Balancing Control and Softness in Jumping – Part 1
What to consider before reaching for a stronger bit in showjumping and cross country By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine bitting specialist Bitting for jumping and fast work can often mean we naturally reach for a ‘stronger’ bit without always thinking through the reasons why. When we’re going faster and jumping we can often feel […]
Rider Safety Starts from the Ground Up: The Importance of Proper Footwear
Spending time with horses is one of the great joys of Pony Club—but staying safe around these powerful animals is essential. Whether you’re grooming, leading, or riding, following some simple safety rules helps keep everyone—horse and human—safe and confident. One of the most important (and often overlooked) safety basics? Wearing the right footwear. Why Footwear […]
Welfare Wednesday | Boots and Bandages: Smart Use for Safer Legs
Boots and bandages can play a valuable role in protecting your horse’s legs—but only when used correctly. While they offer support and defence against knocks, overreaching or brushing, they also come with risks if misused. This week, we’re breaking down the best practice for protective legwear, drawing from the PCA A Certificate Manual and recent […]
Understanding the Flight Response: A Key to Welfare & Training
The flight response plays a critical role in horse behaviour, training, and welfare. As horse trainers, it is important that we learn to identify this response and understand its impact. For centuries, the best trainers have emphasised the importance of rhythm and line—commonly referred to as self-carriage. When horses accelerate without being asked, whether under […]
Is Your Bit On Correctly?
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine bitting specialist. It’s a fact that we currently have more choice in the bits we use than we’ve ever had before. The increased knowledge around our horses’ conformation and how interconnected throughout their body they are means we’re able to bit to a very individual level. We’ve certainly […]
How to Warm Up and Cool Down Your Horse
In order to keep your horse sound, it is important to maintain a good warm up and cool down routine. Warming up refers to the initial work in a session, whether at home or at a competition. It allows the horse’s body to adjust to the work by increasing heart rate and circulation, helping oxygenated […]
How to Let a Horse Down for a Spell — and Bring Them Back Safely
What is Spelling? In equestrian circles, particularly in Australia, spelling refers to giving a horse an extended break from work. This rest period allows horses to recover both physically and mentally — whether they’re recovering from an intense competition season, early training, injury, or illness. Spelling typically involves turning the horse out to pasture with […]
Steps to Saddling: Essential Skills for Young Riders
Is your young rider ready to saddle up with confidence? At Pony Club, our D Certificate members start learning how to saddle their horses independently, under a coach’s watchful eye. Knowing the basics of saddling is a crucial part of safe and responsible riding—and we’re here to guide them every step of the way! Here’s […]
Grooming for Good Horse Welfare: A Step-by-Step Guide
Grooming isn’t just about making your horse look clean and polished; it’s a vital part of their daily welfare. Through grooming, you can check for injuries, support coat health, and even strengthen your bond. Done regularly and correctly, grooming will keep your horse feeling comfortable and help you spot any changes in their health early […]
Bitting: A Tool for Communication, Not a Shortcut for Training
By Fiona Dearing, Bit Right Equine Bit Fitting*. People often book a bitting consult because they’ve come up against a training challenge, and they’re keen to see if a change in their bit will assist them through it. I’m always quick to let them know that a bit—or any other piece of equipment, for […]