My Story So Far
What's happening in 2024
I am continuing to develop my coaching skills, both on and off the horse, working with my colleagues in the Centre 10 Coaching Hub.
Judge training is also continuing and I have my sights set on joining British Dressage list 4 to enable me to judge up to BD Elementary and BE Intermediate.
Having no horse at the moment I am planning on training at Talland as often as I can making the most of their schoolmaster horses and talented coaches. I am hoping to work with the BHS to get access to the Level 4 Dressage Coach qualification despite my Physical limitations
Continuing Professional development
During 2023 I was able to train with a mentor and friend, Sandie Robertson, and am proud to say I have expanded my mindset coaching skills. This means I am better able to help my clients make the most of the time they get to spend with their horses. Helping with loss of confidence, dealing with mental blocks and developing plans for the future.
For many years clients have told me I should study Psychology. So much of helping a horse and rider improve is about helping with mindset, and often helping when confidence is lost. In September 2018 I became aware of a course called Applied Psychology for Equestrian Coaches being run by an organisation called Centre 10 and led by Charlie Unwin. I applied, and was accepted. I finished the course in September 2019 and it has had a profound effect on my coaching, and many areas of my life. The chance to study with a group of likeminded coaches and explore different approaches to learning has been eye opening to say the least.
I am glad to say I am going to stay in touch with Centre 10 through their Coaching Hub, and with the good friends I have made.
Professional information
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I have a BA Hons from Coventry University and Warwickshire College in Equine Business Management.
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My British Horse Society Qualifications include BHSAI, now known as Level 3 Complete Coach and Intermediate Stable Managers Certificate.
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As a BHS registered Instructor I hold a current First Aid qualification and attend regular continual professional development training.
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Now very proud to be a list 5 BD Dressage judge
Work experience
Having learnt to ride as a child, I knew from a young age that I wanted to make working with horses my career. Helping to teach children at the riding school where I learnt to ride gave me a solid grounding and awareness of the extra help needed by the very nervous and the over confident.
Studying for a degree in Equine Studies at Warwickshire College, Moreton Morrell, produced a detailed knowledge of horses and how they work from the cellular level up. It took me by surprise when I realised how much this information helped me with my teaching. Knowing exactly how the horse performs each of the tasks we ask of it enables me to see exactly how the rider is allowing, or blocking, the movement required.
As a groom I have produced ponies for all pony club activities, hunters, dressage horses and eventers from Intro to 4* level and the World Championships. My chosen discipline for competing myself is dressage. Beside competing I am also developing my skills as a dressage judge.
My first horse training with Pat Burgess at Hartley wood.
My first horse training with Pat Burgess at Hartley wood.
Complementary Therapy Training
Reiki
I thoroughly enjoyed studying Reiki with Wendy Vaughan. Wendy and I share a passion for keeping horses as happy and healthy as we can using whichever modality of treatment will help them the most. The Reiki training helped me to understand a lot of the energy feedback horses are constantly providing, if only we learn to translate it.
Dowsing (2010)
I was given a place on a dowsing course after the Animal Communication course, and to start with I was sceptical. I was truly amazed with the results we got, and now firmly believe that this often overlooked therapy has a valuable use. I have had positive responses using it diagnostically to pinpoint the root cause of problems for horses. It doesn't tell me what is wrong, we need a vet for that, but it does tell me where the problem is.
Animal Communication (2010)
I have been lucky enough to attend 2 courses in Animal Communication led by Safaya Salter. The courses were a little different, but opened both my eyes, and mind to new ways of understanding the amazing animals we work with. I have worked with Safaya several times, and always benefited from her help and guidance.
Systematic Kinesiology
2007
Treatments from a Clinical Kinesiologist helped me with several physical problems, and led me to wonder how much it could be used with horses. I completed the Foundation Course of Systematic Kinesiology run by The Association of Systematic Kinesiology, and although I am not a practitioner, I do use the knowledge in a lot of my work.
