A step by step training programme

For almost any type of horse or pony


For normal people who believe in doing the best for their horse

 and are willing to take the time it takes

What if you had a set of exercises, principles and concepts to use in any situation?

  • Learn a set of well-established and proven exercises, principles and concepts you can use at any time in any situation with any horse

  • Gain the knowledge and insights to become a better horseperson

  • Teach your horse to carry himself so there is never pressure on the rein - ditch the tiedowns, side reins and gadgets!

  • Reset - rebuild confidence in you and your horse after things have gone wrong

  • Build a great relationship with your horse

  • Help your horse find relaxation

  • Improve performance, whatever your discipline

Online coaching

Online coaching is a fantastic way to get the training you want, when you want, as often as you want, without having to travel or even leave home. Wendy also offers theory, recorded video reviews and written evaluations. To find out more book a free consultation today!

What is Balance First?

Balance First is a progressive system of gymnastic exercises to help you develop your horse symmetrically to find balance in body and mind.

Using these exercises regularly, you can teach your horse to carry himself in balance, so that both rider and horse can move together in harmony.

The gymnastic exercises are based on the classical teachings of old riding masters and are taught using the following 5 elements:

  • Groundwork
  • Longing
  • Work in hand
  • Liberty
  • Riding
  • Seat training

Every horse and rider/trainer combination is unique, and so coaching is tailored to suit you and your horse.

There are no time limits and there is no pressure to achieve or impress. Training must be taken at the speed that fits you and your horse, as well as your lifestyle.

Riding is the end goal, but Balance First gives you the ability to enjoy training and exercising your horse from the ground.

Natural asymmetry in a ridden horse can lead to discomfort, pain and fear

All horses and riders have natural asymmetry, meaning their limbs vary in strength and coordination

Natural asymmetry can cause behavioural problems, like:

🐎 Difficulty bending in one direction compared to the other

🐎 Falling in or out while on a circle

🐎 Leaning on the bit or hanging on one rein

🐎 Pulling or rushing

🐎 Hesitating or refusing to move forward

🐎 Rushing

🐎 Panicking

🐎 Hollowing the back

🐎 Overbending the neck

🐎 Tripping

🐎 Spooking/napping

🐎 Poor canter transitions

🐎 Bucking or bronking

Misunderstanding and confusion can lead to behavioural issues in horses and ponies

Misunderstanding often arises because of:

🐎 Inadequate training of the horse

🐎 Lack of knowledge from the trainer

🐎 Lack of physical or emotional balance in the trainer

🐎 Poorly timed cues from the trainer

🐎 Inconsistency in the trainer’s approach

🐎 Constant pressure applied by the trainer

🐎 Ill-fitting tack

🐎 Unrealistic expectations held by the trainer

Balance First will empower you to achieve a biomechanically correct, healthy posture, and an open, calm, and willing mental state in your horse

  • Balance: Teach your horse to move in a balanced, healthy posture using a tried-and-tested step-by-step method.

  • Rehab/injury: Bring your horse back into work gradually using exercises that will build strength, suppleness and coordination..

  • Science-based: Learn science-based concepts so that you can solve problems yourself without having to rely on a trainer.

  • Dressage movements: Teach your horse all dressage movements with balance, suppleness, shape, tempo, and rhythm.

  • Classical dressage: Seek what the grand masters sought - train with exercises inspired by masters such as Gustav Steinbrecht and François Robichon de La Guérinière.

  • Effective aids: Avoid confusion by teaching your horse a set of aids from the ground that easily transfer to riding.

  • No gadgets! Longe your horse in self-carriage without using gadgets that can cause pain and tension.

  • A polite horse: Create boundaries to stop your horse pushing into your space, biting, and nipping.

  • Mental state: Bring your horse to a high mental state.

  • Companion/senior: Give your senior or companion horse some TLC - they love to do this training, it's going to make them feel so much better, give them a much better quality of life.

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