I teach a wide variety of people in all the disciplines (see Students for more details), but I also teach at both Ledbury and Malvern Pony Clubs.
I coach both these clubs at all levels from the lead reins right up to the seniors competing British Eventing, BSJA and the Pony Club Championships.
Through pony club the children have so much fun, learning along the way and making lots of friends. We have many really good riders in the two clubs and I have many favourites among them but refuse to mention names as it would not be fair, but I expect they know who they are! Both clubs have some potential future stars and I am very proud to have been a part of their future.
In addition to the group sessions through Pony Club some of the children have additional private lessons with me.
Some of my varied levels of students include:
The star of 2011, Jake is a late starter to the world of Eventing. With the help of Camilla's riding skills and a few tweaks from me they qualified for the 2011 Badminton Grassroots final. It was a fabulous day and I was proud to be able to offer my support both at the qualifier and at her big day as her trainer. My amazing partner Anthony is Jakes farrier so it was a real team effort!
Bernice is one of my keenest clients. She has an ex racehorse called Freddie with whom she competes at unaffiliated level. Freddie has kissing spines and is 22 years old, so we do lots of exercises to try and keep him supple. He is not an easy horse to jump and school and Bernice has done wonders with him, she has lots of enthusiasm always practicing all the homework I set for her. Last summer Bernice and Freddie won the Reserve Championship at The Ledbury Hunt Show. Bernice is one of Icon’s biggest fans and comes to help me at most events.
Louise has evented at BE100 level with her previous horse Alloon Ice. It was so disappointing last year when he missed out on his Badminton qualification due to a virus. Louise has recently sold him to go hunting. Her new horse is Charlie, a very green athletic 4 old. He is bred to jump and has a fab attitude. He is looking like a very exciting prospect for the future.
Sarah is my star pupil, I have taught her for 7 years and she keeps Frank with me. Like most of my clients she has a full time job and has to work away so has a limited time for training and schooling. Frank is a 15.3hh 6 year Welsh Section D x who Sarah bought at the end of Summer 2010 so it is very early days for this new partnership. He is a very attractive loose moving horse with a bold jump and a great attitude; we have great hopes for him!
Sue rides several horses and has competed at Novice level. She brings on her horses from unbroken youngsters to become well schooled eventers and hunters. She is an amazing lady, driving up and down the country, something to do with milking herds of cows and then dashing here for a lesson prior to her next event!
