More often than not I get riders asking me to run through their dressage tests with them a day or two before a show or event. Sometimes, I notice little things that can be improved with basic schooling exercises which can add a a couple of extra marks on a score sheet. It's important to … Continue reading Dressage Test Preparation: 5 Schooling Tips for Improved Marks
I first met Jessica Tighe about 6 or 7 years ago. Even back then, Jessica's enthusiasm and dedication to equestrianism was very obvious. That's why it came as no surprise to me when she made the decision to branch out on her own into the world of freelance grooming. Jessica claims she was always an … Continue reading Living the Dream – Jessica Tighe the Freelance Groom
What weather we are having! For the first time since I can even remember I'm wearing clothes to work that would normally stay locked away in the wardrobe until a rare foreign sun holiday. It's busy season at work again. 300 students under my care every 2 weeks - easy to understand the lack of … Continue reading Sunsets and late nights
Where did those 3 years go? My "child" is all grown up! Little Cara is now 3 and is about to start her education, which means, she might get out to a show this summer. Fun times! She has a walk to die for and even though she's only 15/1 at the moment, she has … Continue reading Name Game: Cara needs a name!
Badminton - it never disappoints. I love it. If I had started writing this last week it would be filled with loads of exclamation marks and oh my Gods and amazings and fantastics.. you'd be annoyed by the second sentance and probably wouldn't read on (who says you're gonna read on anyway?!); so rightfully I … Continue reading Badminton Horse Trials 2018
After last month's post about Derryronane Stud and the versatility of the Irish Draught horse, I thought I'd ask my dressage coach, Simone Hession, to add to the topic. Simone is a BHSAI and HSI Level 2 equestrian coach based just outside Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. She runs Woodlands Equestrian Centre, providing lessons for beginners to … Continue reading Dressage in the Ox Mountains – Simone Hession of Woodlands Equestrian Centre
I recently spent a day doing a workshop with second level students on self-confidence and the power of perception. Although it was a used in a personal development context, it can be easily applied to anything. It’s validity from an equestrian perspective really hit home the following weekend, when a friend asked me to come … Continue reading The Power of Perception – Tips for Equestrians in staying positive
I have always loved the traditional Irish breeds of the Connemara pony and the Irish Draught horse. Over the last number of years the popularity of the Connemara Pony and the Irish draught has dramatically increased both at home in Ireland and abroad. This popularity is undoubtedly down to their strength, versatility and their kind … Continue reading Derryronane Stud – Home of the Performance Connemara Pony and Irish Draught Horse
Even though the days are longer it still seems there are not enough hours in the day! I've been very quiet on the blogging front these past few weeks as life in general has been very VERY busy. So this is just a brief update in pictures about what we've been up to. Work - … Continue reading A month in pictures!
In 2016 the Not On My Yard anti-bullying campaign was launched by Tudor Rose Equines in an effort to high light bullying within the equestrian industry. Having worked with children and young adults for over a decade, bullying and its effect on those involved has become a subject that is very close to my heart. The Not On … Continue reading The “Not On My Yard” Anti-Bullying Campaign: Why every riding school should get behind it
