Shannon Omeara Equestrian Instructor Coach

25/06/2024

When people say “you can’t” you then say “ Watch me!” 💪🏽☝️👏

“[People said] ‘Oh no, you’re not tall enough, you don’t have the right build, you don’t have the financial backing.’ [But] I never listen to ‘you can’t.’ It’s not in my vocabulary. I figure that just means you have to work a little harder at it. That’s my idea in general - if you really want to do something badly enough, and you work hard enough at it, then you can achieve almost anything.” - Margie Engle

13/06/2024

Students need to read this, and understand it. Then pick the coach who’s in YOUR corner.

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

Surround yourself with coaches that aren't afraid to have these tough conversations with you. You don't want or need a "cheerleader" coach. You are paying you for your coach’s expertise... the positives and the criticism. Let them help make the best decisions for your horse, and for your program. The lessons on the horse and the lessons off of the horse. Are you ready? Are you doing what is best by your horse? You owe it to yourself and your horse....

*** Copied and modified from Courtney Sendak

07/06/2024

Don’t touch their mouth… unless its a following rein.

04/05/2024

Working Pupil/ helper needed. At The Oaks NSW. At the stunning Oaks Sport Horses.
Help with saddling, washing, working horses, cleaning gear etc. Attending comps (the only early start ). No doing stables or breakfasts. Very easy with small team of horses. In return for riding lessons- on mine if capable, or yours. NOT live in. Casual hrs. Must be reliable. Attention to detail is key. Happy to spread the load with a couple of people.
Send a sms- no ph service on property.

12/04/2024

At Oaks Sport Horses Australia,
While this is still happening, my lessons are still happening indoors- and my after dark lessons too.
0417456681

31/03/2024

Only equestrians understand how exciting this is… at Oaks Sport Horses Australia.
👏👌

12/03/2024

17/02/2024

Super talented. Brave and careful showjumper. Competed successfully, and recently up to GP 1.45m+ He started his career at 13yo and ther

23/01/2024

Come and join us at Oaks Sport Horses on Monday.

Join us on MONDAY, 29 JAN

From 3pm: AWHA free jumping classes
5pm: Bettina HOY, Shane ROSE, Rod BRoWN discuss what they look for in an elite horse, questions and open forum.

Drinks and supper to follow and fuel discussion.

13/11/2023

Awesome advice

13/06/2023

This horses is an absolute genuine legend. Very quiet and easy, definitely snaffle mouth, but he’s big!
So easy to have around. Many pics and videos available.

05/06/2023

Brilliant! Who WILL train the future horses when the current trainers, young horse producers and horseman are gone?
Horsemanship is learnt not bought. You need to learn from life’s experiences... not just competing.

Lesley Grant-Law ponders that question after witnessing young riders with no clue about the basics of horsemanship or training.

02/11/2022

Amen to this. A vet giving some real truths… Everyone should read this.

There is no bigger supporter of good care of horses than I. Taking care of horses has been my entire professional life – coming on 4 decades of learning about and caring for the most important animal ever to help humans. And, after all that time, I find myself most frustrated about one thing in [....

02/10/2022

Bring back our amazing NSW Equestrian Australia CEO Bruce, and board member Alex.
Don’t let the keyboard warriors win. They are out to destroy our sport from the inside.

77 signatures are needed! Support for Bruce Farrar and Alexandra Townsend

01/10/2022

This is so true! Musculature doesn’t lie… 💪🏽👌

As an industry we are obsessed with head and neck position; is it too high, too low, in front or behind the vertical? Often an uneducated eye can be misled by a horse who looks to be working ‘in a frame’ or ‘on the bit’, but the development of your horse’s muscles do not lie.

23/08/2022

Amen to this! Hug with your leg, don’t grip with your knees! Weight your heels… 🙌🏼👍🏼

06/08/2022

Ch 7plus, coverage of equestrian World Champs. 🇦🇺💪🏽🤞👏

13/07/2022

Please please sign and share. 30secs out of your time to change lives… literally. 🙏🙏🙏🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺💪🏽

605 signatures are still needed! Reverse the decision and send our Para Equestrian Athletes to World Equestrian Games

10/07/2022

Don’t spend $50k on a horse, spend $20k on a horse, and $30k on lessons…

01/07/2022

Amen to this. Buy older experienced horses if you can. 👌🙌🏼

"The old riders make the young horses. The old horses make the young riders."

Old and young refer not so much to chronological age---though they can---but to depth of experience.

The experienced rider trains the young or inexperienced horse to be a good, quiet ride.

Later, that horse, solidly schooled and reliable, can give confidence and mileage to the young or green rider.

Although this little saying is one of the most profound bits of horse wisdom out there, it is too often widely ignored. Let's face it, some of the old riders aren't making s**t either.