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Training Weekend Update:

From a Satisfied Customer!

Hi! I am fairly new to horses and only got into this when the kids grew up and left for Uni' and I got my life back!

I am a Pre-novice driver with a new pony who had only seen obstacles a couple of times before! I put our names forward for a training weekend to be told I was 1st on the reserve list. A bit disappointed but fingers crossed hoped that someone might drop out. I then received an email from Jane to say there was a place if I wanted it. Thats when an element of doubt came into my mind. I must have emailed Jane a 100 times with various questions - Would it be suitable for a Pre-novice? Would it be ok for an inexperienced pony? Would I be holding more experienced drivers back by asking what they probably think are basic questions? Jane, very kindly replied to each email and confidently advised me everything would be fine - I must admit I was still a bit aprehensive.

Anyway, Mick (hubby) myself (Alison) along with Dylan (pony) and dogs Badger & Bracken in tow set off on a very hot day to Escrick to start our training. We were met by Jane who welcomed us. Once Dylan was 'put to' we went to find Rachael who was very helpful with some of our flatwor. She looked at my driving and gave me a few tips to try out - was this the same pony? - It was like pressing a magic button - what a difference! Mind, she did also mention that I was a bit loud, I often thought my husband, Dylan & the dogs had selective hearing - perhaps I now know the reason why!!!! I came away feeling like a child that was about to go on holiday - wow and this is only one part of the training session I still had cones & another flatwork to go. By time Saturday finished I think both me & Dylan were draining mentally & physically but at least I had the buffet to look forward to.

Everybody brought food & drink & we congregated around Jane's caravan discussing the issues of the day & splashing on lots of aftersun - a lot of people were of a very red colour! We found everyone very helpful offering tips & advice & being very friendly.

Sunday was obstacle training & the one I hoped to try and make some progress with. As I mentioned previously, Dylan had only seen obstacles a couple of times & I am not exactly 21 anymore and have senior moments when trying to remember obstacle courses! (I am told it gets easier!) Anyway, off we went to find Rachael who asked us to drive the obstacles the way we thought. She then asked us to follow her round behind her quad & she gave us some direction & advised which lines to follow (oooh I am getting technical) Then we put this into practice & tried the obstacle again - brilliant! The difference these little tips have made to both me & Dylan I can't put into words and I got quite emotional, I could trot & keep rythm through obstacles! (Hopefully I will be able to put all this into practice).

I then put some of these new found skills learnt over the weekend into practice in a dressage session from a 'judge's point of view' with Philippa Thompson, who was very informative & gave me lots to think about but also helped me a great deal.

All in all I don't know what I was worried about, everyone was very helpfull. I came away brimming with confidence & was so pleased I had attended. I think I managed not to be as loud on Sunday but if you hear me before you see me let me know!

I would recommend this training to everyone especially pre-novices there is so much to get out of it! The training is tailored to the individuals needs so there is no need to worry about how much you know. What sport does not require training and guidance?

Everyone was so helpful, thanks very much to all the trainers & I haven't shut up about it since (nothings changed there)! I will definately be happy to put my name down for any future courses IT'S FANTASTIC!

Alison, Mick & Dylan