If you’re unsure where to begin, a free consultation is the easiest way to get clarity and a personalised starting point.
Welcome! I'm Wendy Poore
I help horse owners 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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You want connection, clear communication, and confidence in your interactions with your horse.
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You want a partnership where your horse feels safe, understood, and content to be with you.
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Whether you’re just starting out or broadening your knowledge, Balance First is here to support you.
What you’ll gain from working with me
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A stronger, more balanced horse. Learn how to develop your horse’s physical strength, suppleness, and postural alignment through biomechanically sound, horse friendly 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why it works, and how to adapt your approach to meet your horse’s unique needs without second-guessing or relying on outdated methods.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.
Why training can feel harder than it should
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 physical and behavioural problems, like:
🐎 Difficulty bending in one direction compared to the other
🐎 Panicking/spooking/napping/bucking or bronking
🐎 Leaning on the bit or hanging on one rein
🐎 Refusing to move forward or running forwards (no breaks)
🐎 Hollowing the back, overbending the neck
While natural asymmetry originates from the body, misunderstanding originates from the mind. Both can create pain and tension, but both can be resolved with clarity and the right approach.
Misunderstanding and confusion can lead to behavioural issues in horses and ponies
Misunderstanding often arises for many reasons, but particulary:
🐎 Too much/long/sudden pressure
🐎 Lack of understanding of how horses learn and experience the world
🐎 Inadequate training of the horse - rushing and cutting corners
🐎 Lack of knowledge from the trainer
🐎 Lack of emotional balance in the trainer
How Balance First can help you and your horse
A progressive, step-by-step system
Based on classical gymnastic exercises
Learn at your own pace
No pressure, no deadlines
Supportive community
What Balance First teaches
Balance First helps your horse develop a healthy, biomechanically correct posture and a calm, willing mind.
You’ll learn how to guide your horse with clarity, rhythm, and feel, so training becomes smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for both of you. The exercises build balance, suppleness, and coordination step by step, giving you a clear path forward no matter your starting point.