phillippa christie

Think about driving a car with faulty brakes. Instead of repairing them, you tie a heavy crowbar to the emergency brake and pull hard every time you need to stop. This might stop the car, but it’s risky and doesn’t solve the real issue. We often do something similar when working with horses. We dream

We’ve all experienced this: you ask a professional for advice, but as soon as you hear it, you feel yourself resisting. Maybe it sounds too hard, challenges your usual way, or just doesn’t feel right. As a professional in the equine industry, I find myself on the other side of that wall often. As a

This headline might sound like science-fiction, but is actually a potentially serious piece of the human-equine puzzle: Botox. Before you ask, NO I’m not suggesting a forehead lift for your horse! I’m talking about the very real implications of a human caregiver having cosmetic injections and how that might be affecting the crystal-clear communication your

Horses live entirely in the “now,” and when we step into their space, they immediately ask the same of us. This is why the simple act of being with a horse is one of the most effective, non-verbal lessons in mindfulness available. A 3 min grounding technique I like to use. You can use this

What a horse’s stable size really means…. The British Horse Society recommends 12ft x 12ft (3.65m x 3.65m) minimum recommendation for an average horse. They also recommend larger sizes (e.g., 12ft x 14ft) for horses over 17 hands (hh) and smaller sizes for ponies. It sounds reasonable, right? But let’s put that into perspective… a

Enrichment, in all its forms, is a fantastic tool to stimulate our horses and add variety to their lives. However, it’s crucial to understand its role within the broader picture of equine welfare. Enrichment can benefit any environment for short periods – for example, when your horse is stabled for brushing, drying off, tacking up,

As the founder of Equine Partnership, my work as an equine behaviour-based trainer is deeply rooted in the belief that our interactions with horses should be just that – partnerships. I often get asked about my approach, and the answer, in short, is that I’m wholeheartedly positive about it – not just in the methods

Positive Horsemanship: The Foundation of a Harmonious Equine Partnership Positive horsemanship is a key approach to equine care that emphasizes kindness, patience, and reward-based training. It’s a philosophy that focuses on building a strong, trusting relationship with your horse, rather than relying on force or intimidation. By adopting positive horsemanship principles, you can create a

Horseback riding is often seen as a romantic partnership between humans and equines. But have you ever stopped to consider if your horse is truly happy to carry you? While horses can’t give verbal consent, understanding their body language can bridge the communication gap and create a more positive riding experience for both of you.

Horses are incredibly intuitive creatures, picking up on our emotions with remarkable ease. When we approach them with a positive and patient mindset, the training process becomes smoother, the bond strengthens, and the overall experience becomes more enjoyable for both of us. However, maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks

Building a Remarkable Connection Horses have held a special place in human history for centuries, and the partnership between a horse and a human is a remarkable testament to the enduring bond between our species. This connection can take various forms and serve different purposes, ranging from leisurely riding to competitive sports and even therapeutic

When I began working with horses again, after a long break, I felt the need to look as though I was ‘doing’. Whether that was longing, riding, jumping etc. I felt the eyes of the riding center on me all of the time and the pressure that I placed upon myself from the weight of