Connecting With Connie

09/06/2026

08/06/2026

The Western Equestrian Society is started to put on more clinics in my area so I jumped at the chance to go.

Connie was an absolute nightmare & once I’ve looked at more footage, I’ll share the horrors, but for now, I’m taking it all in & trying to work out what to do next. Everyone was very sweet & patient with us as we created chaos & Connie made me look like I couldn’t ride - that’s her superpower…

In the first lesson, I had our bitted bridle - just in case. But for the second one, I chose our bitless bridle & she was much more settled. Still difficult to get going forward though & refuses to canter on the right rein…

Western Equestrian Society

08/06/2026

Get yours now!! I adore these bridles!

29/05/2026

I joined 13 other horse & riders at Twinstead Riding School to go on a walk to the Kings Head Pebmarsh - Village Pub & Restaurant. There were so many of us!

These outings provide such valuable experiences for Connie - she gets to walk with horses she doesn’t know, she saw cows for the first time, went past tractors, learnt patience (well….we’re still learning patience!), & had to travel in the horsebox.

I love going out & about with her, & although she still won’t really go anywhere on her own, these hacks are helping build her confidence & life experience in the world.

25/05/2026

She listens.

There we were, mid canter, following another horse as he cantered off ahead, when I lose my stirrup.

I wouldn’t normally fret about a lost stirrup, but -
• Connie is very bouncy
• Her saddle had been prone to slip that day
• She’d been spooky
- so I knew that I would be off if anything happened.

With Paddy cantering off into the distance, I used my vocal “emergency stop” to bring Connie back & sort out my stirrup. And she stopped! To stop so easily, mid canter, whilst her buddy disappeared ahead of her, was so good! I’m so pleased & proud that she listened & responded.
It’s something I’ve practiced in the school, but to work in a completely different environment is fantastic!

24/05/2026

Long time family friend gets to meet Connie after a lovely lunch together.
I was in my early teens when we first met, & spent many hours riding ponies together, going to Pony Club together, supporting each other at shows. I hope one day to be able to ride Connie with we once again.

20/05/2026

Something a bit different.

I’m a huge fan of the Toni and Ryan Podcast & have been listening from the start. I distinctly remember listening to them on my way to view Connie 4 years ago. Hosted by Toni Lodge & Ryan Jon, this Aussie pair are highly entertaining & have created a wonderful community of supportive, fun-loving ‘TARPers’.
And somehow, Connie & I have become a meme - a way for the two of them to connect when they feel a little vulnerable.
Thanks to the photographic efforts of the talented Katie Rowe Photography , we’ve been immortalised.