ABOUT | Stable Instincts

Meet the Therapist

Hay-o!! My name is Britain Mills-Dawes, I am the owner and founder of Stable Instincts Equine Therapy.

I have a large fur family that consists of my co-pilots Willa and Hamilton (dogs), a wickedly cool deaf cat named Boo and a gorgeous 5y/o Blue Roan named Rumour.

I started this journey because of my passion for horses as well as my interest in medicine. I have had the absolute privilege of working with and being around horses for over 15 years, from my love of riding grew a passion for the equine species and a love for helping them in any way I can.

By the age of 3 I was already convinced I would be a large animal vet and held that dream all through out middle school, high school and even some of my university career!! I started out by getting certified as a vet technician assistant and then immediately started university in the pre-vet program with the degree path of Animal Health and Behaviour. When Covid hit I changed directions and went into the human health sector and became a Certified Medical Reprocessing Technician. Afterwards I refocused on my long time passion of animals, most specifically horses. I went back to school and became a certified advance equine sports massage therapist, certified vertebral alignment specialist and certified nutrition consultant.

Education

Veterinary Technical Assistant Certification- Olds College
Animal Health and Behaviour Major production animal nutrition (mostly complete) - University of Alberta
- Animal 100
- Animal 101
- Animal 120
- Animal 200
- Animal 260
- Animal 310
- Animal 312
- Animal 325
- Animal 375
- Animal immunology 200
- Micrb 265
- biochem 200
Care, Handling and Restraint of Farm Animals Certification- University of Alberta
Equine First Aid Certificate of completion- University of Alberta
Medical Reprocessing Technician Certification- Norquest College
Biohazardous
Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Certification
WHIMIS
Advanced Equine Sports Massage Therapy Certification- National Rehab Institute
Vertebral Realignment Specialist Certification- National Rehab Institute
Equine Holistic Nutrition Certification -Holistic Animal Studies
Equine Basic First Aid Certificate of completion-Equi-Health Canada

Press & Recognition

Britain

Since starting my business there have been so many twists and turns in my career that I am beyond grateful for.
Did I think I would end of being where I am today?? Absolutely not.

But I have been so privileged to get to do it. Being able to be creative, present, write, interview, be interviewed, learn, teach… I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
So thank you to all my clients for trusting me with your horses.
Thank you to event organizers for believing in me and giving me a platform.
Thank you to the horses who have taught me so many lessons, especially my own ❤️❤️
And thank you to everyone who’s followed along on my journey, supported me and helped me get to where I am today.

Wow… what an action packed week I’ve had!
My co-host and dear friend @qualitea.equine and I were asked to join Podfest and so we made the trip over to Orlando Florida.
While there, we took the time to enjoy nature with @epicpaddleorlando and a fun horse show with @medieval_times.
We learned soooo much and had a blast while doing it. I cannot wait to implement all the knowledge I gained and will to be bringing you bigger and better things in 2026.

I’m trying to grow and reach more people while still showcasing all the things I offer but am having trouble doing it in a way that feels cohesive so I am looking for feedback on how to improve!!

Every ride is a conversation.
Every interaction is feedback.

The more aware we become of ourselves, the more willing our horses become with us…because horsemanship isn’t about control but instead regulation. So master yourself first and the rest will follow.

As we begin to shed the year of 2025 and move into the 2026 season, I think it’s important to reflect on the opportunities and experiences I have had with my business.
It’s been a hard year but also an incredibly rewarding one that has led to so much growth and big things that I hope will continue to play out in next year.
Thank you to all my clients, thank you to my pod bestie @qualitea.equine, thank you to the magazines who’ve given me a voice and thank you to everyone who interacts, chats, likes, follows and all the above.

Big things are on the horizon for Stable Instincts, after all it is the year of the horse…
🐴 🐴

Forage
🌾Provides essential fibre, promoting digestive health
🌾Should always be the foundation of a horses diet
Concentrates (Grains)
🌽Provides supplemental energy and nutrients
🌽Grains like oats, barley, or corn can be added based on the horse’s workload and nutritional needs.
Protein
🫘Essential for muscle development, maintenance, and overall body function
🫘Sources include forage, legumes (alfalfa), and commercially formulated feeds
Vitamins
💊Vital for metabolic processes and overall health
💊A well-balanced diet usually provides sufficient vitamins
Minerals
⚒️Important for bone health, enzyme function, and electrolyte balance
Water
💧Essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.
💧Provide access to clean water at all times, monitoring intake, especially in hot or cold weather
Salt
🧂Critical for maintaining electrolyte balance and encouraging water intake.
🧂Offer a salt block.
Healthy Fats:
🧈Provide a concentrated energy source and support coat condition

I’ve been keeping a secret…

I’m so excited to share that I’ll be doing demonstrations at Art of the Cowgirl in February!!
Alongside the many talented and empowering females supporting this event, I will be providing education and ways to help your horses.

If you’re headed to AOTC please come by and say hello… maybe you’ll learn a thing or two too

Bones are your horse’s framework; the architecture behind every stride, stop, and turn.

Think of bones like the beams of a barn: when maintained and supported, they hold strong. Misaligned or overloaded, cracks show in performance and stability long before you see them.

Sometimes the confidence you’re looking for is hiding in the progress you’ve already made. All those lessons, quiet moments and small wins you didn’t think counted add up to move you forward.

If this reminder hit home, share it with or tag someone who needs to see how far they’ve come too.

Your horse’s body tells the story of every ride, every turn, every try.
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Bodywork helps release tension, restore balance, and bring comfort with movement so they can perform and feel their best.
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Appointments available for winter (Booking into December), get then before their gone!!

CFR brought together grit, heart, and horsepower where I had the privilege of capturing it all!
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From listening to athletes reflect on their journey to witnessing those unforgettable moments in the dirt, this job reminds me every time why stories matter in our industry.
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These aren’t just competitors — they’re western culture ambassadors carving out legacies, one run at a time… and I’m so grateful I got to help share a few of their voices.
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To learn more about some of these athletes, check out my written feature in the November Issue of Saddle Up Magazine!
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Tap the link in bio to read the issue on page 24

I have to take a moment to really show some gratitude for the little things and the beautiful moments I have gotten to experience this year with work.
Those small moments, these exciting chats with everyone and the moments shared with my horse

Spooky Season reminder, some things deserve to fade like the graveyard fog....
Chase the good and don't be haunted by the bad.
#halloween #trickortreat #horsies #boysandghouls

Be intentional in everything you do because every choice, action, mindset, habit sets you on a path. They give the directions to where you ultimately end up.
So with this in mind, build your life with purpose and believe in yourself, you are building your foundation for your future.

What steps are you choosing to repeat?

What an incredible night and a wide ride CFR51 turned out to be!! The buzz and energy from the crowds was insane and the competitors truly put it all out on the line tonight. I caught up with all the Champions of this years CFR, listed in order:
- Bareback rider @clintalaye won the overall and aggregate and sat an impressive 86.50 ride on Fresh chick last night
- Steer Wrestler @scott_guenthner broke records as the first ever in CFR history to win all rounds, the championship and the aggregate, he finished his night with a 3.6 sec run
- Breakaway roper @bradi_whiteside dominated at this years CFR and proudly showed why she was given the #1 back this season, her fastest run was 2.1secs in round 3
- Barrel Racer @jaydenwilson was all smiles after winning the championship and aggregate with her fastest run being 13.85sec in round 2
- in Saddle bronc @officialzekethurston kept his title as the CFR champion for the 6th time in a ROW. He sat an 91.7 ride on squashblossom having an incredible ride
- Team ropers @bonnettk as the header and @logan_cullen21 as the heeler took home the aggregate and championship with their fastest run being 4.2sec in round 2
- Our bull riding aggregate and champion was @jaredparsonage who was the only one to sit all 5 rounds and dominated throughout with his best score of 87.5 on trailer trash in round 3
** Missing is tie down champion Kyle Lucy’s who won the aggregate as well, his fastest run was a 7.5 sec in round 4

Glitz and glamour coming up, let’s go championship night!!

#cfr #championship #rodeofinals #rodeo

What an explosive Day 3 @canadianfinalsrodeo_official!! We caught up with some of yesterday’s competitors to catch all the behind the chutes stories. Listed in order of video we have:
- @dantanbertsch scored an impressive 86.75 in bareback earning him the win for round 3
- @scott_guenthner has dominated steer wrestling at the CFR taking his third straight win of the week
- @ashbacher18 tied for second in round 3 with a formidable score of 87.25 in saddle bronc
- @kyle.lucas88 and @__beaucooper pulled out all the stops where they tied for first with a time of 7.6 in tie down
- @gradyyoungs pulled off the top score of the night at 88.25 in bull riding
These competitors bring the 🔥🔥 every night, see you for round 4 of CFR51!!

#cfr #round3 #rodeo #competitors

One of our team members Britain Mills-Dawes had the absolute pleasure of chatting with the legendary steer wrestler Scott Guenthner (@scott_guenthner)!
What an amazing display he’s managed to do at CFR51 with winnings across the board snagging the top spot each round so far.

#cfr #steerwreastling #rodeo #round3

Canadian night looks a little different as I purposeful choice only Canadian brands and designers!
Everything head to toe is Canadian including the perfume I used! (Which is @the7virtues candied lychee)
#canadian #cfr #look3

Day 2 of @canadianfinalsrodeo_official where I had the chance to catch up with a few of the competitors. Tagged in order:
-We talked to @cati.mcarthur a first time CFR qualifier in Barrels
-The current sitting @missrodeocanada Codi Wilson where she imparted some wisdom for the contestants hoping to win the title of Miss Rodeo Canada 2026
-Last but curtainly not least we caught up with round 2 winner @bradi_whiteside for break away where she did an impressive run of 2.6secs

Drum roll pleeeease 🥁🥁….
Last but certainly not least I partnered with @smithbilthats to create some fun and bold @canadianfinalsrodeo_official looks!!
Smithbilt has beautiful clothing, exceptional craftsmenship hats and big personality, I would highly recommend mosey on down to their store to find some gems!!
#cfrfashion #iconic #western

Let’s get it for Day 2 of CFR Fashion theme inspiration!!
I worked with the iconic Canadian brands @albertabootco and @codyandsioux to help style and create some more fun unique looks you can sport at this years @canadianfinalsrodeo_official
#cfr #fashion #western
Will you be going??

Get inspired for CFR 2025! It’s only a few days away, check out @rein_it_in_brand to find some looks that you can rock while matching the themes set out
#cfr2025 #cfrfashion #secondhand
Will you be heading out to CFR this year?

One of the best lessons I’ve learned as an equine practitioner is this: 𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻

Not every moment with your horse has to come with an agenda.
No expectation. No training plan. No pressure on them… or on yourself.

Some of the most powerful bonding happens when you just exist together. Sit in the pasture. Share space. Let them see that you’re not always there to “do” — sometimes you’re just there to be.

I see this with client horses who are burned out or frustrated from always being asked something. Just like us, horses need relationships where they can relax, play, and feel safe without demands.
#equine #slowdown #horses

Horses will always mirror us. If we keep showing up the same way, we’ll keep getting the same response. The next time that challenge circles back — in the arena, on the ground, or in life — pause and ask: what can I do differently this time?
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🌱 Growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about improvement, one small change at a time.
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If this resonates, share it forward — someone else may need this reminder today.

When it feels so good you have to mutually groom the stall mesh door
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There’s nothing like a good massage… especially when it’s your horse getting the full vacation treatment 🧘‍♀️🐴
Because let’s be honest — they deserve the best, and so do you.
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💆‍♀️ Bodywork that helps them move better, feel better, and perform their best — whether they’re trail cruising or tearing up the arena.
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📍Serving Alberta– booking link in bio!

Your feeds are probably full of Stampede — but hers my personal recap
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Stampede 2025 gave me:
🎨 Painted horses
🤝 New partnerships
🎤 A Voice (with a mission)
🐴 And moments that remind me why I love what I do… and who I do it for!!
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I didn’t just show up to present. I showed up to support — whether that meant stepping in for an owner in a tight spot, lending a hand even when inconvenient for myself, welcoming first-timers, or just sharing a laugh in the barns.
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Because 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐲 & 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐝 is what it’s all about.
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Now booking educational clinics, demos or workshops across Alberta
🔗 Link in Bio or DM to connect

Calgary Stampede… while it’s an amazing opportunity, I truly couldn’t do it without this goofball right here.
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I am so incredibly privileged to own Rumour and get to do such incredible things with him. Rumour has gone to some of the biggest equine events in Canada with me, and he is always trying his best to put on a good show for his audience ❤️❤️
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So cheers to the horse that happily comes along with me, that’s brave, loving and patient, who is the messiest eater ever, and who gives 110% to everything asked of him

This past weekend I had the pleasure of working with some fantastic ladies for the confident cowgirl clinic! This was hosted and the brainchild of @rockingheartranch and I was so honoured to be asked to be a clinician for it.
As women in the ag industry it can be daunting to hold your power but when you have a tribe of women who are there to support and uplift you, it can make the journey much easier.

10 Days. 4 Presentations per day. Thousands of people. And 2 roan horses.
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Catch us at the Calgary Stampede this July from the 4th-13th where we’ll be presenting on horsemanship, biomechanics & more.

💥 Horse Haven
💥 Draft Horse Town
💥 Northern Lights Arena

Come say hi, learn a thing or two and take lots of pictures (Rumour loves to pose for pictures)

I mean I do get to pet them too 💁‍♀️💁‍♀️ but I also do bodywork, run clinics, I’ve presented at some of the biggest horse events in Canada , write for a few horse publications, am a reporter for equine events and have a horse podcast… #equine #horse #work #equineprofessional

Women Building Women
I have the absolute privilege being a clinician at this years Confident Cowgirls Camp and would love for you to join in on the fun!!

This is the 2nd annual Confident Cowgirls Camp hosted and created by Rocking Heart Ranch and the retreat is meant to help build confidence in your equine partner and yourself through meaningful workshops.

If this sounds like the retreat for you make sure to register ASAP as there are only a few spots remaining!!

It’s only Wednesday and this is my brain trying to keep up with the week 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️
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Between clients, the podcast (go check it out @uncinched.pod) writing and just general life things have been BUSY.
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So please enjoy this picture of how I look at the end of the night on the couch

I think we need to enjoy life more.
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As a small business owner sometimes I work too much… that’s not a humble brag or a “look how hard I work” moment it’s the truth!!
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At times I think I forget to take a minute to truly enjoy my life. While I love what I do and I do need to make money, I think I need to remember I do this so I can also enjoy the special moments, the small quiet ones that fill your soul.
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My goal this year is to find a bit more time to enjoy life outside of work and romanticize it more because I am so privileged to have a good one. I think you should too ❤️❤️

Spring is a season of change—and your horse’s nutrition plan should reflect that!

Pastures may be lush, but they aren’t always balanced. That’s why we BUILD smarter this season!!
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DM to book a nutrition check-in or catch my full article in this month’s issue of Saddle Up on what can be lurking in your pastures and how to protect your horse! Article linked in Bio @saddle_up_magazine

In horsemanship—and in life—we’re taught to correct, adjust, fix. But what if some parts of us (and our horses) are meant to just be?
What if strength also looks like honouring the parts that don’t need changing?
If you’re learning to meet yourself and your horse with more acceptance, it’s ok, we are all perfectly imperfect

Saddle fit can seriously impact your horses musculature, behaviour and performance
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Taking the time to find a saddle that is comfortable for both you and your horse is important to build a fun and successful partnership between you and your horse!
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Here’s some tips on how to find a saddle that fits your horse

Read that again. Seriously.
No one else gets to decide if you’re on the right path or if you are hitting milestones "fast enough". Your journey is yours alone — messy, ever-changing and meant solely for you.
If this hit home, share it on your story… someone you love might need to hear it too.

It’s important to recognize when your horse needs professional help
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As much as we as owners try, we can be limited in our ability to help them. By knowing the general signs, it helps us be proactive and informed!!
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Have you noticed any of these??
❌ Discomfort
❌Behaviour issues
❌Performance hinderance
❌ Reluctance or refusal to perform tasks
❌ Inability to properly warm up
If your horse has been experiencing any of these, it might be time to get a second opinion.
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Looking for a professional to help you out?? Feel free to reach out to ask if my services are right for you!! If you are wanting to book my services, please DM, email or book on my website!!

Limited Edition: Stable Instincts Equine Professional Action figure
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Comes equipped with the most important tools!
💻 To write out articles and edit content
📸 To create content and for magazine shoots
📝 For reports and random notes
🩺 For sessions
And the MOST important…
🐴 Because without them I wouldn’t have a job! Special thanks to my personal horse Rumour who helps me as an assistant in demos, clinics and presentations

❤️❤️ 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲-𝘁𝗮𝗽 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿
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Alberta’s temperatures are dropping again (because winter loves to keep us on our toes🙃), which means we should make sure you have a solid winter care plan
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🏠 Shelter: A break from the wind can make a huge difference
🌾 Nutrition: Increased forage= internal warmth (Psssst… I wrote all about this in my December @saddle_up_magazine article—check it out for a better understanding)
🐎 Low impact Exercise: Helps circulation & prevents stiffness
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What’s one winter management tip you swear by? Let’s help each other build the best care strategies this season.

❄️ Welcome back to snow and -30 weather❄️

✨ 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐭𝐨—& 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✨
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Horses are SUCH GOOD teachers. They teach us patience, trust, and timing. Whether it’s progress in training, finding the right opportunity to do something new, or deepening our connection, things fall into place when we’re ready— NOT when rushed!!
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Trust the process, what is meant for you will find you at the exact time it’s meant too. Let’s build patience in ourselves and our horses. Let’s build the confidence that everything is unfolding exactly as it should.
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Was there a moment in your horse journey that showed up exactly when you needed it?? Share below ⬇️⬇️

#equine #equinesportstherapy #pony #equinebodywork #horses #patience #consistency #quoteoftheday

✨𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫✨
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🌱 Start the day with some movement and protein drink. If you are looking for protein powders I will tag what I use here (@goodprotein and @helloamino )
🤝 Hands-on sessions with client horses. Each horse has different needs and quirks for sessions so they always keep me on my toes!!
💻 Reports, emails, articles… oh my! Lots of things in the works behind the seems for you guys and clients!
🐴 Ending the day where my heart is- so much of my journey is thanks to him. I also walked my pups and make good but I didn’t want it to get boring or too long.
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It’s a busy life, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭? Drop it in the comments ⬇️⬇️

#horse #equine #spendthedaywithme #horsehealth #equineprofessional #bodywork #equinebodywork #puppies

Horses teach us resilience every single day—missed strides, setbacks in training, injury etc . Yet, you’ve faced it all and kept building: building strength, building trust, and building a better connection with your horse.
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This year, let’s continue your build on the lessons we’ve learned, one ride, one challenge, one triumph at a time.

As equestrians, we face countless opinions—on our riding, our horses, and our training or pace. I know I have had my fair share of opinions from others, especially as an adaptive rider, and truthfully, some haven’t always been constructive nor kind…
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But the truth is, the most important perspective is your own. That’s something I think we can all working on; filtering out opinions of those who you would never seek advice from in the first place.
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When you focus on building confidence in yourself and your connection with your horse, that’s where the real growth happens.
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Save this for when you need a reminder to be kind to yourself and keep building. Tag a friend who inspired you to grow and build, both in and out of the saddle!!
I’m tagging my dear friends @qualitea.equine and @cloudlover2007

Final Look: Prints and Patterns
Turn heads with this bold skijoring look that’s all about vibrant patterns and eye catching fashion colours that make a statement. This outfit does anything but blend in!

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Meet the Therapist

Britain

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