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…

Having been asked to write the report upon the training I decided rather than report upon my view alone, a more accurate picture would be provided for those unable to attend, if I asked willing participants to summarise their view upon how their experience had benefited them. Responses such as ….. “Great to have fresh solutions to problems and to be able to ride in an encouraging and supportive atmosphere” “Lovely to see progression between…

First of all, thank you to Andrew for organising the day and the coffee on arrival. Carl showed us five horses ranging from 7yrs to 11yrs, he told us that his first important criteria is “has the horse got the ability to go to Grand Prix” – he likes a horse to be quick in mind and body as he wants to steer through a Grand Prix . When you are the horseman that he…

A good day was enjoyed by the eleven F and I members and their guests at Hickstead on Ladies day. We had use of the BHS member’s box along side the main arena next to the water jump which made excellent viewing for the Queen Elizabeth Cup….. 13 feet of water followed by a 1m 50 set of planks!! We appreciated how difficult this line was to ride as we had a very informative course…