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 eventing is in his blood. He started out in England being based with Lucy Wiegersma and with his best known…

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 of this report, as you may gather I am a huge racing enthusiast but I will try not to ramble…

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 selection of talented students rode whilst presenters from Nottingham Trent University and the industry demonstrated novel concepts, uses for technology,…

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 ridden by Judy’s working pupils and a client. Judy’s insightful observations and suggestions were ‘to the point’ and resulted in…

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. He gained his Fellowship in 1995 and now lives in Dorset with his wife Sue. Eric gained his first team…

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 when the young horses are nervous or overwhelmed.  Throughout the day we were lucky to have a super selection of…

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 of hours of flatwork sessions, then the majority of the day focussed on jumping. However, throughout the day there was…

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 Sue on a beautiful sunny day and we were to be stuck inside but heyho. We checked in and were met…

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 good day with Tim Downes at Ingestre on the 22nd February, kindly organised by Sue Ricketts. Thankfully we were blessed…