Message from Kirsty

Thank you for visiting my website and taking the time to read about me, the training programmes and the horses.

Whether is is training the rider, the horse or as a combination, the important thing is to keep things simple, break things down and always build on the basics.

The pursuit of riding is complex as there are so many factors. It is not just a physical effort, but great mental participation to show empathy and understanding for the horse’s needs. This along with the capacity to translate the technical requirements and transform them into physical aids to ask your horse a movement.

Like pets, the horse needs to be consistently treated firm but fair. Firm in the sense of structured discipline and training which is rewarded when the animal responds appropriately. Riding is a reflection of how the horse understands your suggestions, not by means of brute force to get the job done. We must also ensure we are asking our horses to do a job that is within his/her physical and mental capabilities. Like humans, horses have their own strengths, weaknesses, talent, enjoyment factor for disciplines. It is essential to find the right job for each horse.

With your riding it is important to set goals. There is no harm at all in aiming high. If you don’t aim high, you’ll never get there. Even if you don’t quite get there, at least you have “given it a go”. You may indeed get there, which is fantastic – allow yourself a pat on the back and reset your challenge. You can also set yourself shorter term goals. It may be to ride a movement consistently or be able to improve your seat. The great thing about riding is the variety of improvements we can make.

I am often asked if I enjoy the cross country element of eventing the most because of the speed and the thrill. To me, the speed is a requirement, but the thrill is when a horse understands almost telepathically the task ahead as suggested by you as a rider. We, as riders, have the advantage of walking and understanding the course beforehand – the horse has to read your instructions at speed, react to your warnings as well as the positive encouragement and trust your partnership to jump into the unknown. Horses are simply amazing !

It is not only cross country. Even riding on the flat or in a dressage test, it is very thrilling to have that communication and understanding with such a fine animal. 

Through training, repetition and reward, we can achieve great improvements. I have been exceedingly lucky to train with and compete alongside many of the world’s greatest trainers and riders over the years. I have learnt to take what works for you with that particular horse in that stage of progress and progress from there. Keep an open mind on how you get to each goal. Be willing to be flexible and understanding. 

Enjoy these incredible animals, believe in your dreams and “give it a go “! 

Kirsty