I started riding at the age of ten, after a couple of lessons at a local riding school, I then rode a friend’s mother’s just broken Welsh ponies from which I learnt to fall off! I had ponies on loan before getting my own just backed four year old. As we had no transport I would organise rides for several days with friends, camping on route. My poor mother would bring the pile of provisions needed each night, and collect the tent and what was left in the morning. I was lucky enough to live within hacking distance of Crabbett Park Equitation Centre, in those days a large international riding school, and had a weeks course on my pony which fostered an enthusiasm both for teaching and learning.
On finishing school I went to Porlock Vale another international training centre for three months and then to Crabbet where I passed by BHSAI. My first proper job was helping to start a riding school, my duties ranged from mucking out nine boxes to teaching several hours a day and working a seventy plus hour week, at this point freelance teaching seemed a good way forward! I trained in several yards in return for working and managing students but found as a part working pupil I did not get the required training. Then followed a period of doing any job that paid to pay for my training including the toy department of Selfriges at Christmas, a petrol cashier, finishing garments for the London fashion show and others. On passing my Intermediate teaching I went freelance now nearly thirty years ago.
As my children got older I started doing NVQ training and assessing, running a student programme for two colleges as an outreach centre at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre. Then as a trainer and assessor out in yards for Keits as well as teaching evening classes at Crabbet Park outreach centre for Plumpton. During this time I had also been teaching disabled riders and then passed the specialist exam for RDA Instructor.
I continue to train, and last year gained both the BHS and RDA Level three Coaching qualification.I am now working for the RDA Senior Instructors Exam.I do a number of Continued Personal Development days a year for all the different bodies that I work for. For the past forteen years I have owned my own horse . I start or back horses with their owners, the most recent being a beautiful Arab mare from California who is also destined for a successful show career.
I thoroughly enjoy all my work particularly because it is so varied. Please feel free to give me a call if you would like to have an informal chat about your horses training needs.