Horsetalksa

02/10/2025

I'm making a concerted effort to go softer, not harder. To listen more, expect less and be grateful for every horse and human that I work with and teach - and that I learn from along the way. 🐎

There is something to be said about being a tough horse person - I don't want to be tough. 👊🏻

💪🏻 Strong is better - strength with gentleness

☝🏻 Patience is better - holding space with wisdom

🫶🏻 Kindness is better - allowing mistakes to learn without judgement

30/09/2025

Licence to Skill
“ Why do I need a qualification to teach or work with horses? Because, quite frankly - nothing is stopping me. I like the feeling of standing in the arena and giving instructions and advice - I can see that I am making a difference”

I have to be honest - I had a similarly questionable attitude to getting my professional equine qualifications. Now I find I am trying to encourage others along similar paths. A decade post grad with my eyes opened - qualified, coursed up and still constantly researching I feel a necessity to impart my knowledge to those that are keen to listen and who have the intention of making an improvement to both horse and human lives. I have along my path realised that education is the bridge that connects knowledge and intention with the right type of action. And simply said when you know more you give yourself the tools to do better. This is the only way to know that you are actually making a real difference.

The alternative to working with knowledge is ignorance with entitlement. Ignorance, coupled with the will to do whatever you want is a breeding ground for the seeds of cognitive dissonance - for yourself and those around you. The responsibility to impart and share true and correct knowledge is the flag that a committed equestrian professional should fly - a flag in the hand and a feather in the cap.

For those who are serious about a career with horses - a proper education is vital because it improves horse welfare by teaching evidence-based management and learned theory, leading to safer and more ethical practices. Working with, riding or therapy with horses also benefits human wellbeing by improving confidence, communication, and life skills that include conflict resolution, stress management and self-control. And on the whole strengthens the industry by producing resourced professionals and skilled labor.

For Horses
• Improved Welfare
Equine education ensures horses are treated in according with their basic needs and reduces stress from poor handling. Creating an awareness on how different environments and management styles affect the horses wellbeing and going a long way in injury reduction and prevention.
• Effective Training
Allows for more humane and effective training methods, preventing training-related issues and improving performance. Creating a base of knowledge to understand the difference between training issues, behavioural and pain related issues. Teaches the ability to identify, manage and mitigate stressful situations that could negatively impact the horses well being.
• Enhanced Safety
Educated handlers can better understand horse behaviour and recognise their emotional states, learn to observe body language and understand basic ethology - leading to safer interactions and reduced injury risk.

For People
• Personal Development
Working with horses helps to improve self-awareness, confidence and communication skills as well as enhancing relationship skills. it is hugely empowering.
• Professional Skills
The roles within the Equine field are many - an equine education provides specialised knowledge and skills for careers in the horse industry, from care and management to training in essential service provider roles.

09/09/2025

In a fast paced industry people wonder why horses become unfit for purpose at an early age. Early starting and over exertion is only one factor - but a primary one to contemplate. What are we breaking down before we are building up?

08/09/2025

Magnesium is essential for maintaining proper muscle function, nerve transmission, mood regulation, and metabolic health. As a supplement magnesium can significantly improve performance, recovery, and overall temperament.

Magnesium is one of the most essential minerals in a horse’s body, playing a critical role in hundreds of physiological processes. Yet, it’s often overlooked in equine nutrition. From muscle function and nerve transmission to mood regulation and metabolic health, magnesium is the quiet workhorse...

28/08/2025

Congratulations to - Eden Leibov, Carla Fall, Charlotte Franklin, Monique Fourie and Noo Charter for successfully completing and passing their M2 exams. To Danielle Boshoff for her brilliant M3 results and Keilah Johns for passing M1.

Such a brilliant and diverse group of talent.
Onwards and Upwards. 👏🏻 👏🏻

21/08/2025

Thoroughbreds possess immense potential, heart, and character as general riding and competition horses. By acknowledging common injuries sustained during racing and providing thoughtful remedial care, new owners can see them flourish well into their next chapters.

Transitioning a racehorse into a new career can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with physical challenges. Racehorses are trained for high intensity, repetitive movements that can lead to specific musculoskeletal issues. Understanding the most common injuries these horses face – and h...

06/08/2025

A horse's personality cannot be defined by a single feature, but whorls are more than just an interesting facial pattern - they may reveal aspects of your horse's distinctive mental disposition.

Every horse is unique—from its conformation and gait to its personality and quirks. But one physical trait that often sparks curiosity among horse owners is the whorl—those spiral patterns found in a horse’s coat, usually on the face and body. Known as “cowlicks” in other animals (and huma...

04/08/2025

When a horse trots, the extensor muscles extend, propelling the horse forward. At the same time, the flexor muscles flex, allowing the foot to lift off the ground.

21/07/2025

Water-soluble vitamins (B complex and Vitamin C) are not stored in the horses body and are readily excreted in the urine. These vitamins play crucial roles in various bodily functions and are an essential requirement of a balanced daily diet.

20/07/2025

When we nurture the nervous system, we nurture the whole horse. Through balanced nutrition, low-stress environments and mindful handling, you can help your horse remain calm, responsive, and connected. In turn, this enhances their physical performance, emotional resilience and trust.

The nervous system is the control center of your horse’s body—governing movement, coordination, behavior, sensory perception, and even emotional well-being. A healthy nervous system is essential for a calm, responsive horse capable of learning, adapting, and performing. Unfortunately, nervous sy...

13/07/2025

True horsemanship is built on empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. When we choose trust over fear, we cultivate conversation and partnership. In doing so, we nurture horses and riders who listen to one another and move, think, and grow together in harmony.

Training built on fear may produce short-term obedience, but it comes at a significant long-term cost—for both the horse and the rider. While fear-based methods may seem effective in forcing quick compliance, they undermine trust, damage confidence, and lead to lasting emotional and physical conse...

05/07/2025

Your horse's breathing is more than an indicator of fitness - it's a form of communication. Learning to connect and listen to it can unlock new levels of trust, rhythm, and performance.

Breathing is often overlooked in daily riding and training sessions, yet it plays a critical role in your horse’s physical performance, rhythm, and emotional well-being. A horse’s breathing reflects more than just fitness—it communicates comfort, stress levels, and muscular coordination. By tu...