Kerstyn Cornelsen Equestrian Services

05/09/2025

Take the time.

If your horse shows you something they like or don’t like, acknowledge that. Take the time to be curious about what they’re telling you.

This weekend at the barn, try to slow down, take your time and be curious.

I’d love to hear what you discover 🩵

03/09/2025

“The issue is rarely the issue.”-Jefferson Fisher

I find this to be so true with horses. Understanding WHY something is happening is more important than the issue that is presenting itself.

For example, a rider comes to me complaining of having poor downward transitions from canter to trot. The issue is rarely the transition itself so there is no sense just drilling that. The issue usually lies in an underlying issue such as the horse losing its balance or maybe the rider pulls on the horse and creates a brace.

If you ride on your own a lot, let’s do a virtual lesson. I can help you understand and dissect where the real issue is coming from.

02/09/2025

The idea that you can completely eliminate fear, nerves, anxiety or any other negative feeling is false.

These feelings are part of the human experience. It’s part of who we are, and they ultimately keep us safe.

As a mindset coach, I’ll help you navigate these feelings on your equestrian journey, giving you tools and helping you glean new insights that allow for acceptance, understanding and trust.

02/09/2025

A light but connected seat is much more effective and it’s more comfortable for the horse.

Christoph Hess talks about GOOD riding:“The more the horse’s back is able to come up, the more the back is able to swing. The more pressure you bring into the saddle, the less the back will be able to swing. I’m sure the riders and trainers know it, and the judges know that the bridge between the hind and front legs is the back, and the more pressure you bring with the upper body into the back, into the saddle, the less good it is.”
https://www.horsemagazine.com/thm/2022/08/is-dressage-heading-in-the-right-direction/

01/09/2025

As the Arabs say, “The nature of rain is the same, but it makes thorns grow in the marshes and flowers in the garden.” -Anthony de Mello

29/08/2025

Creativity and play, in my opinion, are two of the biggest factors missing when it comes to modern horse training.

This can look different for every horse and rider but incorporating play not only brings joy but it can be a way to approach new situations with curiosity and creativity and lead to new learnings.

What do you do to bring more play into your riding?

28/08/2025

This is a great film discussing how our horses process the world, pain signs, management of horses and management of ourselves as athletes. I highly recommend taking the time to watch it.

Full length feature film “Horses and the Science of Harmony” examines the nature of harmony between horse and rider through the eyes of 3-day event rider Bub...

28/08/2025

Horses are hard enough, no one should feel alone on their horse journey.

If you feel alone, stuck or lost, I am here for you. I will support you and help you navigate your journey, whatever that looks like for you.

Get in touch with me for more details on mindset coaching and how it can help you.

27/08/2025

What should you focus on when you ride?

When you first get in the saddle, take a minute to assess what your horse feels like and what you feel like in your body.
Let that guide you as to what you need to focus on.

When you become overwhelmed or hyper focused on all the things you NEED to do, you may not feel what is most important for your horse that day or in that moment. By feeling first, you may notice something such as your horse feeling out of balance, which then allows you to pick appropriate exercises to help him with that.

Having a plan for your ride is not a bad thing, but you need to be flexible with that plan to truly train your horse.