My horse spooks, naps or gets tense
Build real confidence and connection with a spooky, tense or reactive horse, with a plan that suits your horse's type of spookiness rather than a one-size-fits-all fix.
Visit Spooky Horses
🐴 Behaviour & problem solving
When your horse feels understood, everything changes.
I'm Lyla, and I help riders solve behaviour problems and build a calm, trusting partnership with their horse. Whether your horse is spooky, you're dreaming of riding bridleless, or you just want to feel like a team again, you're in the right place.
20+ yearshelping horses and riders understand each other
First-ever Relationship JudgeBritish Bridleless Competition, Dressage section
UK, Europe & beyondclinics, camps and coaching wherever you are
Where would you like to start?
Every horse and rider is different, so pick the one that sounds most like you right now.
I'd love to ride without a bridle
Learn the groundwork, communication and trust that make bridleless riding safe, soft and genuinely joyful, for you and your horse.
Explore bridleless riding
I need help with a specific problem
Online coaching, 1-2-1 consultations at your yard or online, and practical problem solving for riders of any discipline.
See ways to work with me
🦄British Bridleless Committee member
Hi, I'm Lyla 👋
I believe success with horses comes from understanding and connection. Horses are happier, and respond better to training in any sphere, when they understand what you're asking of them and you understand what they're telling you.
For over 20 years I've blended horsemanship principles with sensitively applied traditional groundwork and ridden techniques, helping riders of every discipline get results that genuinely change how they feel about riding. I teach across the UK, Europe and internationally, and I'm proud to be the first-ever Relationship Judge in the Dressage section of the British Bridleless Competition.
Most "naughty" behaviour isn't naughty at all. It's your horse trying to tell you something, and once you can read it, you can help.
Real riders, real horses, real change
A few of the lovely people (and horses) I've had the pleasure of working with.
"I am much happier to ride my horse now that I understand when he is relaxed and connected. How to read his body language from the saddle and what to do if he becomes anxious."
"I feel liberated. We've been stuck in the local equestrian centre for most of our schooling sessions, now I can benefit from riding in other environments and places."
Free resources to help you and your horse
Practical guides, videos and challenges you can take straight to the yard this week. No catch, just good stuff to get you started.
Browse free resources- Spooky Horses eBookUnderstand why your horse spooks and what you can do to help them feel safer.
- Spooky Horses Mini CourseFind out why resolving spookiness is not a one-size-fits-all strategy.
Come and learn with me in person
Clinics, summer camps and events in the UK and further afield. Take a look at what's coming up and grab your place.
From the blog
Read more articles
Don't Go! Helping Horses With Separation Anxiety
Calling, fretting and pacing the moment their friend leaves? Here's how to help your horse feel safe and settled on their own.
5 Reasons Horses Misbehave
Before you blame your horse (or yourself), take a look at the five most common reasons behind "naughty" behaviour.
How To Calm A Tense Horse
Riding a tense horse can feel like sitting on a ticking bomb 💣 Here's how to help them (and you) relax.
💬 Let's chat
Let's work out what your horse is trying to tell you
Send me a message about you and your horse, and I'll point you towards the best next step. No pressure, no jargon, just a friendly chat.
Send me an enquiry