Donna's Livery Stable

14/07/2024

Lovely day out schooling today

28/06/2024

Leadership vs Followership

Leading depends on someone following, and the dynamic of followership perhaps deserves some attention. Horses are prepared to follow any one of the group who set off with conviction. Horses do not respond well to uncertainty.

Three horses are at pasture. One is thirsty and decides to go to the stream for a drink. One of the others notices her leaving and decides to follow. The third spots the other two and follows them. What factor is at work here? Dominance, leadership, or followership? There is no conscious decision to influence the actions of the other two horses. She is motivated by thirst and moves off with conviction. The others are motivated by social behaviour. (followership)

The herd works in this way: if one spots danger, the others will follow the line of attention. It is thus important that we learn to control our reactions, through breathing and relaxation, so that we do not actually make a horse worry about a situation that he was not worried about to begin with.

Horses are prepared to follow any one, horse or human, who acts with conviction. Wavering will put a horse on guard.
A rider communicating uncertainty about going over a jump will find that the horse makes a decision about the best course of action, which may be stopping, rushing over the fence or heading for the gate.

Unfortunately, leadership is often equated with control and dominance – with most methods of horsemanship insisting that control and dominance are absolutely necessary for leadership and a partnership.

I prefer the definition Carolyn Resnick gives – ‘. A leader is someone who makes a request – ask, don’t tell. Leadership is flexible. ‘

06/06/2024

Pony Camp dates available. This year we will run 1 Beginer camp for new riders July31st for 3 days 10am til 3pm. Contact Donna for details.

29/05/2024

3

29/05/2024

2

29/05/2024

The Wed eve group finishing up. We believe before and after care of the Ponies is just as important as riding! Video 1!

04/04/2024

04/04/2024

11/02/2024

Great week in France, great experience. Lovely students and such nice faculty. thanks to Lauence Thomas, and the Erazmus programme!

30/01/2024

Hi guys patio brick for sale. €150, 9meter cover (new). Trailer not included! Delivery available

23/01/2024

Any1 artistic out there? Want these??

23/01/2024

Any1 want these??

23/01/2024

Farrier day today!

04/01/2024

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid024x5T6tTbhwS39SEZKfqCaRSPESr8fW8XCP6eHkSWRZqLZdwoavLRXQEFEAEpQHWGl&id=100057412421796

04/01/2024

Book keeper/PA needed. Flexible hours. Contact Donna 0872754013

10/12/2023

HELP US, WE DESPERATELY NEED HORSE LONG TERM FOSTER HOMES 💔💔
We need you, if you have fenced field, tree shelter or shelters please come on board and be an MLHR FOSTERER 💖

We have 6 horses coming from the pound tomorrow, we can’t say no, these beautiful souls deserve a second chance.

Please text +353 (87) 226 8240
Where you are and we will get back to you asap.

Be part of saving lives with us 💔💔💔💔💔

01/11/2023

Great visual.

28/10/2023

The power of Hi-viz - this horse and rider were some distance down the road, you can clearly see the rider but the horse is not so easy to see.
Without wearing any hi-viz at all on a dreary day like today it would have been very difficult to see them. There really is no excuse not to wear at least something that makes it easier for drivers to see you, after all we're the first ones to moan if they don't slow down so let's give them plenty of time to do so!

28/10/2023

Could not wearing high vis leave you liable if you're involved in an accident? Equine solicitor Rebecca Stojack shares her expertise

03/10/2023

https://dressagetoday.com/theory/dressage-terminology-explained-in-front-of-the-leg/?fbclid=IwAR3ZbcI4X1i7CQIIxUGPnPw9Xrl9Fd3JYhExtuM9tLyYNJvr9jLW6j6IO1g

Heidi Chote explains what it means for a horse to be "in front of the leg."

02/07/2023

Great day out in Kilguilkey horse trials! First in a while!

27/04/2023

Surely it's time for Dinner mum??

17/04/2023

This year, despite whatever setbacks might come your way, my advice to you all would be to keep working, get good systems and keep loving riding the horses 🙌🐷

Then whether you're aiming to compete or to simply find that magic connection with a horse, it will all come together sooner than you might've thought.

📸 Sophie’s Equine Photography

17/04/2023

Summer Pony Camp dates : July 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th. Aug 8th and 15th pre-Booking essential.