Event Reports

Day 1 During the initial warm-up when many horses came into the arena a little distracted and inattentive (especially the less experienced ones) Chris encourages riders to use plenty of counter flexion on straight lines to encourage horses to truly accept the outside rein and then to straighten and press them away from the inside…

Addington Equestrian Centre once again hosted the F and I conference and we arrived with a great sense of excitement and anticipation. We had been privileged to watch Christoph Hess last year and he was superb. Now we were to be in his presence again. He started coaching at 8 am and finished at 17.45…

“We are all forecasters today and experts tomorrow!” Chris Bartle, Blenheim 15.9.17 As a guest at the course walk I had expected to be overawed by such an important and respected figure in the eventing world but when Chris pitched up on his bike he was quietly spoken and understated. He was so unintimidating, calm…

That’s what it’s called and that’s just what ‘the girls’ did – dressed up for Ladies Day at Hickstead.  The F&I Association’s yearly trip to the Royal International Horse Show means we have use of the BHS box which is fabulously placed for viewing the Main Arena and equally well placed for visits to the…

The F&I North West had a great day training at Forest Gate Farm with Richard Carruthers B.H.S.I. The session consisted of 2 groups working over show jumps and xc fences on the arena We were riding a selection of horses mainly young or inexperienced as well as borrowed horses so we could all take advantage…

Following on from a brilliant morning at the Willlie Mullins stables and an indulgent lunch the F&I members headed off to Irish Event rider Sam Watson’s yard. Sam began his international career when he represented Ireland at the Junior European Championships. Sam’s father John won a silver medal in the 1978 World Championships in Kentucky so…

On the 27th June the F&I Association were lucky enough to be invited on a tour of Willie Mullins’ training yard in Co Carlow. This opportunity was not to be missed and the maximum number of 30 people attended, made up of F&I members and some Irish enthusiasts. Firstly I must apologise for the length…

Sam York FBHS and the Equine team at Nottingham Trent University presented the inaugural ‘Equestrian Coaching in the 21st Century’ CPD seminar for industry professionals. The day aimed to bridge the gap between research and front-line practitioners, providing a multi-directional seminar that encouraged debate about the uses of current technology, relevant to equestrian sports coaching. A…

On Monday 8th May, 11 members of the F and I association and friends spent a very fruitful day with Judy Harvey. The morning session was filled with an eclectic mix of five horses, working at different levels, ranging from retired racehorses to a very game grey cob. These were followed by 3 superstar horses…

This year at Badminton the BHS Fellows and Instructors Association were treated to a course walk with Eric Smiley FBHS. Born and raised in Ireland, Eric spent 10 years in the cavalry Regiment then decided to pursue a Professional career with horses. Having trained at Talland to gain his BHSI he then returned to Ireland.…

It was a fun and informative day run by the legendary Pammy Hutton. Held at the impressive Talland school of Equitation. Pammy started the day on her own young horse. She explained that she would like to get us all to encourage young horses to do more lateral work. In particular, to encourage shoulder in and half pass training early on, to gain greater control in difficult situations…

F & I North West Region Training day at Myerscough College, 28th March 2017. As an F & I member based in Lancashire, and the Stable Yard Manager at Myerscough College, I was delighted to be able to provide the facilities for the North West Region, spring training day. The day started with a couple…

Birdcage Walk, London, 2nd March 2017. With great excitement – a day out in London – WHOOPEE! and above all the company of Sue Ricketts…such fun. Car washed and polished, nobody would see it but it is a special occasion going to London.  Suit cleaned, shirt ironed, shoes polished…too much information I know! I met up with…

Focus on lateral work I’d like to start by saying that I first joined the F&I Association in 2001, but let my membership lapse after just 1 year. I am so pleased that after all this time I have re-joined, and can take advantage of the fantastic opportunities the association offers. We had a really…

A big thank you to David Sheerin and all his Team at Wellington for organising another fabulous training day under the watchful eye of Richard. The indoor school was a godsend as the snow was falling and temperatures freezing! Richards philosophy throughout his training session was “you might have to crack a few eggs to…