For Riders
Your horse, your teacher
March 2019
Is there something we can learn from our horses? Absolutely yes! Where do I begin? Horses teach us so much about ourselves that I constantly refer to them as our ‘personal development coaches’. Horses have the ability to teach us so much more than just ‘how to ride’, the real question is: ‘Are we ready to learn?’
Get 2019 off to a Great Start with SMART Goal Setting
February 2019
It’s that time of year again when we set goals and make resolutions. It’s an exciting time and setting goals can be invigorating. However, more often than not, such resolutions only last a few short weeks or a handful of days. In this article, we’ll discuss your goals and provide ways in which you can, not only achieve your goals, but have fun doing it!
The Power of Change
February 2019
Human beings are creatures of habit. Rather than looking for change, we generally prefer things to stay the same. However, change is an important part of growing and, therefore, necessary. If you keep doing the same things you will get the same outcomes. If you keep training in the same way you easily get stuck in the same problems. Change is essential to keep things fresh and clear. So, how can we become more comfortable with change and how do we make the unknown our friend rather than fearing it?
Internal vs External Validation
December 2018
Do you know when you are doing a good job or do you rely on others telling you that you are? In my experience, many riders don’t trust themselves and, therefore, keep looking and craving other people’s praise. This in itself is not a bad thing, it just becomes hard when you are in the wrong environment or the people around you have ideas that are different to the ones you have. Craving external validation generally means that we are not sure and we don’t trust ourselves enough. Thus, we look for confirmation from others.
Developing Focus
September 2018
We can ride with focus or we can ride while being distracted. The difference will be enormous. The distractions can come from your mind as well as from your environment. First step: The first step in improving your focus while riding is to become aware of the distracting thoughts. I am talking about all your, what ifs should dos have to dos These need to stay at the gate. The biggest distractions generally originate inside our own head. The memories of what has happened in the past and the worries of what might happen in the future.
And... Breathe!
August 2018
Breathing is one of the most natural things to do and yet the hardest thing to remember whilst we are riding. Here are a few tips on how to remember to breathe and how your breath effects your horse. First of all we have to differentiate between the breath that lowers energy and the breath that raises energy. Lets start with the ‘Friday afternoon’ breath.
Technology Hacks for Hacking Out with Your Horse: Part 1
July 2018
Our horse world intersects another one, full of Amazon, Ebay, television and new-fangled things. In general, the new-fangled has hardly encountered our horse but, in this article, I have chosen some products that have qualities of ‘high technology’, and should bring some new benefit to horses and their riders.
Without Judgement
July 2018
According to Mental Health Australia: “Mental health issues affect one in every five Australians. We cannot afford to be complacent in our efforts to achieve changes to our mental health care system when we consider the impact of mental health on our community.” Promoting mental health awareness is paramount to supporting mentally healthy people and communities, including in equestrianism. Over the coming months, we will be discussing mental health and the equestrian lifestyle - from recreation and sports, to service providers.
The Power of Gratitude
July 2018
It is so easy to focus on all the things that need to be done and on all the goals that still need to be achieved. This often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and, even though it is inspiring to set goals, sometimes it is also important to stop and look back to see how far you have come. This is where a ‘Gratitude Board’ comes in. A Gratitude Board helps you to reflect on your already successful past. It is a perfect way to celebrate and acknowledge all of your achievements.
Horses Helping Humans
June 2018
Now in its 14th year, Horses Helping Humans (HHH) has recently won its third Business Award this year for ‘Youth and Children’s Services 2018’. Founder Sue Spence invites you to become a licensee and facilitator for this internationally renowned horsemanship and life skills program.
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