Empowering Equine - Training & Behaviour

Empowering Equine - Training & Behaviour Partnership through Positive Horsemanship
🔅Positive Reinforcement Specialist
🔅Equine Welfare Advocate
🔅Enhancing Horse-Human Relationship

✨️Don't become scared.....Don't become scared of being with your horse..Don't become scared of asking things of your hor...
02/12/2024

✨️Don't become scared.....

Don't become scared of being with your horse..
Don't become scared of asking things of your horse...
Don't become scared of letting down your trainer, coach or horse...
Don't become scared to explore and be creative...
Don't become scared of being yourself...
...my wish for YOU, yes you reading this post right now is to not become so consumed by being ethical or training force-free that you loose yourself along the way. 🌱🪽
.. my wish for you, fellow lover of all things horse and peace, is to boldly explore, have the confidence and tools to go where no horse person has gone before, and to do it YOUR way.

💫THIS....
..is what my goal is with Empowered Equine Connections, my 90 day intensive coaching program. To help you not only learn how to train in a productive way that honors the horse...🐴
...But to honor YOU as a unique and beautiful lover of horses !!! 🤗🌻

‼️Want to learn more about EEC ?? Join the waiting list NOW ... to get the latest updates 👇 Comment "Unique" to be added to the waiting list ###

✨ Are you struggling with positive reinforcement training? ✨You're not alone! Many have tried and faced challenges, but ...
25/11/2024

✨ Are you struggling with positive reinforcement training? ✨

You're not alone! Many have tried and faced challenges, but that doesn't mean you or your horse are at fault. Mistakes are a part of the journey, and I'm here to help you find success! 💪🐴

🤔💭Imagine.... an intuned and honoring partnership with your horse. Imagine not feeling disconnected from your horse, inside or outside of training. 👇👇

Drop the word "DON'T" in the comments below, and I'll send you my FREE ebook, "Mastering Positive Reinforcement." Let's kickstart the relationship of your dreams with your horse! 🌟

Blue's Story 🩵Let me tell you about a story of a horse that had a huge impact on me as a horse trainer, let's call this ...
22/11/2024

Blue's Story 🩵

Let me tell you about a story of a horse that had a huge impact on me as a horse trainer, let's call this horse Blue. I was called out by Blue's owner (who only had him in her care for a few weeks) to assist in helping him to be handled, Blue not only became near impossible to catch even in a small paddock; but also became dangerous, threatening to attack.

My first course of action was to train self haltering in protected contact, and he did amazing. 🐴🪽

Blue was a horse that came out of an industry I was a part of for many years. Blue was in a very bad way, tossed asside and forgotten because he was no longer of use in the industry. Thank goodness for his current owner who gave him such a soft landing place. 🌱✨️

Working with Blue was very confronting for me, seeing what can happen to "useless" horses. And here he was coming alive again thanks to R+. Even if it was for only a short time Blue got to experience a training experience that was enriching and honoring, how special is that?

💫I firmly believe any and ALL horses can benefit from R+ regardless of breed, age or discipline!💫

What are some impactful experiences you had with training with R+ tell us in the comments 👇

🐎🍃Freedom is the cornerstone of successful positive reinforcement training. It’s not just about the absence of restraint...
18/11/2024

🐎🍃Freedom is the cornerstone of successful positive reinforcement training.

It’s not just about the absence of restraints or confinement, nor is it purely about food rewards. True freedom means giving our horses choices and respecting their needs.🌾🌻

When we honor our horses' need for freedom, we create a partnership based on trust, harmony and mutual respect. This means setting up our training environments to allow our horses to communicate their comfort levels and preferences 💫💭

In my Mastering Positive Reinforcement free PDf, I discuss how to set the stage for successful training sessions by providing our horses with freedom of options. Simple elements like offering a choice to participate, or recognizing when they need a break, can significantly enhance your training experience and deepen your bond. 🌱🪽

Imagine a training session where your horse willingly participates because they feel heard and honored. This is the beauty of freedom – it opens doors to communication, empathy, and understanding.

The fact that you are reading this post shows your commitment to giving your horse the best. This is why I’m excited to introduce my new 90-day coaching program, designed to help you and your horse achieve a positive, willing partnership through understanding and freedom. 🐴🐎🌾

Are you ready to honor your horse’s need for freedom and build a deeper connection? Let’s start a conversation in the comments! Share how you provide freedom in your training sessions, or ask questions about positive reinforcement. I’d love to hear from you and help you on this journey.

✨️🩵 Comment below with your thoughts on freedom in horse training, or DM me for more information about the 90-day coaching program.

Did your horse turn into an absolute monster when you started training with food? 😵‍💫🐉🥕Have you struggled with understan...
15/11/2024

Did your horse turn into an absolute monster when you started training with food? 😵‍💫🐉

🥕Have you struggled with understanding why everyone raves about positive reinforcement, only to find your experience anything but peaceful and harmonious?🌪

You've seen those beautiful, harmonious moments on Instagram and wanted the same for your horse. But instead, your horse turned into a cookie monster, leaving you frustrated and discouraged. Why do other horses on social media seem so calm and connected, while yours acts like a gremlin?👻🙈

💫Let me tell you a secret—those positive reinforcement successes you see online are not magic. They involve a few key elements that are super easy to implement. That's why I created a free PDF just for you, explaining exactly why your horse is behaving this way and offering a simple exercise that will make a massive impact. 🤠

If you want to train with positive reinforcement in a way that doesn’t turn your horse into an absolute cookie monster, drop "cookie 🍪" in the comments below, and I’ll send you the free PDF.

🤗I promise it’s going to change your life forever.

Let’s transform that frustration into a beautiful, willing partnership with your horse! 🐴💖

"Have you ever been told you're too soft?" 💬Have you ever felt like you were “too gentle” with horses? Like you had to p...
04/11/2024

"Have you ever been told you're too soft?" 💬

Have you ever felt like you were “too gentle” with horses? Like you had to push aside your gut feeling just to fit in? 😔🪶

Maybe you’ve heard things like, “Put that horse in its place,” or “You’ll never get respect by being so soft.” Or maybe, deep down, you simply weren’t comfortable with the aggressive approach others insisted on. I’ve been there, too.🗯💔

There were times I felt like I had to choose between being “tough” enough for the equestrian world or staying true to myself. I didn’t enjoy pushing a horse past what I knew they were comfortable with, or using harsh methods just to “win.” It felt… off. Like I was compromising who I truly was.❤️‍🩹🐎

Then I found a different path. I discovered more ethical ways of training, where I didn’t have to sacrifice my values or my connection with my horse. I could be kind and still see progress. It felt like coming home.🌱🪺

I want you to know there’s a place in the horse world for people like you. A place where you can honor your own gentle nature and still grow, still connect, and still reach your goals with your horse – all without losing yourself along the way. I want to help you get there. To feel safe, comfortable, and confident in your abilities as you build a deeper connection with your horse.🐴🪽

✨️✨️If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you find that place of comfort and confidence. Comment “confidence” below, and I’ll send you a link to join the waiting list for an online course launching in early 2025. I’m creating it especially for people like you.

You don’t have to be anything but yourself to make a difference with your horse. Let’s walk this journey together.❤️‍🩹💫🐴

Have you ever wondered what your horse is truly trying to tell you? 💬🤨🦄 Every behavior they display is like a whisper of...
02/11/2024

Have you ever wondered what your horse is truly trying to tell you? 💬🤨🦄

Every behavior they display is like a whisper of information, a clue to understanding their world.🧭

✨️Imagine being able to decode these whispers, to know what they find joyful, what makes them uneasy, and what sparks their curiosity. This is the foundation of a deep, authentic connection—a two-way communication that fosters a willing, positive partnership.🙌

In my upcoming 90-day coaching program, we'll embark on a journey of UNDERSTANDING, CONNECTING, & EMPOWERING.

The first 30 days are all about learning to see the world through your horse's eyes. We'll delve into how they think, feel, and communicate their emotions. You'll discover what motivates them and how to inspire that beautiful "yes" to everything we aspire to with our horses. 💫

Together, we'll unlock the secrets to maximizing choice and freedom, creating a partnership based on mutual trust and respect. Let's open those doors to a richer, more fulfilling bond with our beloved horses.

Are you ready to listen, learn, and transform your relationship with your horse? Join me, and let's make this journey incredible.

⁉️ For a sneak peek, I’m offering a free PDF that will help you hear your horse better. Comment down below with a behavior your horse displays, and I'll send you a DM with the free PDF! 🐴💖

😵‍💫🧐 Have you ever felt like the knowledge and skill to train your horse, to build that deep connection you've always dr...
31/10/2024

😵‍💫🧐 Have you ever felt like the knowledge and skill to train your horse, to build that deep connection you've always dreamed of, is just out of reach?

You spend hours watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Instagram posts, diving into books, and yet… it's like everyone is speaking a language you don't understand....😵💬

It feels almost like a secret, like this magical connection is reserved for a select few, and it leaves you wondering why you’re struggling to make sense of it all.....🤨🦄

I get it—because I’ve been there too.

🍂When I started my journey toward more compassionate horsemanship, I felt exactly the same. I’d watch and read, but I didn’t have the foundation I needed to truly understand. I felt confused, inadequate, and lacked the confidence to work with my own horse. There was so much information but so little clarity, and it held me back.🍂

That’s why I am working on a 90-day immersive coaching program that’s built for people just like you.

And here’s the beautiful irony: the first 30 days aren’t about "training" 👇

They’re about UNDERSTANDING 🩵

We’ll dive into how our horses see the world, how they communicate, and who they are as individuals. By the end, you’ll feel equipped, empowered, and ready to move forward with clarity and confidence.

The waiting list is officially open, and I’d love to have you on it. Comment “ME 🙌” below, and I’ll send you the link to join the list. This journey is one we’ll take together, and I can’t wait to see you grow.

🌟 Cultivate the Right Training Mindset 🌟Feeling frustrated, anxious, or almost angry during your training sessions? Does...
29/10/2024

🌟 Cultivate the Right Training Mindset 🌟

Feeling frustrated, anxious, or almost angry during your training sessions? Does it seem like everything is going wrong and nothing is clicking with your horse? You're not alone.

In my new course, we'll focus on cultivating the right training mindset. Why is this important? Because the right mindset transforms everything.

✅ It helps you become a better trainer, learner, and teacher. ✅ It equips you to navigate difficult situations with your horse. ✅ It enhances your problem-solving skills. ✅ It allows you to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger. ✅ It nurtures and protects your relationship with your horse.

Imagine being able to see the best in your horse, feeling more confident, and turning frustration into progress. This course is designed for compassionate equestrians like you who want to build a stronger, more harmonious partnership with their horse.

Ready to transform your training experience? Sign up for the waiting list now and be the first to know when the course launches!

👉 Comment "Postitive" and I will send you a link to sign up for the waiting list

Let’s make those training sessions something to look forward to, not dread. Join me, and let’s cultivate the right mindset together! 💪🐴

Embracing your own unique path in the equestrian world is a journey filled with challenges, discoveries, and immense gro...
21/10/2024

Embracing your own unique path in the equestrian world is a journey filled with challenges, discoveries, and immense growth. 🌟 It's about stepping outside the norm, celebrating your individuality, and finding strength in your unique experiences. This is my passion—helping equestrians navigate these challenges with confidence and compassion. 💪

I want to hear from you! Share your stories of discovery, your frustrations, and what you wish you knew when you started. Let's create a community where we learn from each other and support one another on this incredible journey.

Remember, your path is your own, and it's one worth celebrating. 🐴✨

💫Imagine a horse (your horse) that runs to you at the gate, eager for your company........instead of shying and running ...
17/10/2024

💫Imagine a horse (your horse) that runs to you at the gate, eager for your company....
....instead of shying and running away when they see the halter 😤

💫Imagine a horse that enjoys working with you so much they never want it to end 🙌💛

Picture a relationship where training is fun for both you and your horse 🐎 🤸‍♀️

Even if you don’t ride, you can still build and rekindle that bond you've always dreamed of with your horse.

Imagine that.

Imagine not feeling ....
frustrated or.... angry anymore 🍂

Imagine finding peace and joy in your relationship with your horse 🌻

😔😓 Does that seem impossible right now?

⁉️Are you feeling stuck, frustrated, or angry because you’re not where you want to be with your horse?

✨️Let me tell you, there is another way. There’s a path to achieving all that and more. And it's not difficult. It's actually simple✨️

I want to help you experience that incredible bond with your horse.

This isn't magic, and it’s not reserved for a select few. It’s possible for you, and I want to help you get there 🛤

What frustrations have you been experiencing with your horse lately? What’s one thing you wish would change?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, and I’d love to offer you some guidance.👇👇👇

What Do Our Horses Deserve?What do our horses deserve? The answer is so simple, yet the horse world often navigates arou...
14/10/2024

What Do Our Horses Deserve?

What do our horses deserve? The answer is so simple, yet the horse world often navigates around it. It’s not about having the fanciest equipment, the best saddle pad, or the newest, shiniest riding boots. For a long time, I believed that being the rider my horse deserved meant having all these things, and when I fell short, I felt like I wasn’t enough.

I struggled with this feeling of inadequacy, thinking my horses deserved more than I could give. But after dedicating myself to truly understanding what horses care about, I found that I am enough. And so are you. Your horse wouldn’t be happier anywhere else than with you.

Horses care about simple things. They want to live in a herd, chew and eat all day to stay healthy, and have the freedom to express themselves. Isn’t that what we all want too? The freedom to truly be ourselves and express ourselves. That’s what our horses deserve: a life where they can be happy and healthy. And we have the capacity to give that to them.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to help your horses. Comment "Listening" below, and I’ll send you a resource to help you better understand and listen to your horses. Let's give our horses the life they truly deserve.

🌼 Feeling Stuck with Your Horse? Discover the Missing Piece to a Fulfilling Relationship 🌼🦄Have you ever felt that your ...
09/10/2024

🌼 Feeling Stuck with Your Horse? Discover the Missing Piece to a Fulfilling Relationship 🌼

🦄Have you ever felt that your horse just doesn’t want to be around you? I know that feeling all too well. For 15 incredible years, Blondie has been in my life, and now, at 18, our bond is stronger than ever. But it wasn’t always like this.

🪤There was a time when Blondie would run away in the paddock. She would bite at me when I tried to saddle her, and our interactions were filled with frustration. She seemed to prefer being anywhere but with me. I didn’t want Blondie to be with me just because she had no other choice. I wanted her to choose to be with me because she wanted to and she enjoyed my company

💕That’s when everything changed. I discovered a new way of training, a new way of being around my horse. Our relationship took a positive turn, and now, especially since riding is out of the question for us, we have such a fulfilling relationship. She’s happy to see me, and I’m ecstatic to see her.

😤There was a time when our relationship was one-sided. I enjoyed our time together only slightly, overshadowed by the frustration of trying to catch her and dealing with her "moods". But I knew it didn’t have to be that way. I wanted a relationship that was enjoyable for both of us.

👉If you're feeling stuck with your horse, if you’re dealing with a horse that runs away, bites, or just doesn’t seem to enjoy training, there is another way. A way that leads to mutual joy and fulfillment.👈

Curious to learn more about how Blondie and I transformed our relationship? Click the link in my bio and join our Patreon series. Let's embark on this journey together and find that missing piece to a truly fulfilling relationship with your horse. 🌟

I loved doing this one !!!  with the mighty gentleman Polo !! I don't want to say I have a favorite, but this one might ...
03/10/2024

I loved doing this one !!!
with the mighty gentleman Polo !! I don't want to say I have a favorite, but this one might be my favorite 😁😁😱😱🌻

I am very proud South African, and when I started exploring R+ training and realized that the amazing Solara is a fellow Saffa 🇿🇦 that made me so proud. Solara has inspired so many to embrace ethical horse training, including myself.

🌟 Have you ever felt like what is expected of you to be a good equestrian just doesn't align with how you feel horses sh...
23/09/2024

🌟 Have you ever felt like what is expected of you to be a good equestrian just doesn't align with how you feel horses should be treated? 🌟

Have you ever been expected to do something with your horse just because it's "the norm" and that's how it's always been done? Or questioned your trainer, coach, or barn mate, only to be silenced and gaslit because you dared to challenge tradition?

Let me tell you, you're not alone. There are so many people who feel exactly the same way. Trust your intuition. Trust that part of you that says, "This isn't right. This isn't fair."

I struggled with this for so long that I lost myself in the equestrian world. I lost who I was and how I always felt around horses. I wanted to be a partner, a leader, and to truly enjoy my horses.

If you want to learn how to compassionately train your horses in a way that aligns with who you truly are, my Patreon is perfect for you. Join me and let's thrive together. 🌿

Check out the link in my bio! ✨

🌟 The Eyes Tell All: Understanding Your Horse's Emotions Through Eye Wrinkles 🌟Ever heard the saying, "The eyes are the ...
20/09/2024

🌟 The Eyes Tell All: Understanding Your Horse's Emotions Through Eye Wrinkles 🌟

Ever heard the saying, "The eyes are the window to the soul"? This couldn't be more true for our equine partner. Horses communicate subtly, and one of the key indicators of their emotional state is the wrinkles around their eyes.

What Do Eye Wrinkles Reveal?

🐴 Tension and Stress: Increased eye wrinkles often indicate higher tension levels. When a horse is experiencing fear, anxiety, or discomfort, the inner eyebrow raiser muscle contracts, causing these wrinkles to become more pronounced. This contraction can be seen in situations where the horse feels threatened or stressed.

🐴 Pain Indicators: Wrinkles around the eyes can also be a sign of pain. This is especially important to note since horses are stoic animals that often hide their discomfort. By paying close attention to their eyes, we can detect when they might be experiencing pain and address it promptly.

🐴 Emotional State: In positive situations, like being stroked, horses tend to show fewer wrinkles. However, even "positive" excitement, such as anticipation of food, can sometimes cause wrinkles due to frustration. It's all about understanding the context and the overall body language of the horse.

Why Should We Care?

As caretakers and partners to our horses, it's our responsibility to listen to their subtle cues. Recognizing and addressing signs of discomfort or fear is crucial for building a trusting and positive relationship. A happy, comfortable horse is more willing and engaged, leading to a more fulfilling partnership.

By understanding these signs, we move towards training methods that are based on trust rather than fear. This not only improves our relationship with our horses but also ensures their well-being and happiness.

🌱 Learn More 🌱

I dive deeper into topics like fear, aggression, and equine behavior on my Patreon. Join me there to explore how we can better understand and support our horses through positive reinforcement and mindful training practices.

https://patreon.com/EmpoweringEquineNetwork

18/09/2024

I created this back in 2018-2019 after doing the Behavior Works "Living and Learning with Animals" (LLA) online course.
Effectiveness is not enough to justify the use of fear, pain, intimidation, and the inhibition of their agency when training our companion animals. Ethics and welfare matter. (To be contd.)

18/09/2024

I hear this phrase ALL the time and every time I do my heart breaks for the horse in question.

It is a very big misconception in the industry that pain can be ruled out in the horse.

What leads to this statement can also vary drastically from person to person.

The horse might have had a quick muscle palpation, they might have just been scoped for ulcers, or they might have had a very extensive (and expensive!) veterinary work up over days or months.

Regardless, you cannot rule out pain. You might not be able to find a source, but you cannot rule out pain.

Ask any human who has not received an immediate diagnosis for their pain or not been listened to regarding their own health concerns.

Pain does not have a blood test or a specific color or feel.

Pain can be obvious, it can be concealed, it can be complex, it can be poorly understood.

There are certain things, like gastric ulcers, that can be definitively ruled in or out as a SOURCE of pain with a gastroscopy.

But it is the horse’s behavior that says whether pain is or isn’t present. And unfortunately, very often pain in the horse is not a simple thing to diagnose and cure.

When a trainer, owner, rider, or vet says “we have ruled out pain” it is often an invitation to train the horse with harsher methods to overcome performance or behavioral problems.

If the horse refuses to do something, doesn’t cooperate, struggles with tasks, has a change in behavior, or exhibits behaviors that have been scientifically studied to indicate pain in the horse (such as the equine discomfort ethogram and ridden horse pain ethogram)….ALWAYS keep in mind that just because it can’t be located, DOES NOT mean a horse is not in pain.

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