Janine Burns - Common Sense Horsemanship

11/06/2026

A really good read re Head pieces and horses with shaking heads: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18e9JKeniD/

09/06/2026

Safety Information Post....

If you ride horses, PLEASE consider wearing a safety fluorescent vest. I have for years, for several reasons, and the other day it potentially saved my life and that of my horses.
The other day we were riding down 1 of the horse tracks in Bottle Lake, NZ, (only walking, but normally would have been trotting), and I heard some motorbikes, getting really loud, really fast. Thankfully my friend Mariska Lochead - Equestrian services & trekking had told me she had been having problems with bikes, so I was prepared. We did an emergency dismount and turned side ways to make ourselves as visible as possible. I genuinely believe that they saw us in time because of our fluro vests (it was touch and go tho as one bike ended up in the bushes). I also always ride with a halter underneath my bridle, and quick release clips on my reins which can be converted into a lead rope in seconds (easier to control a scared horse with a lead rope, than up by their head)

I spoke to a lady a few months ago who was complaining about cyclists not seeing them, I suggested she wear some fluro, she scoffed at me, indicating the size of her horse. Now for those of you who have never cycled off road on narrow tracks (or ridden motorbikes like I do), you are focusing very hard on the track in front of you. You do not have the luxury of having your head up and looking around, esp if you are going fast like some of the competitive cyclists do, so any help you can give them to see you early enough is helpful to all concerned.

Another reason is to help dog owners see you asap so they can get their dogs under control (BTW, I carry a telescope flag stick so I have something to defend myself with if necessary), and if you are unsure of how much control they have, don't wait and see, be quick to ask them to get their dog under control, with as much authority in your voice as possible - do not expect them to know better, or wait for them to act.

Last reason to wear fluro, if you are unfortunate enough to have an involuntary dismount and you land in the undergrowth, you will be easier to find !

Wearing fluro when it is sunny often seems counter productive to some, but when someone is driving and they go from the bright sunshine, in to the shade of trees, their pupils will still be small because of the sun so their vision in the shade will be a lot worse than normal, so even wearing fluro out on the roads, or anywhere, at any time of day is of benefit to everyone - including your horse.
It is a bit like wearing a seat belt...... If you don't need it, it's no hassle, but it is there for when you do !

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE FLURO UP 🙏

07/06/2026

2nd Hand WOW Jumping Saddle, Size 2 (18”)
Seat: Flat (Very Low Cantle)
Tree: Semi Curved, Older Style Resin
Flaps: X Country + 2” lounger than normal )for the longer legged rider)
Panels: Several to choose from
Head plate: Of your choosing
Price: $4,100

* I am a WOW Saddle fitter based in Spencerville, Christchurch. I can also help with distance fits. Call me to discuss your needs (021 026 00423)

07/06/2026

2nd Hand WOW Jumping/GP Saddle, Size 2 (18")
Seat: Shallow (Low Cantle)
Tree: Semi Curved, Older Style Resin
Flaps: Jump/GP
Panels: Several to choose from
Head plate: Of your choosing
Price: $4,100

* I am a WOW Saddle fitter based in Spencerville, Christchurch. I can also help with distance fits. Call me to discuss your needs (021 026 00423)

07/06/2026

2nd Hand WOW Dressage Saddle
Seat: Deep (Low Cantle)
Tree: Semi Curved, Older Style Resin
Dressage Flaps: Standard Fixed Block
Panels: Foam, DWG, Tab, Stitch (can be flocked by a saddler)
Head plate: Of your choosing
Price: $3,900
* I do have some size 0 panels with flair, but they are black. I have (DWG) & (SDWG), but the price goes up to $4,100 should you prefer those.
** I am a WOW Saddle fitter based in Spencerville, Christchurch. I can also help with distance fits. Call me to discuss your needs (021 026 00423)

18/05/2026

17/05/2026

Come and learn how your Physical Body, Emotional Energy and thought impact your horse, what you can do about it and much more !

Please click on the link and read the rest if the description x https://www.facebook.com/events/993773879718735/?active_tab=discussion
* Please share xx

Send a message to learn more

05/05/2026

chuckle

20/04/2026

It's not white any more ! 🤣

12/03/2026

I am in Rakaia THIS Sunday (15th) if anyone wants a WOW saddle re-fit, or try a 2nd hand one, or want some body work doing on their horse.

I am trained in Acupressure and Equine Touch, but I also tie that in with energy work and pulsing.

Please let me know asap as spaces are filling up fast !