Posts

Every horse has slightly different needs when it comes to leg protection. Archie is no exception. His way of jumping, the shape of his legs, the type of fences…

Some event days begin with a nervous horse, a tired rider, or a forecast that looks less than promising. This one managed to collect nearly every possible…

Hills are one of the first things I think about when preparing Archie for an eventing competition. A cross-country course can look inviting from the start box,…

I arrived at the coaching clinic with a familiar mixture of excitement and nerves. Archie and I had trained for the session, but preparing at home is very…

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…