Who am I?

There are so many answers to this question.

I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt. I am a horse & dog owner, and I am a friend.

I am a riding instructor, a dressage judge, and, for nearly 30 years, a groom.

On a Centre 10 CPD day in October 2022 we were challenged to answer 5 questions

Who am I?
What do I do?
Where do I do it?
How do I do it?
Why do I do it?

in only 50 words. Have a go, it isn't easy unless you really cut the waffle!

This is what I came up with.

I am Ros, BD Dressage Judge and Equestrian Coach. I help my clients develop a harmonious partnership with their horses. I travel to my clients and we work together to improve the horses way of going. I do it for love of the horse.

Unfortunately I am also a Multiple Sclerosis warrior. I don't see myself as a sufferer and I'm definitely not a patient. It is due to my MS that I have had to cut back my work as a groom, something I hate to admit. The disease has effected my life, something I have been fighting since diagnosis.

I know there are people in my life who want to help, and don't know how. I'm sorry, I'm not about to help you because I don't know how your can help me either. I want to be allowed to do as much as I can myself. The wonderful staff at Talland know this, most of them have been turned down when they have offered help, but they know I often need someone close by when I dismount, in case my leg gets stuck on the saddle.

How ridiculous is that? I have been riding for 40 years & suddenly I can't dismount? 😱

Over the last couple of years I have had setbacks, and been to a pretty dark place, like so many people before me. I have had wonderful support from my family, and Pammy Hutton and her Talland team, who have cared for my horse, and kept me in the saddle,

Unfortunately in March 2022 I had to make the final decision for my beautiful horse, Alfie. We had done all we could to get him sound, but unfortunately it was not to be.

Now I am trying to lose the weight gained during covid lockdown, and while I was recovering from fractured ribs, and don't have a horse of my own to be aiming to ride. This does not mean I have given up on getting back in the saddle. I am investigating all possible ways, though all require weight loss!

Sessions on a simulator will help me regain fitness without the worry of a horse taking control, then I intend to start with a steady riding school horse - going back to my roots. Hopefully I will be able to find another equine partner for myself, in the meantime I am continuing to develop my skills to improve the services I offer my clients.

Sandie Robertson has helped me find my new path and developed my confidence to the point I am starting to step outside my comfort zone without being pushed.

With great support I have changed my focus, but by no means turned my back on the last 30 years. I have a lot of experience with horses, and a lot of knowledge in my head which is all useless unless I share it, so that is what I am going to do, while continuing to learn and improve, as there is always something a horse can teach you.

I am working on upgrading from British Dressage list 5 to list 4, and I continue to work with Centre 10 continuing to develop my skills in the area of rider psychology and mindset.

Photo of Alfie with Ros riding looking into the mirror.

A through the ears shot of Alfie looking into the mirror in the indoor arena at Talland School of Equitation

So, who am I?

I am Ros Dobson, and my mission now is to help people connect with their horses and enjoy them with confidence. Riding is expensive, and it is supposed to be fun, and I want to help bring the fun back wherever I can.

I am available for individual lessons/coaching at your yard, and I am developing other services, which I will share on my RosDEquine Facebook page.

Please don't worry about the crutches, they are there to stop me falling over, there is nothing wrong with my head and the knowledge I am waiting to share.

Winter is always a tough time with horses. It is dark, cold, wet and muddy, and inclement weather puts us off wanting lessons, (not great news for a coach).

This winter is particularly tough with the extra financial burdens we are facing, but we are still horse owners/lovers and will find the finance to maintain our passion, and I hope to be able to support all of my clients, old and new because, to be honest, I love coaching horses and their riders.

I always have, but I had forgotten, so to all of you who have attended clinics or training with me, thankyou for helping me rekindle my passion, and hopefully confirming my purpose.