Free Flow Equine Therapies - Susan Rousak

Please share!!! We really want to promote the partnership we can have with our horses, regardless of tack used! The more this can be shared the better, so I'd really appreciate if you can share and help promote this event 😀

Entries here: https://www.lagoballo.net/event-details-registration/online-competition-freedom-in-motion

It's International Dog Day!! Share a picture and a story of your dog 😄🐕🐶

This is my pup Cleo who loves the beach - apparently digging your nose into the sand is the best thing ever 🤣

There is a green "fuzz" of grass (and w**d) coverage coming in quite quickly after the last lot of rain.

Just because the grass is short, does not mean it's safe for horses, particularly those prone to laminitis.

Watch out for the signs of laminitis, such as:
⭐Reluctance to move or short, choppy steps (especially on hard ground or when turning).
⭐May appear stiff when walking.
⭐Horse may stand with front feet stretched forward and hind feet tucked under the body (trying to shift weight off the painful front feet).
⭐Hoof walls or soles may feel warmer than normal.
⭐Hooves may be tender when you use hoof testers or press on the sole.
⭐Increased digital pulse - a stronger-than-normal pulse can be felt at the fetlock or pastern, indicating inflammation in the hoof.
⭐Restlessness, shifting weight from foot to foot.
⭐Lying down more often than usual.
⭐Sweating, increased breathing or heart rate.

If you are unsure or worried at all, please contact your vet for advice. Better to be proactive than have to react to late.

**It’s not about the tack. It’s about the partnership. 🐴✨**

Dressage doesn’t have to look just one way.

For *Freedom in Motion*, you can choose the tack that works for you and your horse — whether that’s your usual gear, bitless, bridleless, ba****ck or something else that is safe and appropriate.

Because we want to celebrate **how you and your horse work together**, not simply what equipment you use.

Whether you’re just starting out or competing at Elementary, there’s a class for you.

And if you’ve always wanted to have a go at freestyle… why not give it a try? 🎶

📅 27 September 2026 - Enter now to secure your spot, video submissions due by this date
💻 Online competition
🐎 In-Hand through to Elementary + Freestyle to Music

Come and celebrate your own version of Freedom in Motion.

👉 Entries and full details: https://www.lagoballo.net/event-details-registration/online-competition-freedom-in-motion

Feel free to share further.

🐴 **“Why does a bit fit take so long?”**

Because it’s not just a matter of putting a bit in your horse’s mouth and saying, “Yep, that fits!” 😂

Every horse is different, so every bit fit is individual.

I look at your horse’s anatomy, their mouth and facial structures, how they currently respond to the bit, and what they’re telling us through their behaviour and way of going.

From there, we try a range of bits based on *your horse* — not what worked for someone else’s horse.

We assess, adjust, try something different and narrow down what suits them best.

And that takes **time**.

So yes, a bit fit costs a little more than a quick appointment — because it isn’t a quick appointment.

It’s about taking the time to properly assess your horse and find an option that works *for them*, rather than taking a guess.

**Your horse isn’t generic. Their bit shouldn’t be either.** ❤️

On Saturday I spent a day learning more about equine herbs with Mickie Magan Equine Herbalist. It was a fun day, learning more about what herbs are best to support different health areas, along with lots of stories and laughs.

Thank you Mickie, and Janisa for hosting - both human and furry hosts!!

I highly recommend attending one of these workshops, or if you have any herbal needs, Mickie is always ready to help.

Ok people - I have to share - I got a heated vest from Titanium Saddlery and it is one of the best things I've brought!! It's super slim to fit under a jacket and keeps me warm all day long, from feeding the ponies through working in all sorts of conditions. Highly, highly recommend!!

I think heated socks will be next thing to buy.....