Testimonials

I highly recommend John and Shelley as complete horse and rider educators. I’ve been riding for about 25 years, mainly dressage, hacking and weekend riding (when my career was hectic and my children young). At the age of 37, as a mother of two young children, I decided that I’d like to learn showjumping. John and Shelley are extremely supportive – of both my occasional lack of time and my family commitments.

John and Shelley are always happy to work with whatever horse I have. My current two horses are a warmblood cross mare (originally purchased for dressage) and an off-the-track thoroughbred gelding. Both horses are completely different – the mare very bold and the gelding very spooky. Under Shelley’s skilful tuition and guidance they are both doing extremely well and showing great trainability. I am delighted with their progress.

Shelley is a rare combination of training personality – excellent at explaining, demanding of accuracy, encouraging, generous of her time, and as tough as needs be. She is able to challenge and extend my capabilities, and I have absolute trust in her – she challenges but does not overface. Shelley is also willing to ride my horses to iron out any problems; they are always better for me to ride after she has ridden them.

John’s horsemanship and understanding of equine psychology have meant that he is able to guide a horse to behave appropriately. My gelding is a nervous worrier and John has devised and implemented a plan to desensitize him to different environments. John always explains his actions and I have learnt a lot just by asking questions and watching him work. Furthermore, John explains his actions to my children if they are present, and he never “talks down” to them.

I cannot recommend John and Shelley highly enough to all riders who want to get the most out of their horse and who also want to improve their own horsemanship.

Frances Douglas