HORSEMENS

I have had a lifelong association with horses. As a child, we always owned horses, but I did not have the opportunity to attend lessons or pony club due to my parents owning a pig farm. Sunday was
always market day. I finally had my first formal riding lesson and attended competitions when I joined Gnangara Adult riding club in my late 20’s.

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I completed my EA Level 1 General coaching certificate 21 years ago and have been teaching a variety of riders all over our wonderful State from leadline to B certificate at Pony Club, adult riders and some open competition riders thrown into the mix.

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Despite qualifying as a General coach (dressage, jumping and cross country), I tend to get asked to teach the flatwork/dressage classes most often. For this I accuse my daughter as being bad for my
reputation.

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A little fun fact, I love the jumping and eventing side of teaching. I equally enjoy teaching the flatwork, as this is the basis on which all disciplines rely. As I tell many a rider after they inform me that they do not do dressage, that show jumping and cross country really are just flatwork with obstacles in the way!

 

I endeavour to keep my teaching simple, working on the KISS theory. We need to understand the importance of being clear with our instructions to our horses and that they are taught in a manner
which does not cause them stress or confusion. The same applies for riders!

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Whilst I currently have a beautiful warmblood mare of my own at home, we do what I call, interval training. I am guilty of putting my coaching in front of my riding. This is something that I really need to
work on as neither of us are getting any younger!! 

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The opportunity to teach at adult riding club is not something that I take for granted. I get to meet so many wonderful people and I consider myself very honoured to be invited to each place to assist both horses and riders! A fabulous lunch goes a long way too!! ​​