Welcome! I'm Wendy Poore
I help riders and trainers build a deeper understanding with their horses, so both can thrive in balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
My journey began with a horse who showed me that trust, well-being, and balance must come first. Since then, I’ve spent over a decade immersed in Straightness Training, home seat education, and the Academic Art of Riding.
Balance First is where I share what I’ve learned to help you and your horse grow together in harmony.
If you’ve ever felt unsure, frustrated, or disconnected in your training… you’re not alone.
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You believe training should be kind, thoughtful, and rooted in understanding. So do I.
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Instead of obedience you want connection, clarity, and confidence in every step.
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You want a partnership where your horse feels safe, understood, and eager to move with you.
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Whether you’re just starting out or deepening your practice, Balance First is here to support your journey.
A step by step training programme
For any type of horse or pony
Helping riders and trainers build harmony with their horses through balance, understanding, and a supportive learning community.
Balance First is a progressive system of gymnastic exercises based on the classical teachings of old riding masters.
Using the exercises regularly, you can teach your horse to address the natural asymmetry of body and mind, so that both rider and horse can move together in harmony.
There are no time limits and there is NO PRESSURE to achieve or impress! Learn at the pace that fits you and your horse, as well as your lifestyle.
What you’ll gain from working with me
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A stronger, more balanced horse - inside and out. Learn how to develop your horse’s physical strength, suppleness, and postural alignment through biomechanically sound, force-free training.
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Clearer communication and deeper connection. Discover how to read your horse’s signals, respond with empathy, and build mutual trust that transforms your partnership.
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Confidence in your training choices. Gain clarity on what works, why it works, and how to adapt your approach to meet your horse’s unique needs without second-guessing or relying on outdated methods.
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A supportive learning environment. Join a community of like-minded riders and trainers who value kindness, curiosity, and continuous growth. You’ll never feel alone on this journey.
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Tools to prevent and resolve imbalance and resistance. Understand the root causes of tension, misunderstanding, and behavioral issues and learn practical strategies to restore comfort and cooperation.
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A holistic, ethical approach to riding and training. Integrate physical, emotional, and mental well-being into every aspect of your work with horses, so both of you thrive.
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Guidance from decades of study and experience. Benefit from my 15+ years of coaching, evaluating, and instructing in Straightness Training, home seat education, and the Academic Art of Riding.
Natural asymmetry in a ridden horse can lead to discomfort, pain and fear
All horses and riders have natural asymmetry, meaning their limbs vary in strength and coordination
Natural asymmetry can cause behavioural problems, like:
🐎 Difficulty bending in one direction compared to the other
🐎 Falling in or out while on a circle
🐎 Leaning on the bit or hanging on one rein
🐎 Pulling or rushing
🐎 Hesitating or refusing to move forward
🐎 Rushing
🐎 Panicking
🐎 Hollowing the back
🐎 Overbending the neck
🐎 Tripping
🐎 Spooking/napping
🐎 Poor canter transitions
🐎 Bucking or bronking
Misunderstanding and confusion can lead to behavioural issues in horses and ponies
Misunderstanding often arises because of:
🐎 Inadequate training of the horse
🐎 Lack of knowledge from the trainer
🐎 Lack of physical or emotional balance in the trainer
🐎 Poorly timed cues from the trainer
🐎 Inconsistency in the trainer’s approach
🐎 Constant pressure applied by the trainer
🐎 Ill-fitting tack
🐎 Unrealistic expectations held by the trainer
Balance First will empower you to achieve a biomechanically correct, healthy posture, and an open, calm, and willing mental state in your horse
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Balance: Teach your horse to move in a balanced, healthy posture using a tried-and-tested step-by-step method.
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Rehab/injury: Bring your horse back into work gradually using exercises that will build strength, suppleness and coordination..
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Science-based: Learn science-based concepts so that you can solve problems yourself without having to rely on a trainer.
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Dressage movements: Teach your horse all dressage movements with balance, suppleness, shape, tempo, and rhythm.
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Classical dressage: Seek what the grand masters sought - train with exercises inspired by masters such as Gustav Steinbrecht and François Robichon de La Guérinière.
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Effective aids: Avoid confusion by teaching your horse a set of aids from the ground that easily transfer to riding.
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No gadgets! Longe your horse in self-carriage without using gadgets that can cause pain and tension.
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A polite horse: Create boundaries to stop your horse pushing into your space, biting, and nipping.
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Mental state: Bring your horse to a high mental state.
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Companion/senior: Give your senior or companion horse some TLC - they love to do this training, it's going to make them feel so much better, give them a much better quality of life.