Refined Rider Coaching

Refined Rider Coaching I'm nationally qualified, insured horseriding instructor and I work with people of all ages and abilities to achieve their potential as riders.

I am also a horse trainer that specialises in working with full and part bred heavy horse breeds.

It is officially Winter. The daylight hours are getting shorter as we head towards the shortest day of the year, and wit...
16/06/2026

It is officially Winter. The daylight hours are getting shorter as we head towards the shortest day of the year, and with them our enthusiasm for riding our horses can begin to wane.

This is often the time of year when progress slows. Riders try to fit as much as possible into the limited daylight hours, but by the time daily chores are completed there is often little, if any, daylight left for riding. As a result, both horses and riders can lose condition and fitness.

As a coach, this is also the time of year when I see poor habits start to develop. Horse owners are in a hurry to get inside and out of the cold, so they may overlook or accept behaviours that they would normally address. This may occur under saddle or simply when handling horses on the ground. What starts out as a minor issue can gradually develop into something much bigger as riders and handlers become complacent.

Then Spring arrives. The weather warms up, the days become longer, and riders regain their enthusiasm. Unfortunately, this excitement is often met with disappointment when their horse does not perform as expected. Their horse may no longer be as cooperative, responsive, or eager as it was the previous summer. Not only has it lost topline and overall muscle condition, but it may also lack stamina or be feeling 'a little fresh' from the new Spring grasses.

The horse is now offering a level of performance that may have been accepted during the colder months. Without realising it, a new standard has been established and the bar has been lowered.

So how do we avoid this situation?

The answer is to have a plan and start putting it into place before the days become really cold and short. This is when you need your coach or instructor more than ever. Utilise their knowledge and experience to help you set realistic, achievable weekly goals that will keep both you and your horse progressing throughout the Winter months.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. If we want the best outcomes, consistency is the key. Small, regular steps taken throughout Winter will ensure that when Spring arrives, you and your horse are ready to move forward rather than start over.

Highly recommend the quality of this hay. It is also a good price, when considering the current retail price in the loca...
19/05/2026

Highly recommend the quality of this hay. It is also a good price, when considering the current retail price in the local area.

17/05/2026

Suspension, elevation, and cadence all stem from correct balance. In this video, Eli demonstrates how these qualities can be developed through the use of trotting poles.

EDIT - Thank you for all the lovely comments, but I would like everyone to be aware that it took a community of hard wor...
09/05/2026

EDIT - Thank you for all the lovely comments, but I would like everyone to be aware that it took a community of hard working, dedicated people to save this horse. If you know of anyone willing to offer homes to abused and neglected horses, please reach out.

__________________________

Tonight I am physically and mentally exhausted, because today I had to do something I hope I never have to do again… but sadly, I know it won’t be the last time.

Why? Because there are still people out there who should never own horses.

Today I helped save a starving, emaciated horse that had fallen into the wrong hands. It was the eleventh hour — he was literally about to become lion food for the local zoo if I couldn’t find him a safe and loving home in time.

Thankfully, a wonderful lady I know stepped up and gave this poor horse a second chance at life, love, and proper care. For that, I will be forever grateful.

As for the former owner… I truly have no words strong enough for what she allowed to happen to him, and to the other nine horses seized by Animal Welfare.

I understand that people can fall on hard times. Life can be cruel, and circumstances can change in ways we never expect. But if you truly love an animal, you do not allow it to suffer. No matter how heartbreaking it may be, you ask for help or surrender the animal long before the situation becomes dire.

Horses are not ornaments or paddock decorations. They are living, feeling animals that depend entirely on us for their wellbeing.

Every horse requires:
• Food and clean water every single day
• Shelter from the elements — even a large shady tree is better than nothing
• Regular hoof care
• Worming treatments
• Dental care once or twice a year, depending on age
• Veterinary care when they are sick or injured

These are not luxuries. They are basic necessities.

I cannot stress this enough: if you cannot provide ongoing care for a horse, then please — do not get one.

Owning a horse is a lifelong responsibility, not a hobby to walk away from when things become difficult. They rely on us for everything, and they deserve compassion, dignity, and proper care every single day.

Just because your saddle fits your horse doesn’t mean it suits you.As riders and horse owners, we’re constantly focused ...
03/04/2026

Just because your saddle fits your horse doesn’t mean it suits you.

As riders and horse owners, we’re constantly focused on saddle fit. We all know that a poorly fitting saddle can cause a range of short- and long-term issues for our horses—from back pain to an inability to perform movements correctly. However, what’s often overlooked is how many riders continue using a saddle that fits their horse but doesn’t suit them. This can lead to discomfort, shorter rides, riding less often—or even giving it up altogether.

A few years ago, I hopped on a client’s horse during a lesson when she was having a tough day. “I’m just a terrible rider,” she told me, despite my reassurances that this wasn’t the case. After just two laps of the arena, I couldn’t wait to get off. My seat ached, and my back felt like it was about to give up entirely. I turned to her and said, “It’s definitely not you—it’s your saddle.” We swapped it out for one of mine, and the difference was immediate. Her riding improved dramatically, and her face lit up as she exclaimed, “I’m not useless after all!”

The reality was simple: she’d bought that saddle in her early 40s, and now she was in her late 50s. Her body had changed—but her saddle hadn’t.
This isn’t uncommon. As we age, we often need more support in some areas and less in others. A deeper seat, better padding, or a narrower twist can make a significant difference—especially for hips and lower back comfort.

This isn’t about being a “wuss.” It’s about recognising that your comfort matters just as much as your horse’s. When your body is in pain, your natural response is to tense up. That tension affects your position, your aids, and ultimately the clarity of your communication with your horse. It’s a lose-lose situation.

To be clear, this isn’t about blaming equipment for a lack of skill. It’s about acknowledging that our bodies change over time—and adapting accordingly. If we want to keep riding well and for years to come, we need to be kinder to ourselves and give our bodies the support they need. And if you’ve been thinking about buying a new saddle… well, consider this your perfectly valid excuse. 😉

Thank you to all my clients who have been very patient and understanding for over the past 10 weeks while my shoulder ha...
29/03/2026

Thank you to all my clients who have been very patient and understanding for over the past 10 weeks while my shoulder has been slowly healing. The latest scan showed that the acute fracture of the Greater Tuberosity is healing well. Unfortunately tearing the Labrum has left me with ongoing Oedema (swelling due to excess fluid), Bursitis (inflamation of the Bursa), early Arthrosis (beginning stages of Arthritis) and Secondary Capulitis (Frozen Shoulder). Having said that, I have been medically cleared and will be back to full duties this week. So I am pumped and motivated to get the ball rolling. I am now available for training, riding and ground work, as well as lessons.

12/03/2026

This is an excellent explanation of how a rider's arms and hand postion influences their core and seat.

It is with sadness that I have to announce that Funtastic Friday's are on hold for the moment. Unfortunately, this is du...
10/08/2025

It is with sadness that I have to announce that Funtastic Friday's are on hold for the moment. Unfortunately, this is due to the damage sustained to our property from all the rain. Thank you for all the enquiries that have been flooding in (no pun intended). Your support has not gone unnoticed. Rest assured that Funtastic Friday's will recommence as soon as the ground is dry enough to sustain float parking without vehicles getting bogged or ripping up what limited grass is left. I will also be listing some additional mini clinics to make up for the ones that have been missed. I look forward to catching up with everyone soon.

I couldn't resist posting this today. I hope everyone's properties in the Shoalhaven and surrounds are steadily recoveri...
08/07/2025

I couldn't resist posting this today. I hope everyone's properties in the Shoalhaven and surrounds are steadily recovering from all the rain, wind and storm damage.

I am sure every horse owner can relate to this.🤣😂
10/06/2025

I am sure every horse owner can relate to this.🤣😂

Address

6 Gardner Road
Falls Creek, NSW
2540

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Monday 6am - 8pm
Tuesday 6am - 8pm
Wednesday 6am - 8pm
Thursday 6am - 8pm
Friday 6am - 8pm
Saturday 6am - 4pm

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+61425317692

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