Have you ever felt like riding has become a checklist of dos and don’ts, rather than a joyful experience? That somehow, along the way, the magic faded under the weight of expectations, rules, and constant striving? You’re not alone — and that’s exactly why I wrote this mini series and created the experience around Mechanical Millie with help reigniting the joy in riding.
This isn’t about telling you what’s right or wrong. It’s about inviting you back into the curiosity that made you fall in love with horses in the first place. The riding world is often full of strong opinions — some grounded in tradition, some in competition, some in well-meaning but outdated advice. But here’s a truth I want to offer you: if something doesn’t feel right, you have permission to explore other ways. Riding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your journey is your own.
At the heart of this journey is adaptability — the kind of horsemanship that evolves with you, that values wide-ranging knowledge over rigid rules. Whether you’re learning from an old master, experimenting with biomechanics, or following your own observations in the saddle, it’s all valid. The principles I share through Mechanical Millie have grown from years of study, life experience, trial and error, and deep reflection — and they’re shared in the hope you’ll make them your own, reshape them, and even throw them out if they don’t serve you.
Millie, our human-powered mechanical horse, exists to strip riding right back to the essence. There’s no spooky corners, no unpredictable winds, no saddle slipping or sudden bolts. Just you, your body, your movement, and the time to focus on feeling. She’s not just a machine — she’s a mirror. She reflects what your body is doing without judgement, so you can understand the impact of every little shift and unlock riding skills you might not have even realised you were missing.
Most importantly, this is about fun. Riding should light you up. If it hasn’t lately, that’s your sign to go exploring again. Maybe it starts with a Millie session. Maybe it starts right now, reading this and reigniting the joy in riding!
In the next blogs, we’ll explore deeper elements of rider biomechanics — starting with the deceptively simple but powerful concept of “butt feet.”