Diana's Equi Training

08/06/2026

First novice test complete! 🎉 Despite all the challenges leading up to it - loneliness, weather, soreness - we tried to be brave and still scored 59.4%. So proud of Fred for not giving up, even when terrified at the other end of the arena.

02/06/2026

Please always check before buying a helmet and ask for tagging, also if you don't compete. It makes it easier for coaches to see if you and I are within the rules and regulations. Happy riding 🐴🦄🐴

KNOW YOUR RULES | New Helmet Standards ⚠️⛑️💚

Eventing Queensland would like to remind all riders, parents, coaches and officials that updated helmet standards are now in place for EA affiliated events.

Approved helmets must display an EA helmet tag to confirm compliance with safety standards. Riders without an approved tagged helmet will not be permitted to compete.

🟡 Helmets that meet the EA standards applicable
from 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2028
(FEI from 1 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2027) are tagged Yellow.

🟢 Helmets that meet the EA standards applicable
from 1 Jan 2029 (FEI from 1 Jan 2028) are tagged Green.

Helmets are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment we use in our sport, making sure your helmet meets the latest standards helps protect you every ride.

For more information on approved helmet standards and tagging requirements, visit the Equestrian Queensland website here:
https://www.qld.equestrian.org.au/helmet-tagging

21/05/2026

I wrote my own test to nail the EA Level 1 Coach requirements! 📝✨

Here's a custom Novice test ride + my voice-over analysis of what went right and what went wrong... mainly what didn't go so well.

Disclaimer: Fred just had an injury and this was our second ride back, but between ride 1 and 2 we had 2 days and nights of rain, so I expected him to be imperfect. Which is great to uncover things that can go wrong.

Drop a 🐎 if you love deep-dive training videos!

11/05/2026

Lateral movement hack: Forward is key! 🔑

1️⃣ Start with just a few steps
2️⃣ Use the circle to your advantage and let that natural momentum carry you sideways.
3️⃣ Soften the outside leg and drive with the inside leg
4️⃣ Reset if the horse gets stuck, stiff or overly bent / flexed

🐎✨ Just remember: Step forward, step sideways. Repeat. 🔄 Quality over quantity, always. 🛑🚫

30/04/2026

Why ride on the second track? 🐴

I challenge you to send me a video of you riding on the second track.

Are you sitting evenly?Are you using your aids evenly on both sides? Is your horse straight?

It's an easy check whether your horse is drifting, unbalanced or simply not straight.

Can your horse stay on the second track without wanting to get to the outside? It's a fantastic exercise to use both sides of your body evenly, left and right leg and rein aids as well as your body position centered.

By the way, this is what I see when I coach virtually - I can still see it all.

Challenge accepted?

24/03/2026

🏆 NOW CERTIFIED EQUESTRIAL AUSTRALIA COACH! 🏆

I'm thrilled to announce I've officially achieved my EA Coaching accreditation! This milestone reflects my commitment to evidence-based, ethical training practices that prioritise both horse and rider welfare.

What This Means for You:
✅ Professional coaching aligned with EA standards and progressive learning pathways
✅ Structured, systematic training from ground level through to competition preparation
c Safe, methodical progression for horses and riders at all skill levels

Coaching Services Now Available:

🐴 In-Person Sessions (Brisbane area)

Groundwork & introductory lunging
Lunging the rider for independent seat & balance
Dressage foundations & flatwork
Progressive polework & gymnastics
Thoroughbred conditioning programs

💻 VIRTUAL LESSONS NOW OFFERED! Can't make it to the yard? Get expert coaching from anywhere! Perfect for:

Theory & strategy sessions
Video review & analysis
Program planning & goal setting
Riders outside my service area

Why Train With Me?

15+ years international experience (Germany & Netherlands)
German Education Scale methodology
Specialised in dressage, show-jumping & OTT conditioning
Mobile sessions at your yard or arena

📍 Serving Brisbane suburbs within 60 mins of Indooroopilly 🌐 Virtual lessons available globally

Ready to elevate your horse's performance? ✉️ DM me to book your session!

02/03/2026

Professional Mobile Horse Trainer and soon Equestrian Australia accredited coach – Brisbane, QLD

🦄 Transform your horse’s performance in Dressage & Show‑Jumping - without leaving your yard! Whether you’re aiming for FEI‑level competition or simply want a smoother, more responsive ride, I deliver personalized, high‑performance training right at your doorstep.

Why Choose Me?

✅ 15+ years international experience – Trained with top professionals in Germany and the Netherlands, now bringing that expertise to Brisbane.

✅ Mobile sessions – No travel required; I come to your yard, arena, or stable for convenient, one‑on‑one coaching.

✅ German‑Education‑Scale approach – Rhythm, suppleness, connection, impulsion, straightness, collection, and thoroughness are woven into every program.

✅ Dynamic jump & agility work – Proven methods from a professional show‑jumping stable to keep horses agile, fit, and rideable.

✅ Tailored lunging programmes – Build balance, muscle tone, and coordination for horses of any discipline or skill level.

✅ Specialist in Thoroughbred conditioning – Pre‑, in‑, and post‑race programs that maximise speed, stamina, and suppleness.

🎯 Future EA Coach – All assessments completed; awaiting accreditation as an EA Intro‑level coach, progressing toward Level 1 and beyond. This upcoming qualification reinforces my commitment to evidence‑based, ethical training practices.

Coaching Focus (EA Intro‑Coach Scope)

🔹 Groundwork & Introductory Lunging – Safe handling, yielding, rhythm & balance (cavesson, roller, optional side reins).

🔹 Lunging the Rider – Independent seat, balance, leg control & soft hands (no‑stirrup work, position drills).

🔹 Dressage Foundations – Rhythm in all paces, elastic contact, bending on circles/serpentines, smooth transitions, leg‑yield & half‑halts.

🔹 Dressage‑Based Flatwork for Jumpers – Gymnastics for adjustability, straightness, speed‑balance, collection & impulsion; quality canter for combos.

🔹 Progressive Polework – Accuracy, timing & bascule – start with trot poles, advance to combos & short strides as coordination improves.

🔹 All sessions follow EA Intro guidelines and build a systematic, safe progression.

📍 Service Areas (≤ 45‑min drive from Indooroopilly)

➤ Kenmore,
➤ Chapel Hill
➤ Brookfield
➤ Fig Tree Pocket
➤ Moggill
➤ Bellbowrie
➤ Pullenvale
➤ Anstead

➤ Corinda
➤ Oxley
➤ Darra

➤ Jindalee
➤ Sinnamon Park
➤ Seventeen Mile Rocks

➤ Samford
➤ The Gap
➤ Hendra

Ready to elevate your horse’s performance?

✉️ DM me today

Let’s bring out the champion in your horse—right here in Brisbane.

16/02/2026

Working through trot poles with Fred 🐴 — not every round is perfect, but that’s part of the learning! He’s still finding his rhythm and coordination, so I have to stay really tuned in and adjust my approach each time. 🎯

Next time, I’ll pop the microphone on to talk you through what I’m doing, what I’m feeling, and how I help him improve step by step.

09/01/2026

Fred is getting stronger and stronger 💪

Today we worked on smaller circles in trot and canter (Zirkel verkleinern) — still quite a challenge for him, especially in canter.Before starting the counter canter, I first extended his canter strides to create a good cadence and activity, helping us maintain momentum and enough impulsion to finish the half-circle of counter canter with balance. Since true collection isn’t yet feasible, these exercises are perfect for improving balance, coordination, straightness, and developing more strength.

Like squat training today — we did short sets with 1–2 minute walk breaks on a longer rein, which also improved his walk. He’s really starting to step under more with the rider now, and it’s great to feel his progress each ride.

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01/11/2025

Building a strong topline isn’t about pulling your horse’s head down — it’s about resistance work done correctly.

Zion, the horse in this video, was 16 when I started working with him. Through consistent lunging, stretching and correct resistance work, we rebuilt his topline and overall fitness.

A combination of a classical dressage-frame and forward-downward training, both on the lunge and under saddle, help develop the topline. Also, active movements and transitions play a crucial role.

*I like to train them 3-4 times per week overall and lunge at least one of those days when bringing a horse back into training. Once in full training, my horses get at least one day completely off.. and I mix my training up or give them something else to look at or think about, like hacking or going jogging with me.

Another aspect is a correct saddle fit, which should provide enough space around the shoulder. This is needed so your horse can move its trapezius and back muscles freely as well as engage and grow them without restriction. It's always a combination of training, proper feed, well trimmed feet and fitting gear.

✨ Follow for more practical horse training insights: dressage, show jumping, retraining thoroughbreds and building horses that are strong, supple, and happy in their work.