My training philosophy is deceptively straightforward ...
From a typical background of hunting and jumping, my first interest in dressage was awakened when I met Robert Hall at the Fulmer School of Equitation. Later, a trip to the Spanish Riding School in Vienna cemented my fascination with dressage.
Over time, I managed to use these skills to achieve success whilst eventing and this classical approach became the basis of my training methods from that time on.
Create the right environment.
Trying to make the right environment for the horse to perform for the rider is crucial and forming a partnership with the horse so that both horse and rider are “in it together” is integral to my training ethos. This is valid whether you are training for dressage, show jumping or cross country.
Tolerance and patience.
There is no place for brute force, ignorance and bullying yet this does not imply that the rider should be a wimp or offer no leadership. Striking the right balance is what it is all about. William Micklem shares this view and notes in a recent paper that "... We all have a responsibility to guard and improve the image of equestrian sports, and no sport that uses a horse can stand alone and ignore accepted welfare standards. If they do they weaken us all". You can read a copy of William's views on the Rollkur/hyperflexion method at the Chronicle of the Horse (http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/huff-and-puff-training-and-leadership-opinion-fei-rollkur-decision).
Stay positive - always.
Encouragement and enthusiasm together with hard work and consistency, plus a drop of humour, will stand you in good stead. Try to always remember that “happy riders make happy horses”.
Be clear about your goals.
You have to study your subject and understand what you are trying to achieve so that you have a clear way forward. Remember, if you are confused then your horse will certainly be confused!
I apply my training philosophy to ...
=> Coaching riders from Prelim to Prix St Georges;
=> Teaching all three disciplines: dressage, show jumping and cross country;
=> Training horses and riders to fulfil their potential;
=> Working with young riders;
=> Working with young horses; and
=> Preparing career students for their BHS examination.
Contact me for more information ...