In 2015, as my passion for Dressage began to grow, I acknowledged the need for a Dressage Saddle which would put me in a position where I could be more effective with my aids. I’ve always struggled with maintaining a correct lower leg position and keeping my upper body from tipping forward, and while I am aware … [Read more…]
Never in all my years did I think I’d be talking about how great haemorrhoid (a.k.a piles) cream is, let alone writing a public blog post about it! Context, you say? Alright then – this is really a post about healing and managing a horse’s split mouth/split corners of the mouth, but haemorrhoid cream is one … [Read more…]
Hard to believe I have already had Paddy for six weeks! I’ve been getting him out and about the last couple of weeks, taking him to local training and riding club shows, and also got him out to meet the wonderful Sandra Blake Farrell! Paddy was an absolute angel in all aspects on both times … [Read more…]
Last year I bought the HKM ‘Gently’ Dressage Saddlepad in a sale – it was a beautiful saddlepad and the turquoise family of colours are my favourite, so I had to have it! As you can see from the image, it’s a beautiful colour, and the saddlepad itself is a nice thick pad, with fleece … [Read more…]
I’m thrilled to be a Brand Ambassador for HayLo – the latest innovation in hay and haylage feeding. The Haylo feeder is designed to encourage horses to eat from a more natural ‘grazing’ position, which has knock-on benefits for their teeth and neck/back muscles. Having had two very food-orientated (read:greedy) horses, and one who was a particularly good-doer … [Read more…]
Murphy’s Law – the old adage that states ‘anything that can go wrong, will go wrong’. And as someone who finds herself running into some sort of mishap on a regular basis (mostly due to my lack of organisation and dramatic tendencies), I am all too familiar with some of these ‘Equestrian Murphy’s Laws’: 1. … [Read more…]
Whew! What a busy few weeks it has been for me – I haven’t stopped to take a breath! Lots happening at the moment so grab a quick cuppa and I’ll fill you in… Goodbye Betsey… After two years of fun, I made the difficult decision to find Betsey a new home. After everything she … [Read more…]
By now you will probably have figured out that I love lessons. It comes from a combination of a thirst for continuous learning, and a desire to not make a total fool of myself when I go out competing. Showjumping is my weaker discipline, in particular getting the right takeoff spot, and so I’ve spent … [Read more…]
Last Wednesday evening, myself and Betsey headed down to Boswell Equestrian for a showjumping lesson with our coach Jade, and a few friends who were also schooling with us. The session was all about building confidence for both of us, and being able to confidently jump around a course of fences with ease. After loosening up in walk and … [Read more…]
As a member of the Eastern Region of Dressage Ireland, I have the opportunity to take part in subsidised training with top local and international dressage trainers. The most recent one ER organised was with Dane Rawlins – Grand Prix Dressage rider, Director of Dressage at Hickstead and UK List 1 Judge – and I jumped at the opportunity … [Read more…]