Ameroc Equestrian

09/05/2026

What is the point of learning to ride well? I’ve thought about this a lot and I’ve come to the firm conclusion that it’s actually very simple:
To positively influence the horse. The whole reason to get good is so the horse can move freely, stay sound and confident, and end up in a real partnership with you rather than just tolerating you because horses are naturally good and kind 🤪

Simple, but not easy.

Rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, collection. Every coach has it memorized. If you’ve been riding long enough you probably do too.

But there’s a version of this for the RIDER and I never hear anybody talk about it?

Years ago I found the book Principles of Riding and Training Horses, German National Equestrian Federation on a shelf in a former employer’s tack room. I obviously asked to borrow it. I was amazed by the depth of knowledge it contained and how well it explained the finesse of riding. Like it answered every question that I never knew how to ask??

This diagram and the chapters explaining it in depth stuck out to me immediately and changed my riding forever. I still go back to it regularly. Not occasionally.

It’s a pyramid too:

Balance ➡️ Suppleness ➡️ Going with the Movement ➡️ Giving of Aids ➡️ Collaboration of the Aids

It’s the same logic as the horse’s training scale. And just like the training scale, you cannot skip steps. Ever.

You can’t fix a rider’s hands if she doesn’t have balance (via dynamic alignment) yet. You can’t fix a two-point if they are unable to alter their hip angle without sacrificing something else. Yelling instructions onto a body that physically or mentally can’t execute them yet is identical to asking a 3 yr old in the familiarization phase of training to collect the canter.

When a rider (or me) is struggling I go to the bottom of the pyramid and ask what’s actually missing. Nine times out of ten it’s physical or mental (they go hand in hand…) suppleness. It’s always suppleness... This is another big reason as well that it is the instructor’s responsibility to ensure they are teaching in a way that does not cause mental stress beyond the rider’s threshold for stress.


We are always influencing the horse whether we like it or not. Either in a way that our horse enjoys working with us and we are improving their physical and mental state or we are worsening it. Some days however I simply am hoping they tolerate me and I don’t make anything worse lol.

You don’t get “feel” by wanting it badly enough. You get it by becoming balanced, then being physically and mentally supple, then going with the movement of the horse, in that order, for years. And years…

Anyway. I want to frame this in the tack room.

Where do you get stuck on this pyramid? Be honest, it’s suppleness for like 90% of us. We should be strong to control our bodies, not the horse’s body 😉

08/24/2026

We had a busy weekend!

On Sunday “Phoebe’s Finest Hour” and Sienna took on their first of the remaining Preludes for the year together at HSE Stables in the Intro Hunter division! Sienna was focused, brave and showed excellent sportsmanship and horsemanship! So proud of her and Phoebe both.

Thank you HSE Stables for your continued support of grassroots competition!

As many of you know, our perfect Phoebe foundered this past winter. I would have been 100% happy for Phoebe to retire with her sister Daisy, but she has made it very clear that she still has it ✨✨✨

As always, thank you to the huge team that supports us and keeps our horses feeling their best 🤍
Sunray Stables
Western Ontario Equine Services
Crossan Equine Services
Kylie Tapp REMT
The Chiropractor with Dr. Kendraharrison.osteo
Gardiner Equestrian
Honos Nutrition Co.

08/25/2025

07/08/2025

✨Some Riding Lesson Availability for July!✨

Looking for positive and confidence-building riding instruction for yourself or your child?

At Ameroc Equestrian (based at Sunray Stables in Ingersoll, ON), we offer English riding lessons with a unique approach that prioritizes:
• Correct English riding fundamentals (Hunter/Equitation)
• Horse welfare and ethical training
• Calm, supportive teaching for riders of all ages
• Clear learning goals with Equestrian Canada’s Learn to Ride program

Whether you’re riding simply for pleasure or focused on advancing your skills, our program supports all goals through a positive, confidence-building atmosphere.

With a unique, nervous system informed approach and the structure of Equestrian Canada’s Rider Levels, every horse and rider is given the tools to grow and thrive.

Services Offered:

•Private & Semi-Private Riding Lessons

•Horsemanship & Stable Management Sessions

•Groundwork & Basic Liberty Lessons

•Exercise/Training Rides, Groundwork and Handling Sessions

📩 Message me or email [email protected] to learn more or reserve a spot.

12/28/2024

Ask any of our instructors/staff and we will all tell you the profound impact horses have had on our lives. We are so blessed to share these life lessons our students!

➡️ Why I Choose Horses for My Kid: Lessons Worth Every Penny

People often ask me, “Why do you spend so much money on horses for your kid? They’re just ‘money pits,’ emotional heart-breakers made of tissue paper that can kick your lights out. Why?”

The answer is simple: because horses teach kids more than any iPad, social media influencer, or textbook ever could.

Yes, you’re right—horses are relentless in every way. They demand your time, energy, and finances. They can test your patience, challenge your emotions, and consume you entirely. But look at what they give in return.

⚡️ Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Horses teach my child skills no technology, trendy outfit, or peer group could ever provide:

• Nonverbal Communication: Learning to “speak” with a 1,200-pound animal without words develops awareness, empathy, and understanding.

• Responsibility: Early mornings, late nights, and putting the needs of another being before their own teach kids accountability.

• Confidence: The triumphs and struggles in the saddle or barn instill self-belief and grit.

• Emotional Intelligence: Handling setbacks, managing fears, and celebrating successes alongside a horse build emotional resilience.

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: When something goes wrong, as it inevitably does, kids learn to think critically and act swiftly.

• Goal Setting & Consistency: Progress with horses comes through small, consistent efforts—a powerful life lesson. swiftly.

• Value of Networking & Mentorship: The horse industry molds kids to be coachable and open minded to collaboration with their peers. Success in this industry requires a network - they learn that quickly.

Beyond the tangible skills, horses bring kids closer to nature, science, and even spirituality. There’s something deeply humbling and awe-inspiring about working with these magnificent creatures. I know for a fact they bring you closer to God as well.

🔥The Physical and Mental Challenge

Many don’t believe equestrian activities qualify as a sport. To that, I can only say: spend a day in the barn. The physical demands of mucking stalls, lifting hay bales, and conditioning a horse are real. Riding itself is a full-body workout that requires balance, strength, and coordination. These kids spend more time practicing their skills than most athletes on the planet.

But the mental aspect is just as significant. Equestrianism teaches kids how to master pressure, manage performance anxiety, and handle adversity with grace. Those are skills they’ll carry into every aspect of life.

👉 A Priceless Investment

I would rather my child be so consumed by the living, breathing responsibilities of horses than searching for validation on social media, in peer groups, or, worse, through harmful substances.

Horses are an investment—not just in riding lessons, vet bills, and show fees—but in my child’s future. I’d rather spend my money on building her character, teaching them discipline, and giving them life skills than on fleeting trends or technology that will soon be outdated.

Yes, horses are expensive. Yes, they’re challenging. But they’re also one of the greatest gifts I can give my child. Because when I look at them, I don’t just see a rider—I see a confident, capable, compassionate human being. And for that, horses are worth every penny.



Shared from Blue Thunder A Unicorn Story

12/13/2024

We are so blessed to call Sunray Stables home! Thank you to Sunray’s owners, manager and many dedicated staff for allowing us to follow our dreams and share our passion for horses and riding with others. We couldn’t be more proud to be apart of the Sunray family 😊

12/13/2024

📍Woodstock/Ingersoll, On

We have a couple openings for English horseback riding lessons for beginner to intermediate riders ages 7 and up! 🐴✨

Our lessons take place on safe, well-schooled horses and ponies, ensuring that students build confidence and skill in a pressure-free environment. Whether your goals include learning to jump, preparing for horse shows, or simply enjoying horses, we would love to hear from you.

* Experienced coaching with a focus on safety and fun
* Private or Semi-Private lessons
* Positive, safe and encouraging atmosphere
* Structured lessons designed to build skills progressively
* Opportunities for part-boarding/leasing and participation in local horse shows

Lesson availability is currently on Monday and Thursday afternoon/evenings or Saturday afternoons.

For more information, feel free to PM us or email at [email protected]
Come ride with us!

09/01/2024

🙌🙌

So often, I hear my students say things like “I can’t.” Or “I’m not capable.” Or “That’s for someone more talented, rich, younger, etc.”

Chin up, Buttercup!

Time to believe in yourself!

The first step to positive thinking is believing in yourself. You have to believe that you can achieve your goals, no matter how difficult they may seem. You are the only way you can even come close. No one is going to come along and do the hard work for you.

First, focus on the good. When you focus on the good things in your life, it will help you to see the world in a more positive light. Make a habit of noticing the good things that happen to you each day, no matter how small they may seem.

Think positively. When you think positively, it will help you to attract positive experiences into your life. Choose to think about the things that you want, not the things that you don't want.

Use mindful meditation to visualize your goals. Take some time each day to visualize your goals. See yourself achieving them in vivid detail. This will help you to stay motivated and focused. You can do this when you first wake up in the morning or right before you go to bed.

Positive thinking is not enough. Start moving. You need to take action towards your goals. Don't wait for things to happen. Make them happen. One step at a time. Chip away at it.

Crap will happen. Don't give up. There will be setbacks along the way. But don't give up on your dreams. Keep believing in yourself and keep taking action.

Practice gratitude and live in the present moment. Don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. Focus on the present moment and enjoy the here and now. You will have more to be grateful for.

I believe in you!

🌻 Cara

📸 Max & Maxwell: Equestrian Photography

06/17/2024

Great tips for riding and cooling down horses in these warm temperatures!!

READ AND SHARE! Dangerously hot temperatures coming this week!!

🐴Some helpful reminders and tips for navigating the hot summer temperature with your horse!🐴

⛔️IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TIME TO COOL DOWN YOUR HORSE CORRECTLY- DO NOT RIDE/WORK YOUR HORSE!⛔️

☀️Horses feel and regulate heat worse than humans do, therefore if you're feeling hot- they are feeling much worse!

☀️Plan your activities around the heat. Come earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

☀️Trailering in the heat can be extremely dangerous and also lead to overheating

☀️Be prepared to change your plans depending on the temperature, especially if you have to ride in the afternoon. The safety and comfort of the horse is *MORE IMPORTANT* than whatever ride/goal/plans you had hoped to achieve that day

⛔️IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TIME TO COOL DOWN YOUR HORSE CORRECTLY- DO NOT RIDE/WORK YOUR HORSE!⛔️

💧Untack your horse as quickly as possible and immediately hose with cold water, after riding in the heat. Your tack can be put away later!

💧Allow your horse to drip dry- do not scrape access water off*

*it is a MYTH that evaporating water creates heat on the horse

💧Don't ride your horse to cool them out. Get off once immediately done and cool out by hand with a loose girth*
*if possible- best practice is to quickly untack, hose, and walk out after. Reapplying water as needed

💧Offer your horse a drink of cold water immediately after riding*

*it is a MYTH that cold water after exercise causes colic! Your horse needs that cold water to bring down enternal body temperature and restore the fluids lost from sweating

💧While the sweaty areas seem to be the most obvious to hose off, it's critical to not forget about the legs! The tendons of the legs can be permanently damaged when over heated*

*this is also why it's never, ever a good idea to boot or wrap your horse in fleece, neoprene, leather, nylon, foam and other non breathable materials. Trapping heat into the legs should be avoided at all costs. If its absolutely NECESSARY to boot- make sure you are using a super breathable mesh boot. Only put on directly before its needed, and take off immediately after. Boots and wraps are tendon cookers and need to be used carefully and only if absolutely necessary

🌡We don't all carry thermometers in our back pockets! So when do we know they're cooled down enough?

💧A good rule of thumb that I follow, is when the water stays "cool" when on the horse, the horse is at a safe temperature. If the water is still heating up quite quickly after being applied, keep applying. You might be applying water anywhere from 5 to 20minutes depending on how hot your horse is.

💧Hose your horse before trailering somewhere, if it is very hot. Have all windows (and top doors depending) open, and stop frequently to offer water to drink, and sponge more water onto your horse. Better to arrive with a soggy horse than a sick one!

⛔️IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TIME TO COOL DOWN YOUR HORSE CORRECTLY- DO NOT RIDE/WORK YOUR HORSE!⛔️

Feel free to share- stay safe and healthy!