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ASKHQ: HOW TO STOP COMPARING MYSELF TO OTHER RIDERS

Q: I watch other riders and think everyone else is so much better than me. How do I stop comparing myself and feeling inadequate? A: Comparison is called the 'thief of joy' for good reason. It's also remarkably unproductive. You're comparing your internal experience (all your doubts, mistakes, and struggles) with other people's external appearance…

BylizzieMarch 5, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: CAN YOU LEARN TO BE CONFIDENT?

Q: My trainer says I need to 'just be confident,' but I don't know how to make myself feel confident. Can confidence be learned? A: Absolutely, confidence can be developed systematically. While 'just be confident' isn't helpful advice, understanding that confidence comes from competence, preparation, and experience gives you a roadmap. Build competence: Genuine confidence comes…

BylizzieMarch 4, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: MANAGING PHYSICAL ANXIETY AT A SHOW

Q: I get so nervous before my class that I feel sick. How do other riders manage this physical anxiety? A: Physical symptoms of anxiety - nausea, shaking, racing heart, sweating - are unpleasant but manageable. Understanding that these sensations are your body preparing for action, not signs of danger, helps you reframe them. Your…

BylizzieMarch 2, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: MY NERVES MAKE ME HOLD MY BREATH WHEN I RIDE

Q: My nerves make me breathe shallowly and hold my breath. How do I remember to breathe properly while riding? A: Breath holding under stress is incredibly common and significantly impacts performance. When you hold your breath, you tense your core, stiffen your seat, and restrict your horse's movement. Your brain also receives less oxygen,…

BylizzieMarch 1, 20260Comments

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ASKHQ: TOWING A HORSEBOX

Q: Are you towing your horsebox legally and safely? A: Towing a horsebox is something many horse owners take for granted, but it’s a responsibility that goes far beyond hitching up and driving off. Every trip carries legal and safety obligations that protect not only your horse but everyone on the road. Ignoring these can…

BylizzieDecember 30, 20250Comments

Black and white photo of a horse working in a fibre arena in bandages - HQ Magazine

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ASKHQ: LATERAL WORK ISSUES

AskHQ: My horse works nicely in straight lines, but as soon as we start lateral work including leg-yields, shoulder-in and half-pass, he comes against the hand. Why does this happen, and what should I look at first? A: Lateral work asks far more of the horse’s posture, strength, balance, and coordination than straight work. When…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20250Comments

Close up of horse's back legs showing the bay horse trotting in the arena - HQ Magazine

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ASKHQ: CONDITIONING VS STRENGTH TRAINING

Q: I keep hearing about ‘conditioning’ and ‘strength training’ for sporthorses. Are they the same thing? How do I know if my horse is actually getting fitter, and not being overworked? A: Although the terms are often used interchangeably, strength training and conditioning target different systems in the horse’s body, and both are essential for…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20250Comments

Close-up of a horse's legs showing the horse cantering on a fibre surface in the arena - HQ Magazine

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ASKHQ: STUMBLING

AskHQ: My horse has started stumbling more frequently. Sometimes it’s just a toe drag, but other times he feels as if he loses his balance for a stride. How do I know what’s ‘normal’, and what’s a sign of something serious? A: Occasional stumbling can happen to almost any horse, especially when they’re tired, on…

BylizzieDecember 21, 20250Comments

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ASKHQ: WHAT IS A PELHAM AND WHY IS IT USED?

Q: What is a Pelham, and why is it used? A: A Pelham combines elements of both snaffle and curb bits, offering a versatile solution for experienced riders who need more control than a snaffle can provide but with less severity than a standard curb bit. Structure of the Pelham The Pelham consists of a single…

BylizzieDecember 20, 20250Comments

A close up of a chestnut horse's eye - HQ Magazine

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ASKHQ: MY HORSE HAS SUDDENLY BECOME SPOOKY

Q: My horse has suddenly started being spooky – could his eyesight be deteriorating? A: Horses can suffer from age-related sight deterioration, as can humans, although the changes are much more difficult to diagnose in horses than humans! Lots of things could cause an increase in spookiness, and it is certainly worth speaking to your vet…

BylizzieDecember 19, 20250Comments

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