Aligned Horsemanship

What a weekend at Equine Affaire! For the first three days, we dealt with serious anxiety, and I really questioned my life decisions. 😆
We walked for hours each day around the grounds and did multiple groundwork sessions a day, doing my best to trust the process while not seeing much change in her mental state. But then we got to day four, the last day. We ended the event with a loose-rein ride and some great work on her piaffe in a demo with Ariana Sakaris. I wouldn't have dreamed that it was possible with the horse I had in front of me on day one, but wow! She surpassed my expectations big time! What a reminder of what a horse will offer us when we prioritize their mental state over anything else 🤎

Day 2- a full day of seeing the sights and we met the infamous equine affair train 🚂😆

We have made it to Equine Affair and Honey is all tucked in. Tomorrow will be a full day of walking her around the grounds to take in all the excitement and then participating in demos Saturday and Sunday with Ariana Sakaris. Can’t wait!

This post really hit me in the feels today ❤️

Honey has been simultaneously the easiest and the most difficult horse I’ve ever owned. I have moments where I have to be very clear with her regarding boundaries, and then other moments where she is so sensitive and in tune with me that she reacts to my thoughts before I even move.
Bouncing between these two extremes on a weekly, daily, or sometimes even moment-by-moment basis is incredibly tough. The hardest part for me is changing my approach on the outside while remaining the same on the inside and being consistent in my energy and internal feeling, even if my physical aids have to change. It has been and continues to be a huge challenge, but it’s exactly what I need to learn, and I am so thankful for her.

Finally getting a chance to post about last weekend’s clinic at Camp Montvale supporting Harmony Family Center! 🐴✨
Harmony is a true sanctuary, dedicated to helping children and families through trauma-informed care and nature-based healing. Our clinic focused on preparing their therapy horses for the trails by building their confidence and listening to their subtle signals.

Highlights from the day:
• Early Communication: We practiced catching small signs of uncertainty before the horses became overwhelmed.
• Building Trust: Helping the horses work through nerves with new/scary objects so they can eventually be ridden or walked throughout the property.
• An Incredible Team: This group of women was so perceptive and eager! Their natural empathy made them experts at picking up on the horses’ communication and celebrating every small step of progress.
It was amazing to watch these volunteers connect with the therapy horses. Such a fun, rewarding day for a wonderful cause!

I came across this picture yesterday of the horse that started my love for liberty and bridleless riding (and chestnuts 😆) 20 YEARS AGO! And the pony that has already made so many of that little girl’s dreams come true 🥰.

I may have taken a 10 year break from horses in between these pictures and sometimes I think where I would be if I hadn’t, but I honestly would not have done it any differently, those years not only gave me a college education, career, beautiful children and an amazing husband but it also gave me perspective and an appreciation for being able to get back to doing what I love.

Proof that your dreams don’t have an expiration date. they just evolve as you do 🌱🤎

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Voice Aids Are Coming to Dressage!

Dressage is undergoing a significant change – this time toward more natural communication between rider and horse. British Dressage and the British Riding Clubs have announced that, starting in January, subtle voice aids, such as a light click of the tongue, will be allowed during competitive tests.

This move responds to rider feedback as well as the growing focus on horse welfare.
"We want all competitions to be run according to the best possible rules, and for both owners and horses to feel supported," explains Rachael Hollely-Thompson from the British Riding Clubs.

Initial reactions from riders are positive: many horses are used to the sound of their rider’s voice, which gives them confidence and helps them cope better with the competitive environment.

Another major change is that the noseband will no longer be mandatory in dressage competitions, representing another step toward greater freedom and comfort for the horse.

Source: Jones, E. (2025, November 15). Voice aids allowed in dressage in “a positive step” for the sport. Horse & Hound.
Photo: ShutterStock

Murphy is posing triumphantly after conquering his first cross rail today 🏆

Maverick said he needed some rest and relaxation (and a little snack) after his training today. School is exhausting 😊🌞

Another great day to play with ponies 😍