This Easter!
For a limited time, enjoy 🐴Half-Price Membership!

Celebrate the Spring Season with the Equine Academy Easter Sale at www.equineacademy.org

The Equine Academy offers a growing library of online courses designed to empower equestrians of all levels. Whether you're a beginner rider or a seasoned competitor, we have the resources to help you reach your equestrian goals. Learn from top instructors, explore new disciplines, and refine your horsemanship skills - all at a fantastic price!

This offer gallops away on 1st May, so don't miss out!

P.S. Share the good news with your fellow horse lovers and let's celebrate spring together!

29/03/2024

Check out our Easter sale over on our hoof boot shop.

This Easter, trot your horse into comfort and style with 20% off ALL Hoof Boot Accessories!

⭐Spruce up their look with colourful straps for the perfect Easter coordination.
⭐Keep them comfy with our selection of top-notch gaiters and padding.

👉Canter over to our website before Tuesday, April 2nd and enter code **EASTER20** at checkout to grab this egg-cellent deal! ‍www.hoofboots.ie/product-category/accessories

Don't miss out, while stocks last!

17/03/2024

Flashback to 2018 and our efforts for St Patrick's Day ☘️
Teddy is so good to put up with me! Today he is relaxing with his herd on the track and enjoying a rare dry day to wander up to the pasture.

Happy St Patrick's Day, from Ted & the herd
💚💚💚💚💚

12/03/2024

The HYOID Bone - the latest addition to our 3D print collection. These are available in 3 sizes to correspond with the skulls we also print.

I will bring a limited number with me on my UK tour and orders will be available afterward.

This image is the copyright of Equine Partnership

10/03/2024

Delighted to share I have been accepted on to an Equine Behavioural Sciences short course with The Open College of Equine Studies.

Even though I have previously studied and practiced the subject, much has developed within the scientific community and I want to refresh my core understanding before embarking on further CPD.

Learning is not only important, but it's fun too and you learn so much just from participating in study groups and such.

I look forward to learning more and bringing my new understanding back here.

The Open College of Equine Studies

09/03/2024

Does your horse truly WANT to be ridden?
Ever wonder if your horse is happy to carry you?

Horses can't speak, but their body language tells a story! Learn the signs of a happy, consenting horse & build a stronger bond with your furry friend.

➡️ Click to learn more!: https://equinepartnership.ie/horsemanship/trust-through-horse-communication-can-horses-truly-consent-to-being-ridden/

Horseback riding is often seen as a romantic partnership between humans and equines. But have you ever stopped to consider if your horse is truly happy to carry you? While horses can’t give verbal consent, understanding their body language can bridge the communication gap and create a more positiv...

09/03/2024

This looks like a great event! Love to see more R+ training such as this in the UK.

Click&Trick VET PREP + Spring herbs
Covering topics and behaviours like:
Worming/med syringe
Vaccine/blood draw (needle fear)
Temp. - Re**al Thermometer
Pulse&Resps - how to + with cooperative care
Beneficial spring plants

Limited spaces available!

Join us on Saturday 30th March for a brilliant clinic with guest Clinical Behaviourist Sara McIver MSc ABTC-ATI ABTC-CAB.

The Click&Trick clinic is all about creating better channels of communication with your horse (or one of ours-available for hire), growing your understanding of each other.

Understanding the basics of clicker training, timing, positioning, food manners, training tricks, training session lengths, when to ask more and how, when to add vocal cues, and much more!

With a small group setting allowing for support and questions throughout.

Although Sara's specialty is dogs, she is an expert in clicker training which can be applied to any animal. She has trained horses, goats, and even lions and bears!!

Clinic spaces
£100 with your own horse
£120 to hire one of ours

Spectator tickets
£20 (small number available)

10-4 Sat 30th March

CF37 4HN
Message the page to book or with any questions.

05/03/2024

There is always room to learn. 🙏
I thoroughly enjoyed this webinar held by Centaur Biomechanics and can't wait to get stuck in to more learning and reading.

I believe that self development is key to creative thinking and open mindedness. What courses have you done recently that you recommend?

05/03/2024

The BITLESS 101 WORKSHOP is back! My short tour of the UK is confirmed, and I am seeking two more venues in April. Please drop me a DM if you want a workshop in your area.

VIEW DATES -> https://equinepartnership.ie/workshops/

👉My workshops are perfect for horse owners, but also professionals seeking more information on bitless (CPD available).

👉I aim to create a fun and interactive experience complete with a copy of the revised Bitless 101 Workshop Guide.

👉Join me to learn about head anatomy in relation to bridle fit, bitless bridle design, and how to select a bitless bridle.

👉Even if you currently ride bitless this workshop is a great experience to learn more about fit and various designs.

READ THE REVIEWS
Here are just a few reviews (please see my page for more!)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Brilliant workshop, would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning about bitless bridles and how to fit any bridle correctly." - James T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Full of really useful information. Excellent value for money will definitely be doing more workshops." - Sarah B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Cannot recommend enough, lots of information, clear explanations, excellent resources! Phillippa took you through the whole process and explained clearly how all the different bridles work. The day really gave you a good insight into why/how to go bitless and how to ensure the transition period was safe for you and your horse." - Chris K

❓Did you book with us pre-covid or order the book? You can use your payment against the cost of the workshop (or choose to receive a copy of the revised 101 guide). Just send us a copy of your receipt.

I can't wait to meet you and share my passion and knowledge for great bitless bridle design and comfortable fit!

BOOK HERE-> https://equinepartnership.ie/workshops/

Phillippa Christie - Bitless Boutique and professional bridle fit course writer for Equine Academy

03/03/2024

I am very excited to share that I am working with a 3D designer to create new equine anatomy files for our printers.
I hope to have a preview very soon and we will be bringing lots of pieces on our UK short tour.