This is the first time that I have ridden at an F&I Course and both myself and my horse thoroughly enjoyed it. The first day was all about the fundamentals, which after all are the base to everything. We worked in particular on straightness to create more power. We started in walk; weaving in and out of the jumps, and then proceeded in trot, working on transitions between walk, trot and halt, also rein back.…

We were very privileged this year having an opportunity to receive some training from Stephen Clarke FBHS. The course was well supported and there were horses from Novice to Grand Prix, so we all got the opportunity to see Stephen’s philosophy of training horses at all levels. For all riders and spectators Stephen provided great training. He worked well with all riders and horses and there was great improvement shown especially on the second day.…

Speaking personally, I find marketing quite difficult and have often felt frustrated with the BHS, that they do not promote our qualifications better. I am very proud of my qualifications and really want them to be recognised as the best training system for instructors/trainers in the horse industry. I also feel like I have wasted a lot of money on useless advertising over the years and don’t want to continue doing so! When this day…

I was lucky enough to be invited to join the F & I Association course which was held at Coleg, Gwent (Usk). The course was taken by Gareth Hughes. What an inspirational trainer. He worked with 10 combinations all at various levels of training from an ex racehorse to PSG. Gareth assessed each combination, quickly identifying the “honest” strengths and weaknesses. He then clearly explained to the riders and to the spectators WHY the combination…

The day started well – it wasn’t raining and the journey down was clear of traffic. As soon as we turned up it became apparent that the ground conditions were not nearly as wet as we had expected and wellies were definitely not needed !! Having hit the trade stands and spent much too much money we headed for the BHS box where we had fabulous views of the main arena. We watched the side…

This clinic was aimed at all standards of horse and rider. It was open to Fellows and I’s and those training for the E and T. Held on Monday 16th July, starting at 9am at Wellington Equestrian Centre and costing £40.00 per horse. Spectators were welcome. This event was kindly organised by Annette Christey and facilities provided by David Sheerin and Wellington Equestrian Centre. I am sure those of us who planned to attend Wellington…

On Thursday 8th March 2012, I was fortunate enough to attend the 20th Annual National Equine Forum, as a representative for the F&I Association. This was held at The Institution of Mechanical Engineers in Westminster. One of my reasons for attending was to support our friend and colleague from F&I, Sue Pimbley, who presented an excellent paper which considered the value of Equine Degrees. The days programme was filled with a total of fourteen papers…

We were blessed with lovely Spring weather for the morning at Mrs Robeson’s National Hunt yard in Buckinghamshire. The strike rate for this 24 horse yard since 1st January is looking impressive, 4 winners and numerous placings from the handful that run at this time of the year. Two FBHS’s, five BHSI’s and 3 guests were treated to watching “happy athletes” in their work. We arrived in time for 2nd lot who were schooling over…

As a first timer to this course, I was a little apprehensive about what to expect, however I was quickly put at ease by all! A lovely welcome indeed! Day 1 Kenneth Clawson our jump trainer for the two days decided to have a theme. “How do we as riders know what contact, feel and timing is? As coaches how do we teach it? “ A wide topic as these words will and do mean…