Kerstyn Cornelsen Equestrian Services

25/11/2025

Rita Mae Brown wrote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.”

Often times a rider just continues an exercise or asks the horse something over and over without getting the result they want.

You must stop and figure out what is going wrong, why is the horse not getting it?
Are they not in front of your inside leg? Not straight enough? Too anxious? Misunderstanding your aid?

Figure out what is going wrong for the horse rather than repeat ad nauseam hoping for a different result.

If you need help with this, send me a message. I can support you with virtual lessons or coaching sessions.

20/11/2025

You must learn to juggle.

You need to juggle between listening and guiding when working with horses. If you simply listen with no input, you won’t be able to give confidence, reassurance or support. Some horses can even get lost and anxious without your help.
If you only guide or instruct without listening, you may miss the subtle communication of what is going on for your horse, resulting in tension and confusion.

Juggling also requires feel and timing; be quick in your timing but smooth in your actions.
Once you can juggle, flow is at your fingertips.

20/11/2025

Rhythm and suppleness are the foundation of the training scale, and I constantly focus on integrating them into every aspect of my riding. Balance is essential for achieving a harmonious connection with your horse.
To help you develop these core elements in every ride, I've created a toolbox designed to:
- Test and improve balance and stability.
- Strengthen these aspects for better proprioception
- Maintain suppleness and elasticity for a more fluid movement.
I hope these tools will be valuable in your riding journey!

If you'd like to delve deeper, visit my course for a comprehensive approach to improving your horse's balance and suppleness: https://www.felicitasvonneumanncoseldressage.com/https-felicitasvonneumanncoselpodiacom-courses

18/11/2025

Winter is a great time to look at your habits and decide which ones are working for you and what needs to be revamped. Get in touch with me to find out more about mindset coaching.

13/11/2025

Relating to the post I made yesterday, you should always make time for the little things.
Being able to ask your horse to do things such as wait at the mounting block, ground tie in the aisle or release tension in their body are small things that people often skip over. These skills get swept under the rug because most people want to get on and get to riding or they simply don’t know how to teach their horse that skill.

But small things can make a huge impact.

What skill does your horse know that you’re proud of?
What skill do you wish your horse possessed?

If you have questions on how to teach your horse the small things, let’s set up a virtual lesson. It’s amazing how fast your horse can learn skills that keep you both safe, feeling good and feeling confident.

12/11/2025

With the changing seasons, many people start to feel a shift not just in the weather but in themselves as well. Be kind to yourself during these colder months. It’s a great time to read, participate in a webinar, do groundwork or work on small tasks with your horse like standing at the mounting block or being able to touch their ears.

Progress and growth come in many different forms. As a mindset coach and professional trainer, I can help you make a winter training plan, set realistic goals, work through a training problem or provide tools for mental resilience. I’m here to help you along the way.

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

If you’ve been following my page for awhile, you know I used to do a mini blog called Favorite Finds every week. I really enjoyed doing it but it took a lot of time.
What I’d like to do now is share some of the top things from Favorite Finds on my page periodically but also pepper in some new finds as well.

Below are my favorite winter gloves. I hate bulky gloves, what’s the point if I have to take them off to do things?
These gloves are warm, wind resistant and a little water resistant. I’ve had one of my pairs for 3 years now and they are lovingly broken in but no holes or tears.

I thought this would be a good time to share considering the Midwest’s cold temperatures this past weekend.

The Heritage Spectrum Winter glove is both soft and warm. It is designed to block-out wind and moisture while keeping you warm on cold days whether you are at an event or just pleasure riding.

06/11/2025

When a horse braces in the neck, simply pushing the horse forward is not always the best choice.
Sometimes it works, but sometimes the problem lies in the balance, not in the lack of energy from behind.

If the horse is using its neck to balance and brace itself from falling down in front, simply hitting the gas pedal will only exacerbate the problem. Feeling balanced makes the horse feel secure, so sometimes, you must shift the center of gravity back underneath you before the horse can let go in the neck and go forward with swing.

If you need help working on this, reach out to me for virtual lessons. I’d love to help you understand your horse better.