Posts

A destination event begins long before the lorry leaves the yard. The dressage test, show-jumping rounds, and cross-country course may be the visible parts of…

Changing a horse’s bit is one of those decisions that can look insignificant from the ground. It is a small piece of equipment, easy to replace and often…

Show preparation begins long before the trailer leaves the yard. Tack must be cleaned, entry details checked, clothing packed, and the horse prepared to look…

Pole work has become one of the most useful parts of Archie’s jumping training. It looks simple from the ground: a few poles placed on the arena surface, a…

A horse that backs away from a trailer is rarely being difficult for the sake of it. The ramp may feel unstable, the interior may look dark, or the echo of…

There are fences that look impressive from the ground, fences that make spectators pause and reach for their cameras. Then there are fences that seem to grow…

Dressage is often the phase that makes me feel most exposed. In show jumping, I can focus on the next fence, and cross-country gives me a clear rhythm of…

Our first novice-level event with Archie began long before we loaded the lorry. It started with quiet schooling sessions, conversations with our coach, and the…

The two days before a three-day event are when I become especially careful about Archie’s feed routine. I am not trying to transform his condition, fill him…

Trot transitions have become one of the clearest ways for me to judge how Archie is feeling and how effectively I am riding. A transition can look simple from…