For the second year running Carl Hester kindly agreed to teach at the F and I course at Addington. Unfortunately last year I was unable to get a place on the clinic with Carl as the places were like gold-dust and I wasn’t quick enough off the mark to apply. That taught me a lesson! Thankfully though this year I got my application in much quicker and got a place. A lot of the other…

As we have come to expect, Judy Harvey delivered an excellent day. Horses varied from 4 year olds just starting out, to two horses moving into Advanced Medium and working on changes. The International Arena at Myerscough is indeed a fantastic setting. I had done a deal with the College that we could use the school in return for their equine staff attending the day. This arrangement worked well and helped keep the participant costs…

This C.P.D. day was co-hosted by Peter Murphy and gave all those who attended a valuable insight into coaching show jumping skills to top riders. The day was organised so that the morning consisted of coaching sessions on a one to one basis, where several Fellowship candidates were able to demonstrate their coaching skills with guidance from Peter or Kenneth. Kenneth had the indoor school, while Peter had to get wet several times in the…

There is no doubt in my mind that this visit was the best day’s training any F&I member could possibly have done – or anyone who is passionate about training riders and horses. Because that was what was on offer : passion about training, open discussions, detailed questioning on strategy and tactics from a dozen slightly differing points of view, revealing fascinating answers… There were interesting horses to ride and assess, and for several the…

Thanks to our very own Patrick Print FBHS, several members of the F and I Association and their guests were able clear their diaries on a Saturday afternoon and enjoy the BHS’s private box facilities overlooking the main arena at the Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead. We watched some cracking rounds during the most prestigious jumping class of the day, and were treated to a course-walk with one of the leading names. We also…

We were treated to a gorgeous summer day at Judy Harvey’s where we could watch, listen and learn.  As well as a perfect opportunity for us I’s to bring along our own or owners’ horses to work on with Judy, it’s also a great opportunity just to spectate, and to spend time taking it all in and exchanging coaching ideas with fellow trainers. Judy had several riders to help;  I will mention a few.  With…

We were all exceptionally lucky to have the chance to receive some expert coaching from Di Lampard over the two days at Addington. Each day consisted of five groups of the same horse and rider combinations to encourage continuity. Although each group was of a different level of horse experience the same message came across – improvement of the basics. Di used a very useful warm up routine highlighting straightness and balance. Within the trot…

Britain’s number one rider and trainer, Carl Hester, honoured us at our Annual Course at Addington this January.  What a treat it was for us all to have two days to gain an insight into Carl’s training methods and system. First on was myself riding Billy the stallion.  Suppleness was the main theme and Carl’s take was that a rider should be able to position the neck almost anywhere; this proved difficult for a number…

It is hardly possible to believe that a year has gone past since we were last at Judy Harvey’s for a fantastically informative day through the F and I Association. The main difference this year was the weather. Last year it was a scorching hot June day, but this year it was grey and cloudy, threatening storms – good old England! Judy put various riders and their horses skilfully through their paces, giving sound, clear…