@Tony Sigtermans-Keijzer I’m glad you said that out loud. When you’re feeling a bit lost, that’s usually your system asking for space. First, I must ask, are you okay? Is it just one of those heavy weeks? Taking a step back isn’t failure. With horses (and life), sometimes the most productive move is to pause and then step forward again. The horses don’t mind. They meet us where we are. If this week is about rest and small wins, let it be that. 🐴✨🫶

@Maddie Pemberton oh nice, with you there 🤩

@Maddie Pemberton lovely, lovely, lovely 🤩

@Jessica Enslin Very good, well done 🤩 I have two little pointers for you. First, I can see she’s still holding some tension even when you’re just standing there. So let’s make that part of the training too. Sometimes simply stand at her shoulder and do nothing. Sometimes stand at her hip, lean on her lightly, breathe, relax… and do nothing. I call these comfort spots, horses have them all over their bodies and well right now she needs most of them covered. They are standing by and relaxing at the: Front of the horse head Jaw - side of the horses head (both sides) Neck (both sides) Shoulder (both sides) Ribs (both sides) Hip (both sides) Hindquarters (both sides) Tail (both sides) If she learns that your position beside her doesn’t always mean “I’m about to pick up your foot,” the anticipation will start to fade. Second, before you bend down to ask for the leg, make sure she’s truly relaxed with you by her shoulder. When we fold over like that, it can feel slightly predatory to a horse, and it can also trigger them to shift or move their feet. So pause, soften, wait for that exhale…then ask. Two wins today. Bank those. This is exactly how confidence gets built, rarely in perfect sessions, but in real-life moments handled well 🐴✨🫶

@Jessica Enslin top - stay in touch and love to see some vids of Gravy when they meet 😍🐴✨🫶

@Diane Carone 🤩🐴✨🫶