Heather Wallace's Blog, page 4

Why Is The C- Word So Bad? Developing Confidence in the Canter.

When I was young the canter was my favorite gait while riding. Something about the rocking motion and the big stride gave me a sense of freedom. I still prefer a balanced canter above all gaits today. Yet, when I returned to riding as an adult, I was incredibly nervous to ride it. I know I’m not alone. I have watched my daughters grow up at the barn and gain in confidence and skill on their own time. A few years ago Zoe , my timid rider, accidentally cantered when Ferrous came into the trot pole...

Equestrienne: Rachel Smith, The Spiritual Cowgirl

Rachel Smith is an Equestrian Mindset coach from Rimbey Alberta Canada. She is a rider, trainer, and equine sports therapist with a passion for holistic health for equines and riders on body, mind and soul levels. From the time she was three years old and first met horses, she felt their magic on a soul level. Born with horses in her blood, even though her family was from the city, her grandma introduced her to horses. From a young age she had a way with horses and was exceptionally talented wit...

Redingote Equestrian: Women-Inspired.

Living Up to the Hype and Beyond A few years ago (2018), I encountered an emerging fashion brand called Redingote Equestrian that I found incredibly intriguing. I’d been a working student through winters, pouring rain, and knew firsthand how uncomfortable it could be. In case you didn’t know, I’m kind’ embarrassed high maintenance and love anything that makes my life easier. More, the idea of two women starting a small business with a unique viewpoint- coveralls designed for women: flattering, f...

Equestrienne: Alyssa Matthews, Discover the Horse

Alyssa Mathews is a lifelong equestrian and adventure addict, and in 2017, she set out on an adventure to ride every breed of horse in the world, in her quest: Discover the Horse. ... When finished, it will be the largest equine education project of its kind.

Unboxing the Cavali Club Lifestyle Box

Confession: I already have a tack and shopping problem, and I think it just got a little harder to resist. Recently, I won a Cavali Club Lifestyle Subscription box and $25 Corro gift card in a silent auction. Of course I’ve heard about the boxes and followed them on Instagram, so I was really interested to get one! When I received it, I set it to the side until I had some quality time to really enjoy opening it, like a present. Finally, I decided to make an unboxing video as I did so you can see...

Let’s Talk About Mental Health, Yes Seriously.

Confession: Depression, burn out, or severe anxiety…call it what you will but I’ve been experiencing it for months and it’s not pretty. I’ve been silently struggling lately. The demands I place on myself and by those around me have been so heavy. I’ve hidden away from friends, stopped writing, barely been to my sanctuary (the barn), and even stepped back from work. The truth is, I think I’m doing okay but then I realize that isn’t really true. All the things I use to cope with my ADHD and my anx...

Equestrienne: Diana De Rosa, Equine Journalist

Diana De Rosa is a veteran equestrian photo journalist, who has traveled the world and has recorded equestrian history for over 35 years. Her story and photography have taken her to over 30 countries.An accomplished rider herself, De Rosa understands the horse world from many different angles.

Stepping Out of the Box: Being an Outsider in an Insider Sport

Since childhood, we like to understand things in relation to others. As young as elementary school I’ve started to see cliques. Those that fit into neat little groups, or “fit the mold” and those people that are slightly weird or don’t seem to really fit in. There is comfort in the expected. I see this with my daughters and remember my own childhood as the shy girl with glasses, who got made fun of for being too quiet, reading too much, or being a snob. Junior high brought social norms and peer ...

Ending On A Good Note- Training Challenge or Handy Excuse?

My trainer has always stressed ending on a good note with my horse when in lessons. It always made so much sense, when they get it right, stop and that is a positive reinforcement and reward.  But if you are a timid rider like me, then often you use that cliche to stop before you challenge yourself or your horse. I was visiting a client and fellow timid rider who is struggling with a sensitive horse. She had a very scary experience in the arena with a new horse and has been reluctant to push him...

Do you Ride a Horse? Congratulations You are a Horse Trainer

I don’t consider myself a professional but after taking even one lesson from a professional horse trainer; I realized how much I didn’t know about my communication with my horse. More, I realized that everything I do from the moment I enter the paddock is teaching my horse something positive, or negative. Like with dogs, my interactions are creating reactions and I AM a horse trainer in many ways.