Back at the beginning of August I finally purchased a new pair of reins. I had been putting off buying a new pair as my old reins were literally molded to my hands! I had tried a few different brands from bridles I had picked up over the years but as the old faithfuls deteriorated, I … Continue reading V-Grip Hybrid Rubber Reins from Henry James Saddlery – Product Review
Fear. Everyone fears something. Every rider has some little thing that scares the livin' bejaysus out of them. The sound of the jump cups tinging as your instructor puts them up a hole, sharing a lesson with the some one who appears to be absolutely flawless with an amaze-balls horse, or the pre-competition nerves leaving … Continue reading F.E.A.R. & Determination
Millstreet International Horse Show's August fixture is the high light of every show jumper's year. I'm normally working during it so the fact that I got to take a few days off this year and go was dream come true. Getting to take Miss G was the added bonus! I have been working extremely hard … Continue reading Millstreet Horse Show 2018
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
