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What lifts you and keeps you balanced in rising (posting) trot? (plus video exercise)
Discover why the way you rise in trot matters more than you think. This post explores common rider habits, biomechanics of rising trot, and how small changes can improve balance, connection, and your horse’s comfort—plus includes a simple off-horse exercise and video to try.

Wiola Grabowska
5 min read
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How NOT to Pull on the Reins – Active vs. Passive Resistance
The “how can I stop pulling on my horse’s mouth in transitions?” question comes up very often when I am out and about teaching, so today’s post will form a little chat on exactly that 🙂
Let’s Start with a Muscle You Might Be Ignoring…

Wiola Grabowska
3 min read
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The Power Balance Between Ground and Saddle
When we ride, whether conciously or not, we hold the dominant position. We become the 80% in the relationship: directing, steering, setting the pace, and shaping the path. From the horse’s perspective, this imbalance of power can lead to compliance that appears like partnership, but may in fact be rooted in avoidance. Horses are incredibly intelligent and adaptable; they learn quickly how to minimise discomfort, to follow cues not necessarily out of understanding or connectio

Wiola Grabowska
2 min read
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Lower leg stability. Strength vs. Awareness: The importance of feel
When we force our lower leg into a position, it often leads to rigidity elsewhere in the body—tight thighs, stiff hips, or a locked torso...

Wiola Grabowska
2 min read
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AERA Quarterly Membership case Study: Sam - From wariness and learned helplessness to Engagement & Playfulness
AERA Quarterly Membership case Study: Sam - From wariness and learned helplessness to Engagement & Playfulness

Wiola Grabowska
4 min read
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The Discipline to Turn ‘I Can’t’ into ‘I Can’
Feels like Spring is truly coming! Clare and Jules In the world of mindful, ethical horsemanship, progress isn’t measured by quick fixes...

Wiola Grabowska
2 min read
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The Lesson I Didn’t Know I Was Learning
Dzwon and I in his stable. Probably around 1993-4. I was about 14-15 years old. Lodz, Poland At fourteen, I spent most weekends and every...

Wiola Grabowska
4 min read
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What If Horsemanship Wasn’t About Control, But About Collaboration?
But what if we flipped the perspective? What if horsemanship wasn’t about control at all, but about collaboration? What if, instead of...

Wiola Grabowska
3 min read
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Beyond the Physical: Understanding and Managing Emotional Stress in Horses
Taking a moment to look around and breathe before starting the session. Horses have evolved to handle immense physical stress. They are...

Wiola Grabowska
3 min read
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The Cheapest Riding Aid You’re Not Using
Riding is not just about technique—it’s about presence, awareness, and the ability to communicate seamlessly with your horse. One of the...

Wiola Grabowska
2 min read
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Mind Meets Muscle: The Role of Headspace in Horsemanship
In the world of horsemanship, we often prioritise detailed physical nuances—our posture, the precision of our aids, the alignment...

Wiola Grabowska
4 min read
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Introducing Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy’s Referral Programme: Share the Love, Earn Rewards!
AERA Coaching Clinic in Sørkedalen , Norway. Wiola with one of the participants. At Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy, I’ve always...

Wiola Grabowska
1 min read
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Why Some Days Feel Off: Hormonal Insights for Riders and Trainers
The Highs and Lows of Abilities In my show-jumping days, I had sessions when my eye for a stride seemed impossible to get wrong. I could...

Wiola Grabowska
7 min read
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Smart Horse Shopping: What to Ask for and Look for in Sale Videos (before you hit the road)
An Instructor's Guide to Evaluating Sale Videos BEFORE You Visit Throughout 2024, I reviewed over 450 videos of horses for sale on behalf...

Wiola Grabowska
5 min read
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Boundaries as Bridges: How Clarity Builds Trust with Your Horse
When you approach boundaries as bridges rather than walls, you create a relationship where your horse is a willing partner....

Wiola Grabowska
3 min read
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Progress Partner Chats: Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation.
Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation. A moment of connection with someone who understands your journey, celebrates your wins, and helps

Wiola Grabowska
2 min read
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Start Fresh: How A Horsewoman’s Journal Can Help You Create a Mindful Equestrian Routine
The start of a new year—or a new season—often brings a sense of renewal, even if it’s an entirely arbitrary marker. While we can choose to s

Wiola Grabowska
2 min read
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Managing competition stress in horses & riders
The Effects of the Atmosphere of Shows Have you ever tried to dress up in your competition gear for an everyday ride? I once made an...

Wiola Grabowska
5 min read
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A couple of exercise routines that can transform your riding feel
Even though I am a big fan of off-horse training to improve riding feel (via a better i.e. more aware use of the rider’s body) and I have...

Wiola Grabowska
3 min read
0
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