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…

A huge thanks to Pammy Hutton for a fantastic training day. It is wonderful to see what a life time of hard work, dedication and passion can create. The New Talland is a purpose built British Riding School that is setting a standard that could almost be impossible to imitate. Two huge barns are evident as you drive down a long drive to an enormous car park, one holds 64 stables, tack rooms etc and…

Eight F&I members took the opportunity to stay the night in rural Suffolk due to the generosity of Simon Somers who arranged a fabulous evening and Iris Gregson who lives at Bears Farm. We had a super supper and the Pimms, wine and port slipped down easily in great story-telling fashion. By 1am we all thought we had better be sensible and retired to bed. An early breakfast set us up for our first visit…

The 2007 annual F & I course took place at Addington Manor on 10 th & 11 th January – if you missed it, WHY WEREN’T YOU THERE ?!! As a relatively new member of the association I was astounded at how few people took advantage of such a fantastic opportunity to train with 2 of the equestrian world’s most respected and admired coaches. Pammy Hutton FBHS was busy for 2 days solid, teaching and…

Once again the two days of dressage training was provided at the F and I course by Pammy Hutton FBHS. The biggest theme for the first day that I believe Pammy was trying to get across was that training was a team effort. Very kindly Pammy had asked if Ian Woodhead, who was at the course with his wife Heidi (who was riding in the jumping sessions with Eric Smiley), would possibly give his opinion…