Welcome to the JF Equestrian Blog

Discover Equine Behaviour and learn something new. Here you'll find my latest articles. If there are any topics you need help with, get in touch.

Man filling out equine insurance paperwork
Man filling out equine insurance paperwork

Top Tips for First-Time Horse Owners: How Equine Insurance Can Give You Peace of Mind

Equine insurance is a crucial safety net for horse owners, providing financial protection against unexpected costs related to veterinary care, accidents, injuries, and liability claims. Whether you're a first-time owner or an experienced equestrian, insuring your horse offers peace of mind by covering expensive vet bills, public liability issues, theft, and even death.

Oct 23, 2024

Horse trainer doing ground work with a horse
Horse trainer doing ground work with a horse

The Importance of Groundwork: Building Trust and Communication with Your Horse

This article explores the importance of groundwork in building trust and communication between horse and rider. It covers the basics of groundwork, explains how it strengthens the horse’s confidence and respect, and offers key exercises such as leading, desensitisation, and lunging. The article also highlights the role of body language and how groundwork prepares horses for ridden work, improving safety, focus, and obedience.

Sep 10, 2024

A horse in water
A horse in water

Patience in Natural Horsemanship

Cultivate a harmonious horse-human relationship with the transformative power of patience in natural horsemanship. Explore the importance of understanding, communication, problem-solving, and trust building in your equestrian journey

Nov 3, 2023

A horse next to a fence
A horse next to a fence

Mastering Ground Tying and Standing Still

Discover the essential skills of ground tying and teaching your horse to stand still. Enhance safety, efficiency, and the bond with your equine companion. Explore practical applications and safety considerations in this comprehensive guide.

Oct 20, 2023

Jumping poles in horse arena
Jumping poles in horse arena

Equine Agility: 5 Key Exercises

Explore these 5 essential horse agility exercises to enhance your horse's skills and deepen the bond between you. Improve trust, agility, and versatility in your equine companion

Oct 16, 2023

A horse in a field
A horse in a field

Equine Ethology: Understanding Horses' Natural Behaviour

Explore equine ethology to understand the natural behaviours of horses. Discover how this knowledge improves horse care, training, and strengthens the bond between humans and these remarkable animals.

Oct 4, 2023

Horses on a trailer
Horses on a trailer

5 Behaviour Issues and Resolutions

Explore common equine behaviour issues, including aggression, separation anxiety, spookiness, trailer loading difficulties, and bucking and bolting. Discover practical strategies and insights to build a stronger, safer, and more harmonious relationship with your horse.

Sep 18, 2023

An eye of a horse
An eye of a horse

Deciphering Pain-Related Behaviour in Horses

Learn how to recognise and respond to pain-related behaviour in horses. Discover common signs, subtle indicators, and evolving cues for ensuring the well-being of your equine companion.

Sep 10, 2023

A horse using his nose to touch an object
A horse using his nose to touch an object

Step-by-Step Desensitisation

Discover the secrets of horse desensitisation in this comprehensive blog. Learn how to build trust, confidence, and a stronger bond with your equine companion while ensuring a safer and more cooperative partnership.

Sep 3, 2023

A saddle on a horse
A saddle on a horse

The Impact of Rider Behaviour on Equine Performance

Explore the intricate relationship between rider behaviour and equine performance in this insightful blog. Discover the profound impact of effective communication, mutual understanding, and rider-horse harmony on achieving remarkable equestrian partnerships and performances.

Aug 30, 2023

A horse in a headcollar
A horse in a headcollar

The Art of Natural Horsemanship Unveiled

Discover the transformative world of natural horsemanship and its profound impact on equine behaviour and relationships. Explore techniques that emphasise communication, trust, and respect, fostering a deeper bond between horses and humans.

Aug 23, 2023

A horse have a stroke
A horse have a stroke

The Psychology of Training: Positive Reinforcement in Equine Learning

Discover the profound impact of positive reinforcement in equine learning. Uncover the psychology behind this method, explore its benefits, and learn practical techniques for fostering trust, motivation, and partnership between horse and trainer. From neurochemistry to behavior shaping, delve into the art of effective equine training with compassion and respect.

Aug 20, 2023

A horse being ridden
A horse being ridden

Top 5 Flatwork Exercises to Improve Your Horses' Performance

Discover the transformative journey of mastering flatwork exercises in equine training. Enhance communication, balance, and responsiveness for a harmonious partnership and elevated performance.

Aug 16, 2023

A horse grazing
A horse grazing

The Role of Instincts in Equine Behaviour

Discover the profound impact of instincts on equine behaviour. Explore the evolutionary origins of flight response, herd dynamics, and grazing behaviours. Learn how to harness instincts for effective training, manage challenges, and deepen your connection with horses.

Aug 11, 2023

Horse doing liberty exercises in an arena
Horse doing liberty exercises in an arena

Exploring Liberty Work, Bridleless Riding, and Bitless Communication

Embark on an extraordinary journey of horsemanship as we delve into the realms of liberty work, bridleless riding, and bitless communication. Discover the profound bond that emerges when traditional boundaries are surpassed, and connection knows no limits.

Aug 7, 2023

A horse playing with a horse treat ball
A horse playing with a horse treat ball

Equine Enrichment: Elevate, Engage, Empower

Discover the transformative world of equine enrichment and elevate your horse's well-being. Explore engaging activities, personalised plans, and the profound bond that emerges through purposeful care.

Aug 5, 2023

A bay horses' head on another horses' back
A bay horses' head on another horses' back

Understanding Equine Communication

Explore the captivating world of equine communication, delving into the subtle cues, body language, and emotional expressions that horses use to convey their thoughts and feelings. Gain insights into the social dynamics within horse herds, build trust and understanding with your equine partner, and discover the transformative impact of ethical training and equine-assisted therapy.

Aug 2, 2023

A horse which is happy and looking forwards
A horse which is happy and looking forwards

Why Do Horses Change Their Behaviour?

Discover the fascinating world of equine behaviour and gain insights into why horses change their behaviour. From natural instincts and social dynamics to environmental factors, physical health, and psychological well-being, explore the multifaceted reasons behind equine behavior changes.

Jul 31, 2023

Two horses fighting
Two horses fighting

Recognising and Addressing Aggression in Horses

Learn how to recognise and address aggression in horses with this comprehensive guide. Understand the types of equine aggression, identify triggers, and implement effective training and management strategies to create a harmonious and safe environment for both horses and handlers.

Jul 30, 2023

Horse walking over pole
Horse walking over pole

Unravelling the Importance of Pole Work for Horses

Unlock the full potential of your equine companion with pole work! Discover the physical and mental benefits of this versatile training technique and learn how to tailor exercises to suit your horse's unique needs.

Jul 28, 2023

A horse doing liberty groundwork in an arena
A horse doing liberty groundwork in an arena

11 Best Groundwork Exercises to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Horse

Enhance your horsemanship skills with these top 11 groundwork exercises for a positive relationship with your horse. Improve communication, trust, and responsiveness while building a strong foundation. From leading exercises to lateral movements, discover the secrets to a harmonious partnership and prepare your horse for success in various equestrian disciplines.

Jul 25, 2023

A horse mutilating on a fence
A horse mutilating on a fence

Self-Mutilation in Horses: Causes and Prevention

Self-mutilation, a distressing and challenging behavioural issue, can deeply concern horse owners, trainers, and caretakers. This behaviour occurs when horses intentionally harm themselves, resulting in injuries or wounds.

Jul 22, 2023

A horses head outside of stable next to empty stables
A horses head outside of stable next to empty stables

Pawing: Causes, Consequences, and Management

Discover the intriguing behaviour of pawing in horses and its potential impact on their well-being and human-horse relationship. Learn to identify the signs of pawing, differentiate it from other behaviours, and understand its underlying causes, including impatience, frustration, loneliness, and pain.

Jul 22, 2023

A horse looking out of the stable
A horse looking out of the stable

Cribbing in Horses: Causes and Management

Discover the intriguing world of cribbing, a puzzling behaviour displayed by some horses. Learn to identify the signs of cribbing, understand the underlying reasons behind this behaviour, and explore its impact on equine well-being.

Jul 22, 2023

A black horse standing in a field
A black horse standing in a field

Weaving in Horses: Causes and Management

Learn about weaving, a concerning repetitive behaviour exhibited by horses when confined in stalls or enclosures. Discover the causes, impact, and management techniques associated with this behaviour to promote proactive care for our equine companions.

Jul 22, 2023

A horse in a stable with his head lowered
A horse in a stable with his head lowered

Stall Walking: Causes, Prevention, and Management

Learn about stall walking, a concerning repetitive behaviour displayed by horses when confined to stalls. Discover the causes, consequences, prevention strategies, and management techniques associated with this behaviour.

Jul 22, 2023

Two horses heads poking out of the stables
Two horses heads poking out of the stables

Understanding and Addressing Stereotypies

Understanding equine stereotypies - repetitive behaviours exhibited by horses - is essential for their welfare and well-being. Learn about common stereotypies such as stall walking, weaving, cribbing, and pawing, and how they reveal emotional states and environmental issues.

Jul 22, 2023

Get in touch

Fill out the form below to send me an enquiry. I will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Follow on Instagram
A map of East Anglia showing coverage of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Ipswich

Get in touch

Fill out the form below to send me an enquiry. I will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Follow on Instagram
A map of East Anglia showing coverage of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Ipswich

Get in touch

Fill out the form below to send me an enquiry. I will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Follow on Instagram
A map of East Anglia showing coverage of Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Ipswich

Join me on social media:

Instagram logo

© JF Equestrian 2024. All rights reserved.

Join me on social media:

Instagram logo

© JF Equestrian 2024. All rights reserved.

Join me on social media:

Instagram logo

© JF Equestrian 2024. All rights reserved.