10/09/2026
🤯 Well, I learnt something new today… and I am FASCINATED!
Today completely changed the way I look at reading a horse’s body language, and honestly, it’s going to change my entire training method with this lovely lady, Turtle. 🐢❤️
We had the absolutely wonderful Kristi from Gippsland Equine Remedial Therapy out today, and there isn’t a time she leaves without completely blowing my mind.
You know in cartoons when a character’s mind literally explodes?
Yeah… that’s me. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. 😂🤯
Now, this might be something some people already know, but it was something I needed to share because it could genuinely help someone else in the future.
A little back story…
Turtle is an older Thoroughbred mare who was with us earlier in our business journey. She has always been an absolute pleasure to have around.
After spending a few years out of work, Turtle has returned to us to be brought back into work for a young rider.
Since coming back into work, she has been a little up and down. The best way I can describe it is that she just hasn’t quite been herself.
We’ve changed diets, tried different training techniques and, as always, had bodywork on the books.
Which brings us to today…
Turtle had her first session with Kristi, and WOW.
I’ve always thought — or been told — that head issues = poll issues.
Makes sense, right?
Well… not necessarily. 👀
Today we learnt more about TMJ issues and how they can present, but I’m not even going to attempt to go down that rabbit hole because, firstly, Kristi explains it a million times better than I ever could… and secondly, I’d be here forever and I’d much rather you actually read this post than scroll away! 🫣😂
The important part for me is that we now have a much better understanding of what’s going on with Turtle and how we can continue to support and treat her.
But what REALLY fascinated me was how this particular horse presents pain.
Turtle presents a lot of her discomfort through her jaw.
And that is something I would never have picked up on in the way I now can.
So, take a moment to watch the video. 👀
Because this tiny change in understanding could help you recognise something in your own horse one day — and it’s certainly going to change the way I watch, listen and train every horse that comes through my hands.
Sometimes it isn’t about asking, “Why is my horse doing that?”
Sometimes it’s about asking, “What is my horse trying to tell me?” ❤️
A huge thank you to Kristi for being so incredibly talented, knowledgeable and generous with your information.
There is genuinely never a dull moment when you’re around, and I always walk away having learnt something new! 🥰
Watch the video and keep an eye on your horses — they’re always communicating with us. We just have to learn how to listen. 🐴❤️
