Emma and Diva – The Untold Journey of a Young Horse
Owning a young horse isn’t all sunshine and gallops through open fields—it’s a rollercoaster ride filled with highs, lows, and lessons that no one really prepares you for. Emma and her horse Diva are a perfect example of this, and their story is one I just have to share. If you’ve ever owned or considered owning a young horse, grab a cup of tea, because this is for you.
The Dream Horse Reality Check
When Emma first laid eyes on Diva, she was captivated. A young, big, beautiful mare with so much potential—it was love at first sight. But here’s the catch: Diva, like so many young horses, wasn’t just big—she was also immature. And that’s where the challenge began.
It’s so tempting, isn’t it? You see a big, powerful horse and think, “Wow, they’re ready for work!” But size doesn’t equal readiness. Beneath that strong, impressive exterior was a young horse still figuring out how to balance her own growing body, let alone carry herself under saddle.
The Call for Help: Enter the Bodyworker
Fast forward a few months, and I was called in to assess Diva—Emma felt something was off. Diva’s behaviour had changed, and Emma, thankfully, trusted her instincts.
The truth? Diva wasn’t being “naughty.” She wasn’t “testing boundaries.” She was communicating in the only way she could: through her behaviour. Tightness in her muscles and discomfort in her posture were Diva’s way of saying, “I need help.”
Lesson 1: Always Monitor Behaviour Carefully.What some people might write off as bad behaviour is often a cry for help. Your horse is always communicating—it’s our job to listen.
The Power of Postural Pictures
One of the first things I advised Emma to do was start taking monthly postural pictures of Diva. Why? Because horses don’t change overnight, and it’s easy to miss subtle shifts in their bodies when you see them every day.
The results were incredible. Over time, those photos became a visual diary of Diva’s progress. They showed where she was compensating, where she was strengthening, and where we still needed to focus.
Lesson 2: Take Monthly Postural Pictures and Speak to Your Team.Your farrier, trainer, vet, and bodyworker all see different pieces of the puzzle. Regular photos give you—and them—a clearer picture of what’s really going on.
Listening to Your Gut
Here’s the thing about Emma: she knew her horse. She knew Diva wasn’t just being difficult, even when others suggested she was. And she didn’t stop until she found a team of professionals who would listen to her and work together to support Diva.
That’s a huge part of this story. So often, owners doubt themselves or feel pressured to go against their better judgment because someone with a title says otherwise. But Emma didn’t. She trusted her gut—and it paid off.
Lesson 3: Trust Your Instincts.No one knows your horse better than you do. Professionals are there to guide and support you, but at the end of the day, it’s your partnership with your horse that matters most.
The Happy Ending (and Beginning)
Today, Diva is thriving. She’s stronger, more balanced, and moving with a confidence she didn’t have before. Emma’s patience, dedication, and willingness to learn have transformed their journey together. And as for Diva? She’s not just a big, beautiful horse anymore—she’s a happy one, too.
What Emma and Diva Taught Me (and Hopefully You)
Their story is a reminder that the road to a happy, healthy horse isn’t always straightforward, but it’s worth it. If you’re a horse owner, especially of a young one, remember this:
Monitor your horse’s behaviour carefully—they’re always telling you something.
Take postural pictures and share them with your team. A horse’s body changes more than you think!
Trust your gut and work with people who listen to you and your horse.
Emma and Diva’s journey isn’t unique—it’s relatable, raw, and real. And it’s a story worth sharing because owning a young horse isn’t always easy, but with the right mindset and team, it’s an experience that will change you (and your horse) for the better. 💕
What lessons have you learned from your horse? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear them!
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