Hi there! My name is Kaitlyn, and I'm a twenty-something lifelong equestrian who lives in Ontario, Canada. I grew up in the hunter/jumper world, and have been on a journey of self-improvement for both myself and my relationship to horses over the last few years. I hope to use this channel as a space to share my journey bringing along Merlin, my young warmblood, and to encourage others to develop deeper, more meaningful relationships with their horses through humane, science-based horse training. I want this to be a positive space that reflects the everyday experiences of an average equestrian with a normal job (or three), a boatload of student loan debt, and a deep love for these beautiful animals. I want to show where I am as an equestrian, but also where I've been and where I'm going - reflections and future goals. If any of this sounds interesting to you, please subscribe!
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I learn so much from these types of videos! Thanks for sharing
I’m so happy you enjoyed! Thanks for watching! 🫶
Poor Mickey, hope his abscess cleared up. Aww Dixie's adorable!!
I felt so bad for him!! Thankfully he seems to be on the mend now :D
What a precious little pony. She was trying so hard on those jumps ❤❤❤❤❤ ty for sharing
She’s the absolute sweetest isn’t she?? I love her so much. And her little face… such a kissable white nose!
Informative video! I am thinking about getting a young horse too. I don’t mind giving up riding for a bit but I don’t want to not ride for three years. Did you have another horse ?
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to work with two other horses while Merlin was growing up, one of whom was Eve, an OTTB who I retrained from July of 2022 through June of this year. She belonged to my old coach :) I didn’t have the means to have more than one horse but I was very fortunate to be given opportunities to ride others’ horses xx
I LOVED this video! So cool to see their partnership and him getting him moving long and low! I saw a lot of relaxation in him over the video and its so cool to see!!
Love your videos ❤ the bug bugs are bad this year.
Thank you!! ❤️ and yes they are :( it’s been so wet and humid where I live but has been better lately now that the rain seems to be chilling out a bit! :)
I love these gopro videos, his canter seems so smooth. Was giving him a vaccination scary? I think I would be to nervous to give a horse one haha. 🤣
He was very spicy at the start of the ride! Can he wear a fly mask over his bridle to keep the bugs off his face? Well done with the injection, they're scary, but you get used to it! 💖
fly masks wouldn't fit well enough over a bridle but putting flyspray on a cloth or something(wiping around the ears and eyes) would help
He was quite spicy at the start! He actually does have a fly mask specifically for riding but it was too hot on this day to use it, and I always spray him all over, including using a cloth to put some on his face, but the amount of bugs we have had lately has been insane and even those don’t always help 💯 percent.
@@KaitehhEquestrian my first pony had had something wrong with her eyes before I bought her, and her previous owner hadn't used whatever the vet gave her. In the summer she'd end up with swarms of flies all over her face, there was no such thing as fly masks in those days so I tied baler twine to her browband, but she kept trying to eat it! 🤣 The alternative was a fly repellant that you probably can't get nowadays due to it being "toxic" or something, it was amazing I'd wipe it on her ears and it kept they flies off her head and neck. I was able to figure out where to dab it on her to keep the flies away from her completely, even used it on myself - doesn't seem to have done me any harm!
You’re braver than I am. I wouldn’t be able to give him the needle….😂😂
😂😂😂
Can see the bugs...lots of them
The bugs are absolutely nasty this summer! It’s been super wet and humid where I live, so I’m not surprised to be honest
Can you give them Benadryl for things like this? Might be a cheaper option then getting a script from the vet. IDK.
I haven’t ever given Benadryl to a horse, but it’s quite expensive where I live. For the amount that I’d have to give him, it’s actually cheaper to buy the antihistamine from the vet, and then I have some on hand for the next time I need it :) Great idea, though! 🙂
@@KaitehhEquestrian Cool, I love your content I am a subscriber. Your horse is stunning.
@@Believinabel Thanks for following along! <3 And thank you - I think so, too ;)
Aw poor Merlin, and Mickey, hope they've both recovered now 💖
Thank you! Both are doing well and on the mend :)
Thursday, April18? I thunk you mean July 18th….😂
😂😂😂
Beautiful horses ❤
Thank you 💕
love the video!
Thank you!! We had a blast on this night! 💕
My heart soared when eve jumped those flowers ❤❤❤ Go Eve🎉🎉
She did so well 🩵 I look back on that time with her fondly!
Merlin moves so nicely! The canter GoPro view on the trail was so beautiful and entertaining to watch. He has so much potential and I’m so excited to see how far he gets in his career. How tall is he? He looks so big boned, he’s quite adorable. His jump is so cute he just pops over the crossrail with his big legs and he just looks so adorable while doing it. 🥹😂
He is very big boned and still has a lot of growing to do 😂 when I measured him about 5 months ago, he was 16.3 hh. I don’t have a measuring stick, but he’s definitely filled out since then and I have a feeling he’s now about 17 hands. But in my eyes, if I don’t measure him… he’s still 16.3 😂
@@KaitehhEquestrian 😂😂
He is too cute. ❤
Thank you 💕
My horse can't relate. He perfers standing in it.
Merlin lives outside and this was the first time that he ever had a reaction like this 😂 that’s why I was so surprised - if given the chance during rain, he’s normally standing in it at his hay rather than going to his shelter or under trees 😂
@KaitehhEquestrian 🤣 Thats funny. I swear. Sometime they forget. "oh yeah. I'm cool this this." 🤣
I also get angry when I trip. 😂
Same 😂
Camera quality is great!
And yes I did laugh at your trying to mount! Kudos to you for actually managing to get on!!
Ok I’m glad to hear it’s not just me that noticed a difference in the camera quality! I’m thrilled with my new phone! And I have since realized that the mounting block is, in fact, high enough for me to get on from. At our old farm, the block was shorter and I struggled a lot 😂
@@KaitehhEquestrian I think the fact hatvthe first mounting block was in a huge clump of long grass wasn't helping! I have a block like the blue one, but mine only has two steps, and even at my height it's not the easiest to use, I'm no longer limber enough to just hop on like you did!! (in my much younger days, I could hop on like that from the ground 🤣 )
Im in enjoying this here in the U.K. Micky is such a sweetie and Merlin is so trusting of u hes settled so quickly. This place must be ok cos Mums here. Its great to have a friend to bounce off and ride with. Gd luck to u both.
I’ve spent a lot of time in the UK, and am returning for a trip in a few weeks! Hello from Canada! 🇨🇦 Thanks for the well wishes. I am thrilled to be at the same farm as my friend, and our horses have become besties 💕
You sure live in a beautiful area in your horses are beautiful. I hope they become good
Thank you so much! It is a lovely area 💕
He seems like such a gentle soul! beautiful!
Thank you!! He is an absolute sweetheart 💕
Is this all part of the property that we are seeing in the vlog It is absolutely beautiful
Yes it is! We’re really lucky to have so much varied terrain and areas to ride in! I love it 💕
Nice to see Merlin settling in so well
Thank you Siobhan! He’s doing wonderfully ☺️💕
Just found your channel and I love it!! Thank you for being authentic and I can see you have a great bond with your horses ❤
Thank you so much and welcome!! ☺️💕
I’m glad to see Micky and Merlin are getting along so well 🥹
It’s sweet isn’t it?? They’re best buds now
I’m so happy for you. Not only for your real life accomplishments but how quickly our KZread family is growing! I remember when you were at 450!! I’m so so impressed with Merlin, like you said in your previous video he comes back from a break better than ever!! He seriously has the most insanely beautiful canter and trot EVER!! Also I’m completely obsessed with the new property! The stalls, the pastures, the track! Everything is gorgeous!! Please continue to make videos with Nathalie and Micky they seem like such awesome friends! Your relationship is so cute, I hope to have a barn buddy like that one day! Also you saying some jumping videos to come in the future has me hooked!! I’m so excited for your next videos!
I’m so happy you’re enjoying the recent videos, Olivia 💕 I’m really loving editing them and exploring our new farm. I’m so blessed to have a barn buddy like Nat - it’s crazy to think that we would never have become friends if it weren’t for social media! And I can’t believe how things with this little community are growing right now, either! It warms my heart so much and makes me smile that people enjoy these silly videos that I put up. 💕
@@KaitehhEquestrian The recent videos and updates on Merlin have been so entertaining, keep up the good work! I’m about to watch the cantering in a thunderstorm video 😁
Wow not even any screaming going on ! I just love pretty land with gorgeous horses !! I’ll take that over the beach or whatever any day !!! I’m happy that everything went smoothly !! ❤️🐴💯👍🙏 Ps Your driving on the wrong side of your car !! LOL 😝
Thank you very much, I’m glad that you enjoyed! I enjoyed editing it a lot, it’ll be a lovely video to look back on in years to come for memories. That’s why I make these videos! 💕 Sometimes my content is more low-key, sometimes it’s more up-beat ☺️ horses make all of our inner child come out, and I love seeing that reflected in other people’s videos. Their energy is infectious! 💕 I am confident that in the future when I’m able to afford to compete Merlin and take him places, that I’ll be screechy at times, too 😆😆😆 Thanks for checking it out, welcome to the channel!! 🫶
And LOL I assume you’re from the UK? I’m coming to Scotland with my family and we’re doing a little road trip… I’ve driven once in the UK, it’ll be interesting to see how I adjust to driving on the “wrong” side of the road 😉😆😆😆
Eve is going to make an incredible horse for someone, and the main reason why is because of YOU! I know that with your training and the way you loved her, Eve will go to a safe home and be ridden with so much love. She really is an awesome horse.
She is the absolute best, and I’m so blessed to have had the time with her that I did 💕 She’d be mine if I had the resources! Working with her has definitely made me want to buy and produce a thoroughbred project pony of my own one day, though. As soon as finances and time allow!! 🫶
@@KaitehhEquestrian I totally get the Finances part, I wish horses weren’t so expensive 😂
So glad to see that you're doing well!! I can tell that Merlin really enjoys his new barn, I'm obsessed with the beautiful green grassy pasture, which Merlin seems to enjoy how grassy it is too because that means lots of snacks for him! How far away is the new barn? Is it more convenient for you? I'm so happy that you get to be at a barn with Natalie and her horse! Glad to see that Merlin has settled in so well! Haha the forcing your horses to be friends is so relatable, my friends horse gets bullied by mine so Iv'e been trying to make my horse be nicer to hers! Also the stalls at the new barn are absolutely GORGEOUS, do they get used often or are most of the horses pasture ponies? If you have the time you should really post a new barn tour and I would love to see a tack trunk/tack closest tour/organizing video! Stay safe from the heat!
Thank you so much, Olivia! I’m really enjoying settling in and exploring the property. The barn has a mix of indoor and outdoor horses, but even the indoor horses are out more than they’re in, coming in later at night. It takes me a bit longer to get there sometimes depending on traffic, but it’s worth it for all of the different training that I can do right at home, and to be at the same farm as Nathalie and Mickey, of course. 😁 For privacy’s sake I’m not going to post any kind of barn or locker tour ☺️
34°C is awful! Doesn't really get that hot here in Ireland (thank goodness!!) I have heat intolerance and it make me ill when it's even slightly warm, I'd have to live in the fridge if the temps got that high! Glad to see Merlin likes his new home! The place looks fantastic xx
Wow ! I live where it’s over 90-95 degrees EVERY day until from June until at least October!!!! And I can’t deal with any cold my whole body would just hurt !!! And I live near the horse capital of the world - Ocala, Florida!!!
I must admit it was terrible, especially with the humidity making it feel like it was 43! Merlin handled it really well, though - he’s very smart about going into shelter and drinking lots of water when it’s hot. Ireland, no way!! I’ve been there twice, it’s one of my favourite places in the world. I did Irish dancing for 8 years when I was a kid! And thank you so much - I’m chuffed with it so far. We’re both having a blast getting back into shape 💕 thanks for watching!
My yearling walks a solid 2 feet behind me on a super slack line like shes a old ranch horse is there anything besides dragging her up to me i can do?
Though I am an experienced equestrian and have trained my own horses in the past, I am not a professional horse trainer. I recommend seeking help from a qualified professional 💕
Thank you so much for making this!
No problem, I’m happy you enjoyed! It makes me happy to see people still discovering my older videos 😄
Really enjoyed this vlog. Informal and fun
I’m so happy you enjoyed! I try to keep my vlogs as a real reflection of my equestrian life. Sometimes that’s more formal, sometimes I like to experiment with pretty camera angles and high quality, and other times I just like to have fun 💕
Maybe a stupid question, but could you please explain to me how a project horse works? What I mean is, does someone give you a horse to work with, or do you adopt it...? And what do you do besides training? Do you do other things around that horse and is it financed by you or someone else? I really like your videos, keep it up! ❤️🐎
Not a stupid question at all! “Project horse” is a blanket term that a lot of people use for a horse that is purchased with the intent to resell. Sometimes, it’s someone buying themselves a horse that they intend to start under saddle or retrain before selling it onto a new home, or in my case, Eve is a horse who belongs to my old coach who I rode and retrained over about 2 years in my free time as something to ride while Merlin grew up 😁 People have a lot of differing opinions on buying horses with the intent to resell, but in my eyes project horses who end up with the right people are better set up to move onto new homes with no issues and to be treated well because of it. ☺️
@@KaitehhEquestrian Thank you very much for your reply! Now it is completely clear to me what it is all about and I support your sincere efforts to help these noble animals in any way you can! THANK YOU ! ❤️🐎
I've been wanting to get another horse. I have champagne taste on a peanut budget. So I am considering a weanling for $4,500. I've started many but this will be different. I will grow old with this one. She will likely be my last and the thought of growing old with her makes my soul sing. I am 57 this year and I hope to get her in 2025. It's been heavy on my mind and looking for someone to tell me to "just do it". I feel like you have. God led me to this and to your support. I am so grateful to you.
I am so happy that you found this video at the right time. Based on your comment, you would be a perfect home for her 💖 I bought Merlin knowing that he would be my forever horse, and I haven’t had any regrets. I too have a champagne taste on a peanut budget, and buying a weanling/yearling was the only way I’d be able to afford a horse like him. Wishing you all the best 🫶
Hope everything goes well at the new barn 💖
Thank you very much! We're loving it so far <3
Such a sweet and cute horse.
Thank you 💖
Exciting times...love your videos !
Thank you so much! I just had my first ride on Merlin at the new place tonight and he was so good! 🫶💖
Enjoy watching the way you treat your horse 🤔.
Thank you!! He is my whole world and is spoiled beyond belief 😂
He's such a handsome horse, and he was such a cute foal 😍😍
Thank you so much!! He has turned out better than I could have imagined 😍
@@KaitehhEquestrian best of luck with him, are you hoping to compete him?
@@Siobhan_Shivaun Yes! I've taken it slow with his development (he's much further behind a lot of horses his age, but I prefer not to rush young horses), but I'm hoping to eventually do eventing and jumpers with him :)
@@KaitehhEquestrian cool! he looks like he'd be an eventer
Adorable! Great job tumbling with grace and humor. Merlin seems like a sweet boy. Hope he learns not to play with his food soon.
Thank you so much! I’m actually happy my first fall on him happened in such a non-dramatic way ☺️ now that it’s happened, I’m not “waiting” for it if that makes sense. He has actually gotten a lot better with his feed pan since this was posted… thank goodness! 🤣 Thank you for tuning in!
My young horse Jag prefers no bridle honestly🥹