Vanessa Hardy Equine Therapy

Vanessa Hardy Equine Therapy Equine & Animal Sports Massage Therapist
Bit & Bridle fitting Consultant - LANTRA Accredited

Last Sunday I shared a post about behaviour changes being clues, not conclusions.The horse that prompted that post had b...
13/06/2026

Last Sunday I shared a post about behaviour changes being clues, not conclusions.

The horse that prompted that post had become increasingly sensitive under saddle and had started bucking.

Yesterday I saw him again.

He was back to his usual self and felt fantastic.

Moments like that are a good reminder that investigating a change in behaviour is rarely about finding a quick answer or assigning blame.

Sometimes it’s about asking questions, working through possibilities methodically, making sensible adjustments, and giving the horse time.

Not every concern turns into a major problem.

But horses are remarkably honest when something isn’t quite right.

The trick is learning to listen before the whispers become shouts.

🐴

This week I was reminded why behaviour should always be investigated before it’s judged.A horse I was involved with had ...
07/06/2026

This week I was reminded why behaviour should always be investigated before it’s judged.

A horse I was involved with had become increasingly sensitive under saddle and had started bucking.

It’s easy to jump to conclusions.

“He’s being naughty.”

“He’s fresh.”

“He’s testing the rider.”

Maybe.

But behaviour is information.

I often compare it to a warning light appearing on your car dashboard. The light doesn’t tell you exactly what’s wrong, but it tells you something has changed and deserves attention.

With horses, working methodically through potential causes might include:
• Tack fit
• Bit and bridle fit
• Muscular comfort
• Training demands
• Management changes
• Rider influences

Sometimes we find one clear cause.

More often, it’s a combination of small factors that have gradually built up over time.

And occasionally, the horse is simply having an opinion!

The important thing is not assuming the answer before asking the question.

Behaviour changes are clues, not conclusions.

Have you ever discovered there was more behind a behaviour change than first appeared?

A lovely day at Rutland County Show today.One of the highlights for me was watching and his horses in the main ring. Th...
31/05/2026

A lovely day at Rutland County Show today.

One of the highlights for me was watching and his horses in the main ring. The level of trust, communication and consistency involved is incredible to watch.

As someone who spends much of my week helping horses become more comfortable in their bodies and equipment, it’s always a reminder that great horsemanship starts with understanding the horse in front of you.

The girls also discovered sailing ⛵️...

And somehow we came home with more chickens 🐔🙈

A brilliant family day, plenty of horsey inspiration, and a few new feathered additions to the smallholding.

Did anyone else visit this weekend?

Quiet Saturday morning while Nancy is at dance ☕️🌿As horse owners, we’re often focused on everyone else first.The horses...
30/05/2026

Quiet Saturday morning while Nancy is at dance ☕️🌿

As horse owners, we’re often focused on everyone else first.

The horses.

The yard jobs.

The family.

The never-ending to-do list.

Sometimes a coffee, a walk and a bit of fresh air is exactly what’s needed.

Taking a little time to recharge before another busy week helping horses and their owners.

What are you up to this weekend?

31°C in the UK today 🥵☀️ These temperatures can affect horses very quickly, particularly when we’re not especially accl...
26/05/2026

31°C in the UK today 🥵☀️

These temperatures can affect horses very quickly, particularly when we’re not especially acclimatised to prolonged heat here in the UK.

A good reminder to keep a close eye on:
• hydration
• recovery after exercise
• respiration
• shade & airflow
• sweating patterns
• access to fresh water
• workload and travel

Some horses cope brilliantly in hot weather… others really don’t.

I’ve reshared this post from last summer as it feels very relevant again today ☀️ Stay safe and keep cool everyone

✨ CASE STUDY ✨This lovely Thoroughbred mare was becoming unsettled in the contact and inconsistent in her connection, pa...
11/05/2026

✨ CASE STUDY ✨

This lovely Thoroughbred mare was becoming unsettled in the contact and inconsistent in her connection, particularly when jumping.

After assessing her way of going, mouth conformation and current set-up, we made some subtle but important changes to help create more comfort, stability and confidence in the bridle.

One of the most valuable parts of this process was being able to see her ridden over fences afterwards, allowing us to confirm our choices in a more suitable environment and ensure she felt happy in her new set-up.

The results over the following week have been incredible 🥹

✨ “No arguments all day”
✨ Happier and more settled in the contact
✨ More consistent communication between horse and rider
✨Red rosette for first time SJ at County Show
✨ Dressage score improved from 36.8 to 30.8

This is exactly why I’m so passionate about horse-centred bit and bridle fitting 🤍

Often, small changes that prioritise comfort and clear communication can make a huge difference to both performance and partnership.

Seeing horses happier, more confident and comfortable in their work will always be the goal ✨

Huge well done to this lovely partnership 👏

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