2020 look back

This is the last post of 2020 so I take a look back at a year that I want to forget but also remember the many firsts that I and Fred have achieved! This year has been one like none before, with lockdowns, masks, tiers, social distancing, and bubbles all being new concepts to learn and adapt to! 

When the pandemic first struck and a national lockdown was introduced riding was halted, mainly due to fears of putting added strain on our NHS if a fall should occur. We moved yards around a month into the lockdown and the horses were allowed to settle into their new environment. Gradually riding was slowly restarted in the field and it was great to get back on, I do get a bit down when I don’t manage to ride for a while.  

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Guest blog from Reveal Equestrian

This month we have a second guest blog kindly written by Jenna from Reveal Equestrian and this time she is sharing her knowledge on dressage riding by providing an introduction to this sport. Jenna is based in California and runs an equestrian centre which teaches a variety of training and lessons.  They are dedicated to teaching students about the fundamentals of equestrian riding and horsemanship.

Introduction to The Sport of Dressage Riding

Many people notice the Olympic level dressage on the televisions. Dressage isn’t a stylish move with lots of impressive names. Further, you may notice the horses seem to have complicated maneuvers because they sit motionless over them. 

Horses will be trained by the trainers with the basic dressage to create balance and responsiveness. So, you will be given the set of required elements and perform a dressage test with music. 

Photo Credit: Reveal Equestrian

Guest Blogger Interview – No 3 Life in the Countryside with Hannah & Joey

In our 3rd edition of horse blogger interview, we are joined by Hannah Greetham from Life in the countryside with Hannah and Joey. Hannah has been through a tough time and continues to be positive despite her ordeal. I am amazed that Hannah continues to ride and think she is an inspiration to others. Hannah also suffers with Fibromyalgia & Psoriasis.

Hannah is also a distributor Of AlvaHorse & Eliza T Equestrian Apparel so pop over if you are interested in some lovely new horse wear. Read on to find out more about Hannah and Joey.

Photo credit: Life in the countryside

1. How did you first get into blogging and what inspired you to start your blog?

I got into blogging in a very different way, I was involved in horrific RTC last year involving a horse I was sharing at the time. Being bed-bound and in and out of hospital over 8 months it made me think, why don’t I start a blog on my recovery process, while I had all the time in the world. I was hoping it would raise awareness and show the dangers of what could happen out hacking.

2. What was your most successful post? Why do you think it was appealing?

I didn’t think the blog would take off but when I had my operations on the 1st April 2019 and I posted a gory photo from my first operation, the page really seemed to take off, everyone was so interested. Also just recently I have just started riding again after a year recovering, everyone has been so supportive.

3. Tell me about your proudest horsey achievement?

Getting back on a horse again after being run over by a lorry 1 year ago.

4. How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running? How much time do you spend blogging?

I love keeping my blog updated even now. Everyone always loves the horse-related content and even when I post updates about myself.

5. What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?

The frustrating part of blogging is knowing whether or not people will be interested in what you are blogging about.

6. What advice would you give to fellow bloggers? Are there any strategies that you would recommend?

Definitely don’t put too many of your own opinions in blogs, sometimes it ends up in backlash. Not that has happened to me but having seen fellow blogger pages. Also always keep the blog’s related to what you set out to theme it on, people reading end up bored.

7. Do you have any plans/goals for the future?

The goals are to definitely keep growing my blog page, hopefully, keep raising awareness and inspiring people to not give up when something bad crops up in life

To read more about Life in the countryside with Hannah and Joey you can follow their story on Facebook and Instagram.  Hannah also runs a Facebook group which focuses on having a positive mindset.

To read more on passing horses safely on the road, see our post on bridleways here.

Equi-Theme Saddle pad & Fly Veil Review

Recently I was very lucky to have been gifted a beautiful Equi-Theme saddle pad & fly veil set to review. The items were very kindly sent to us from Matchy Horsey after they contacted me regarding one of their new items. In return, I agreed to write an honest review of the items and include them in one of my posts. So me and Fred have put them to the test. After all who can resist a bit of matchy-matchy!

Some of you may have seen on Instagram and Facebook a few weeks back that I gave a sneak preview of the products, as I waited to try them out. Well, the weather finally picked up and I got to use them for a couple of activities. Is anyone else like me a love a new item but also hate the idea of getting them dirty?

Reveal Equestrian – Guest Blog Post

Today we have a guest post by Jenna from Reveal Equestrian based in California. Reveal Equestrian is dedicated to teaching students about the fundamentals of riding and horsemanship, from groundwork to competing at “A” show levels. Jenna has produced an article for us on their top tips for beginners starting to ride.

5 Horseback Riding Tips for Beginners

Horseback riding can provide endless hours of recreational fun for you and your family, and allow you to spend time in nature and the company of animals. Especially if you are taking your firsts lessons or wishing to enjoy a horse riding holiday, some tips allow you to make the most out of your experience. Read on to discover what to expect from horseback riding in San Juan Capistrano. 

Groundwork for Equestrian Mamas

This post is all about groundwork for equestrian mamas, a topic useful to all horse owners but one which may be beneficial to all equestrian mamas, new or old. Time with our horses isn’t all about riding. There are many other things we can do with them when we aren’t able to ride, whether that be due to illness, age, time, circumstances etc.

Groundwork consists of teaching your horse on the ground and if done well these skills should transfer to under saddle. It is important to take time to do this correctly and not to rush. I am going to work through with you some groundwork which has helped to improve my horse and the bond which we have created. 

Guest Blogger Interviews – No 2. Horse Shoe Rd

Welcome to the second of our guest blogger interviews, this month we are joined by Jen from Horse Shoe Rd which is an Equestrian Lifestyle Blog. Jen welcomes you on her adventures as a DIY horse owner, show mother, groom, planner and organizer. Based in the United States, Jen shares their stories of travelling to horse shows and keeping horses at home.

See below to find out what Jen had to share with us…

1. How did you first get into blogging and what inspired you to start your blog?

I’ve always enjoyed writing and gather inspiration and ideas from Pinterest for a TON of things, from crafts to favourite meals. I found that Pinterest didn’t always have ideas directed specifically to horse shows. When travelling to horse shows, our bunch loves finding great restaurants for a great meal. My initial inspiration was an ebook/travel guide on great dining experiences based on horse show related travels.

Guest blogger interviews – No.1 Nutty Nags

Welcome to our new monthly interviews, devoted to guest bloggers.

Each month we will be featuring an interview from a different guest blogger and getting to know more about them and their blogs. I am hoping this slot will allow readers to find a whole host of new and inspiring bloggers to follow.

First up is the lovely Vanessa Hill from Nutty nags. Vanessa is a retired lady who lives in the UK, she writes about all things equestrian, from tips to product reviews. Vanessa enjoys eventing as a more mature rider and proves she has what it takes to be a great equestrian.

Photo Credit: Vanessa Hill

Read on to find out what Vanessa had to share with us…

The Mama Equestrian and Becks Back in the Saddle.

So, this post has a bit of a twist to it and has been created by ourselves and equestrian blogger Becky Oliver, from Becks back in the Saddle, for a collaboration post. A few weeks back Becky contacted me, asking if our Facebook group members, could be approached to gather their personal experiences of riding, during pregnancy and following childbirth and if we could create a joint post.

Becky got a good response to the post and has included these in her blog (link here), as she is currently writing about her own experiences of being pregnant, whilst riding. In my post, I will be including my personal experiences and tips for riding with children, as I have 3 children myself and I have never ridden whilst being pregnant.

Photo credit: Becky Oliver

Guest blog post – How very horsey

This week, we have a guest post from equestrian blogger Daisy of How very Horsey, who shares her thoughts and tips on horses, pregnancy and riding after birth. Daisy comes from a long line of horsey family members and runs her own online rider confidence course offered to all levels of riders. Her group course runs over 8 weeks but you also have the option of doing one to one support, if you prefer.

Photo credit: Daydream Equine Art