Arrow Heart Equine Services

08/04/2026

Ponying from a well-educated, broke horse is one of the most valuable tools in my starting program.
Here I am introducing Bingo to his first ponying session off Hawk. As with all training, we begin by establishing respect and clarity. Before asking Bingo to move forward alongside another horse, I ensure he is responsive to yielding both his hindquarters and forequarters, with Hawk confidently taking on the leadership role. This foundation is essential for safety, as ponying can become dangerous if the led horse lacks preparation or respect for the lead horse’s space.
Once Bingo is moving softly off pressure and maintaining appropriate boundaries, I begin incorporating desensitisation. This stage helps prepare young or inexperienced horses for the presence of a rider within their peripheral vision—something that can often be unsettling for them early on.
From the saddle, I am able to simulate many of the sensations the horse will later experience under saddle. This includes rubbing over the body, moving the saddle, and beginning to introduce basic leg aids. For example, I can ask for hindquarter yields using my leg in the same way I would when riding, helping to create familiarity and understanding before the rider is ever on their back.
This approach allows for a smoother, safer transition into ridden work while building confidence, softness, and trust in the horse.

06/04/2026

Taking bookings

05/04/2026

Bingo doing super this week.
Learning to accept the saddle. Small steps.

31/03/2026

So many important milestones for "Bingo" over the past few days.
Week two has been intentionally quiet, focusing on establishing the fundamentals—basic handling, tying, grooming, bot egg removal, and picking up feet and getting his feet trimmed. With these foundations now in place, we’ve been able to progress into more advanced training.
Yesterday, we introduced self-loading, which Bingo handled exceptionally well, showing no resistance and a calm, willing attitude throughout the session.
We also began desensitisation to clippers to tidy up his mane. Initially, he was quite reactive to the sensation, finding it unfamiliar and uncomfortable. The session was finished with consistent pressure-and-release work to help him better understand and accept the stimulus.
Today was a significant step forward. Bingo was introduced to the bit and bridle, using positive reinforcement to create a relaxed and confident first experience. We then progressed to working off the line in the round yard, where he responded well and showed a good level of understanding.
Once he was slightly tired, we revisited the clippers. With patience and consistency, he began to realise that relaxation and stillness resulted in the pressure being removed. By the end of the session, we were able to complete his mane successfully.
We also introduced the hose, which he was initially unsure about, but he quickly settled with clear, consistent pressure-and-release. Following his wash, he wore a rug for the first time and accepted it calmly.
A big few days for this young horse, and it’s great to see his confidence, understanding, and willingness continuing to grow with each session.

I am going to continue to post updates here on this almost 2 year old gelding to demonstrate how I go about starting a young horse with no time restraint. Just listening to the horse and responding when he is ready for the next steps.

29/03/2026

Hawk and I had an incredible weekend at the Tasmanian Reining Horse Association 2 day spectacular Ranch and Reining show!
We managed to walk away with not 1 but 2 buckles! As well as so many other awesome prizes.

I just want to say a big thank you to all the organisers, volunteers, judge and sponsors it was a great effort to put together such a wonderful event.

We were also proud to also sponsor a prize for the event which went to Charlotte Holmes who did such an amazing job with her young filly, it was beautiful to watch!

These prizes sponsored by
-Johnsons feed
-Amaroo Equine
-Hunterlea Farm
-Signature Park Garlands
-Mal's Equine
-Meander Valley Feed Barn
-Polished Ponies Australia
-Iron Horse Equine nutrition
-Horses n' More
-Horseland
-Linda Maney
-Glebourne Flowers
-The Feed Shed Beaconsfield
-Browns Mechanical

Looking forward to seeing action shots from the amazing Amy Lyon Creative

27/03/2026

Working in the equine industry is one of the best jobs out there (we reckon!), but it can be tricky sometimes with all the organisational and practical hurdles involved. There are lots of ways you as a client can make it easier on your equine professional whether it is your hoof trimmer, bodyworker, vet, saddle fitter, dentist etc. Here are just some things you can do to be a GREAT client! What else do you do to help your hard working equine professionals?

22/03/2026

Our newest addition "Bingo".

This little lad is rising 2 in May and stands around 14.3 already. He is by a QH stallion out of a paint mare.
He has been with us for a week now, he had some basic handling prior to us but many things are still very new to him.
So far we have addressed yielding hind quarters, backing, lunging, lateral flexion and desensitising to the stick and string.
He has been wormed and drenched, mane removed, gradually removing bot eggs and starting to prepare him for a hoof trim so hes starting to scrub up pretty nice.

We don't know what the future holds for him but at the very least we think he will be a good companion for Fudge during weaning and eventually a lead horse for breakers.
So far he has demonstrated a very kind and willing nature.
I will post updates on his journey as we go along.

21/03/2026

21/03/2026

Beyond proud today.
Hawk and I managed to get 3rd in the 3D barrels race for our first ever barrel racing competition together.
Our sponsored duo Danika and Rocky managed to take out 1st in the 2D barrel race and 2nd in the open breakaway away roping. A phenomenonal effort for everyone involved.

I love coming to the SUMMER RUN JACKPOT SERIES Tracy Swain memorial big dog team roping event every year. It truly represents all the hard work Tracy put into the jackpots series and im so grateful to the organisers and supporters for the efforts in keeping this event going and welcoming so many new comers into the sport.

24/02/2026

While hoof care is so important, you have to make sure that you are taking into account all the other aspects that goes into making a healthy hoof.

How many boxes have you got ticked?

All the things that are listed here are EQUALLY important!

21/02/2026

The two-week intensive training block with ACEHP is officially complete — and what an invaluable learning experience it has been.
I had the privilege of learning from an exceptional team of professionals, including Dr Neal Valk, Dr Michael Riley and Professor Chris Pollitt. The depth of knowledge shared throughout the program was outstanding, covering the causes, treatment approaches and long-term outcomes of various hoof pathologies — right down to the cellular level.
One of the most impactful components was working hands-on with complex cases, including hooves with rotated pedal bones and negative palmar angles. Being able to assess, trim, re-radiograph and visually measure the improvements was incredibly rewarding. In one case, we improved a negative palmar angle from -7°, to -0.7°, and then to -0.4° with further refinement — a powerful demonstration of how correct, educated trimming can influence biomechanics.
We also had the opportunity to dissect the distal limb, deepening our understanding of the internal structures of the hoof and lower limb, and how they function together. This practical anatomical experience has significantly strengthened my approach to both trimming and rehabilitation.
A special thank you to equine nutritionist Carol Layton, who provided valuable insight into how nutrition directly influences overall health — and, importantly, hoof quality and resilience.
Additionally, we explored modern hoof protection methods designed to support the hoof’s natural expansion and contraction, offering functional alternatives to traditional metal shoeing.
I’m incredibly grateful to have worked alongside Jen, Jeremy, Sandy, Jacky and Erin throughout the block — such a knowledgeable and supportive group to learn with.

We finished off the course with a mindset session with Tanja Mitton, learning about better communication techniques to help share knowldge and perspectives with clients. I was fortunate enough to get to spend the entire day with her on the following Saturday, working more on communication, coaching and rider position.

Continued education is something I am deeply committed to, and I’m excited to integrate this advanced knowledge into my work to better support the long-term soundness and wellbeing of the horses in my care.

18/02/2026

Available and in stock in all sizes. Regular noses available too.