Keenan Performance Horses

31/10/2025

THANK YOU for the survey responses, I’ve seen a lot of great input and had a few great suggestions I’m going to put into practice.

It’s essential to keep in touch with the needs of clients and how I can evolve the business to deliver better.

Very much appreciated. And in case you wonder, yes, they are all anonymous.

31/10/2025

“Why a loose rein?”
I’ve been upfront posting what a first ride video looks like for me.

This is my own horse loping along in her first ride. Why do I give her free rein?

Because I want to know what’s in that horse’s head and heart (by the way, I hope it’s me thats in their head😆😆). One of the best ways to know where their attention is, is to ride them off contact.

There are many other reasons, one of the most important is so that I’m not impeding their forward movement in those first rides. I’m letting them get confident moving out with a rider.

But the main reason is I want them choosing me. I don’t want them to have no other option than to be with me. I want them to speed up and slow down off my voice and the rythm of my body. I want to know that I’m not making a horse that has to be held for the rest of its career.

I also want them to learn to balance between my legs and under my seat. If I’m using my hands too much, I’m not teaching them those skills. Before I allow myself to collect them, I want them to know how to balance off my seat and legs. Then the bridle reins can be secondary. I ideally do not have to pull the horse into balance as all the balance comes off my leg aids.

I do not expect collection in the first bit of training, as they are learning and adjusting physically to the added weight I’ve put on them.

But I do expect them to learn balance.

If a horse is very physically strong, they fly through this phase and into the collected work.

- kk

29/10/2025

Time to make your voice heard! This survey has to do with our marketing. Whether you are a regular for lessons or training, or attended just one clinic, your input much needed and appreciated!

We would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on how we can improve public outreach and marketing!

29/10/2025

Hello there! We will be publishing a few surveys over the next 24 hours and would value your feedback!

Whether you have attended clinics or received lessons, training, training assessments, we want to hear from you!

This survey deals with the QUALITY of our services. Thank you very much for your time, this data will be invaluable in helping us upgrade client experience.

We would love to hear your thoughts or feedback on how we can improve your experience!

27/10/2025

Trust and longevity go hand-in-hand; you don't get one without earning the other. –af

26/10/2025

I sent a horse home today after assessment - referred it for restart at a proper starting facility, and the owner understood. It had just come in to me green broke and after the first day’s assessment, it was clear there were too many gaping holes to do what I was hired to do.

I sent a horse home a few years ago because it had a potentially dangerous muscular pathology which I was uncomfortable training through, and the person never talked to me again.

Some horses get sent home because they need part-time training and I cannot viably offer that. I barely break even with full time spots.

Some horses get sent home or referred to specialize in something that simply isn’t my specialty.

Sometimes what you want out of a horse isn’t the best thing for a horse.

Sometimes slower is better in the long run.

Some people seem to take personal offense if their horses aren’t approved for training or need a break from it.

But it’s not about you. It’s about your horse.

I have a financial responsibility to the owner.

I have a moral responsibility to the horse. His safety and physical and mental wellbeing will always be my priority above human needs.

I will not train or exhibit stressed or unhappy animals.

And lord knows I don’t charge enough in the first place to have unreal expectations placed on me or the horse.

There is something wrong with taking my best efforts to do the best by your horse as a personal affront.

This is the way my idols operate. They operate on what they feel is the best for that particular horse.

I’m not sorry.

I did it for your horse. I have to be able to sleep at night.

And having happy and successful horses are the only reason I do what I do. Otherwise I may as well pack it in. - kk

22/10/2025

Kate (The Great) exhibiting Savvy at Equifest.

A heartfelt thank you to Kate Dockerty for taking the plunge, piloting my 4yo filly in the Working Equitation at Equifest. I truly did have too much on to give her enough attention, and I’m so glad you were willing to pilot her through. Your horsemanship and sportsmanship were on full display, as was some beautiful riding. Cheers from us. xx

21/10/2025

LOOKING 👀 FOR A RIDER PHYSIO!
Looking to contact a (human) physiotherapist who can work with multiple people in a clinic setting, educating and setting programs for increased mobility and functionality for the betterment of horses and riders. Event to be held in the Waikato region or nearby. This is obviously a paid weekend.

If you know of such a professional who has a passion for helping riders, please tag them below. Professionals, please PM for more information. Looking forward to meeting you!