And How to Progress With More Clarity and Less Frustration - Have you ever spent an entire ride working on something that should be improving… but isn’t? You’re asking for a consistent contact, a more balanced canter, or a smoother transition. You feel like you’re doing the right things. You’ve had moments where it clicked before.

Last summer, I observed a rider in the warm-up ring at Thunderbird Show Park in Vancouver, BC, who seemed to be struggling. Her horse was tense and unfocused, despite her best attempts to establish a connection. The horse appeared distracted, and when they approached a practice jump, it refused. The rider fought to maintain her composure, but her frustration and tension were clearly visible. Although she cleared a few jumps at the trot, once they began cantering, the horse rushed the jumps and nearly bolted after landing. After a few attempts, she pulled up to the corner of the arena, her face showing the emotional toll of the situation.

When a horse shows subtle signs of lameness or discomfort but no clear veterinary diagnosis, it can be discouraging and costly for owners. These vague issues are unfortunately common and often leave owners uncertain about the next step. This article outlines key principles to guide you through such cases, using the example of Remy — a mare who arrived with back pain and bucking behaviour but no definitive medical findings.

Running a successful horse farm or boarding stable takes more than excellent horsemanship—it also requires strong leadership. Whether you manage a large equine operation or a small private barn, finding dependable employees to handle horse care, lessons, training, and daily barn chores can be one of the biggest challenges. Many horse professionals admit they are more comfortable managing horses than managing people, but the skills needed to lead a team are easier to develop than you might expect. These practical strategies can help you build a stronger, more effective workplace.