FG Equestrian Training

20/06/2026

18/06/2026

Are You Sitting Straight? Rider Crookedness Most People Miss
Many riders believe they are sitting straight in the saddle. Yet when watched, it is common to see riders slightly crooked without realising it. When a rider is crooked, the horse becomes crooked too. Horses are sensitive to weight distribution. A small shift through the rider’s pelvis can change how the horse balances, bends & pushes from behind.
This shows up as problems such as:
• The horse drifting on straight lines
• Difficulty bending one way
• Falling through a shoulder on circles
• Uneven contact in the reins
What feels like a horse training issue is often the rider unknowingly sitting unevenly.
The Crookedness Riders Often Miss
One of the most common rider faults is collapsing slightly through one hip or waist.
Causing the rider to sit heavier on one seat bone. The horse then adjusts its body to compensate, leading to crooked movement.
Schooling Exercise to Try
To check your straightness - the two-seat-bone test.
Ride in walk on a long side & focus on feeling both seat bones equally in the saddle. Then ask yourself:
• Does one seat bone feel heavier?
• Do your shoulders feel level?
• Are your reins the same length?
Next, ride a large circle in trot & maintain that equal weight in the saddle. Many riders notice the horse becomes straighter & more balanced when the rider sits evenly.
This exercise only takes a few minutes but can highlight rider asymmetries very quickly.
Why It Matters
When the rider sits evenly, the horse can push more equally with both hind legs, stay straighter through the body & develop better balance. Crooked riders often create crooked horses without meaning to.
At FG Equestrian, my coaching focuses on rider biomechanics & position, helping riders become more balanced so their horses can move more freely & correctly.
Often when the rider becomes straighter, the horse’s way of going improves. If your horse struggles with straightness or bending, it may be worth checking whether the rider is truly sitting evenly.

Get in touch to find out more about lessons and training at FG Equestrian. [email protected]

17/06/2026

🏆 British Showjumping Level 2 Coaching – Build Skill, Confidence & Success Over Fences 🐎

Take your showjumping to the next level with expert guidance from a British Showjumping Level 2 Accredited Coach. Whether you’re starting out over fences or aiming for competition success, our coaching is tailored to bring out the best in both horse and rider.

✨ Progressive training for all levels – grassroots to affiliated
🎯 Focus on rhythm, balance, accuracy & confidence
🐴 Gymnastic gridwork, course riding & competition prep
🤝 Supportive, rider-focused coaching in a positive environment

From building foundations to fine-tuning for the ring, we’ll help you achieve clear, confident rounds and long-term progress.

📞 Contact us today to book your lesson and start your journey to jumping success! 07772884899

16/06/2026

16/06/2026

Happy 1st Birthday to this gorgeous girl! 🎉💖

What a year it has been. Watching her grow and develop over the last 12 months has been such a privilege, and she has come on in leaps and bounds. She is bold, confident, loves people, and is always right in the middle of whatever is going on. Cheeky, curious, and completely captivating, she keeps us all entertained every single day.

Despite her young age, she is already proving to have a wonderful temperament. She's easy to catch, loads beautifully, stands well for the farrier, and approaches life with kindness and confidence. Everything she does suggests a very exciting future lies ahead.

As my very first homebred, she holds an incredibly special place in my heart. Buchanan's Echo, whose name means "A reflection of the past carrying forward into the future.", is already making me proud every day.

Standing at an impressive 14.3hh as a yearling, she is certainly going to be a big lady! Thankfully, she's matched that size with a gentle, affectionate nature that makes her impossible not to love.

We're hoping to get her out to some youngstock shows this year, so watch this space — I have a feeling this is only the beginning of her story. ❤️✨

16/06/2026

🚛 Loading Issues? We Can Help! 🐴

If your horse refuses to load, becomes anxious around the trailer, or travelling has become stressful, our loading training sessions are here to help. Using calm, patient methods, we work with both horse and handler to rebuild confidence and create positive, lasting habits.

✨ Gentle, pressure-free training approach
🐎 Build confidence with trailers and horseboxes
🎯 Practical techniques you can continue at home
🤝 Suitable for young, nervous, or previously difficult loaders

With the right approach and consistency, travelling can become a calm and straightforward experience for both you and your horse.

📞 Get in touch today to book a session and take the stress out of loading. 07772884899

15/06/2026

✨ What a weekend at the Inverness Pony Club Summer Show! ✨

Queenie truly stepped up to the mark for her very first showing show and I couldn't be prouder of her. ❤️

She was a little unsettled in her first ridden class, but still managed to secure a fantastic 2nd place. Once she realised jumping was on the agenda, however, she was all business! 😆

We followed that up with a lovely Working Hunter round and received some incredible feedback from the judge, who praised her for being clever, brave and beautifully balanced. That was enough to put us in 1st place in a strong, competitive class! 🏆

Next up was the Showjumping, where the ground conditions were far from ideal and incredibly slippery in places. Despite that, Queenie stayed focused, listened to every turn and delivered another winning performance to take 1st place once again. 🥇

To top off an already amazing day, we were awarded Reserve Working Hunter Champion! 🌟 We just lost a couple of marks due to a break in the canter during the jumping phase, but it gave us some valuable feedback and plenty to work on moving forward.

The judge absolutely loved her and commented that, with continued development and correct riding, she has a very exciting future ahead of her. Hearing that meant the world and I'm so excited to see what this talented young mare can achieve.

A huge thank you to Inverness Pony Club for running such a fantastic show, and to Adrian Le Maitre for capturing the day so beautifully with his wonderful photographs. 📸

And finally, a massive shout-out to my husband Elias Gilbert and friends Bethany Gorniak Alasdair Gorniak who stood by the ring cheering me on all day in the pouring rain. You are absolute saints and your support means everything. ❤️

14/06/2026

🌟 Lead Rein Dressage – The Perfect First Step Into Dressage 🐴

Introduce young riders to the world of dressage in a fun, supportive, and confidence-building environment. Our Lead Rein Dressage sessions focus on developing balance, rhythm, steering, and partnership while keeping learning enjoyable and encouraging.

What we focus on

Safe, structured introduction for children

A gentle, confidence-first approach designed specifically for young riders.

Build confidence, balance & coordination

Develop the fundamentals that support future riding success.

Encourage a positive partnership with the pony

Learn to ride with rhythm, communication, and trust.

Prepare for future competitions & progression

A friendly introduction to dressage skills and test riding.

Lead Rein Dressage is a wonderful way to give little riders their first taste of the white boards while developing strong foundations in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
📞 Get in touch today to book your child’s first Lead Rein Dressage session and start their journey with confidence. 07772884899