Presenters: Kathryn Nankervis MSc, CVPM, Elizabeth Launder BSc, MSc and Joanne Winfield FBHS, BSc. Tuesday 23rd February, 2010. This study day focused on the rider for a change, and started with a lecture from Physiotherapist Liz Launder on the importance of spinal health and good posture. It was very interesting to know that the intervertebral discs will decompress if the subject lies flat i.e. over night and therefore allows the discs to become fuller – filling…

As a BHSII SM, aspiring to complete the BHSI Certificate, it was with interest and anticipation that I, as a guest observer, attended the training day at Great Horwood, Buckinghamshire. The day provided a privileged opportunity to watch 7 training sessions, which introduced the audience to a variety of horses including; an ex  racehorse now enjoying a career change to dressage, eventers and pure dressage horses competing up to Grand Prix level. Their respective riders,…

Firstly a big thank you to Nick for spending his time with the 7 of us who attended this day. For us it was brilliant that more people were not there but a huge shame not to see more faces to take advantage of Nick’s knowledge and ideas. It was a very cold start to the day but an ongoing supply of tea and coffee made it easier. Before the horses and riders got going…

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…