✨ Whether you realize it or not, you already are. To your horse, you are their constant and the one they look to, learn from, try to understand. That’s a big responsibility, but also a really powerful thing because it means your horse doesn’t need someone else. They need you, getting more aware, getting better and getting good. It’s easy to look outside of ourselves and to think the answer is a different horse, different tack, different situation, or that someone else could do it better. But your horse isn’t waiting for someone else, they’re responding to what they feel from you, every single day and the more you understand, the more you improve your timing, your feel and your general skills the more your horse can relax into that. It’s never been about being perfect, but it is about recognizing that you already matter more than you think in your horse’s world. And that when you choose to get good, even in the smallest ways, your horse benefits from every single bit of it. You’re already their best asset, so by getting good - they can too. ❓If your horse could ask you to improve one thing, what do you think it would be? 🐴✨🫶

A reminder for us all...my horses shape changes all the time, so I always keep a good relationship with the Derbyshire Saddle fitter😍🤠🐴 Proper saddle fitting is essential for ensuring horse welfare, comfort, and performance while allowing the rider to maintain a secure, balanced seat. An ill-fitting saddle can cause severe back pain, muscle atrophy, and behavioral issues, while a proper fit distributes weight evenly, encourages freedom of movement, and prevents injury. London College of Animal Osteopathy +4 Key Reasons for Proper Saddle Fitting: - Horse Health & Comfort: A well-fitted saddle prevents pressure points on the spine, withers, and shoulders, allowing the horse to work freely and comfortably. - Performance & Muscular Development: It encourages proper engagement of the back muscles, enabling the horse to develop a strong topline and preventing long-term damage or lameness. - Rider Stability & Safety: A proper fit allows the rider to sit in the center of the seat, facilitating effective communication with the horse without having to fight against the saddle for balance. - Dynamic Changes: Because a horse's shape changes throughout the year due to fitness, age, and weight, it is crucial to have the fit checked by a professional every 6 months to adjust for muscle development or atrophy. - Preventing Behavioral Issues: A poorly fitted saddle is often the cause of bucking, rearing, biting, or refusing to work, as the horse acts out due to pain! Hope this post helps remind us🤠🐴