Description
Specialising in: •Foal handling •Starting youngsters •Behavioural problems •Foundation training for any discipline
Over twenty years experience including Eventing, Western Performance, TB Racing in Canada and Le Trec.
Sarah has trained with people such as William Micklem FBHS, Bob Mayhew and Morgan Lybbert both International Western competitors and AQHA Judges and she has studied/ had clinics with well-known people such as Pat Burgess, Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli, Mark Rashid, Lucinda Green, Mary King and Captain Mark Phillips and many more.
With this mixture of theories, systems and concepts, Sarah is able to offer a bespoke service which meets or exceeds the individual horse/rider needs and expectations.
As most of us have horses for leisure as opposed to having to make a living from them, one of the most important things is to feel good about WHAT we achieve and HOW we achieve our goals. Confidence breeds competence and confidence only builds with success. Breaking goals down into tiny bite size pieces and keeping things simple is an effective way of making progress.
Helping people learn how to read horse behaviour is one of the key ingredients of strengthening the relationship, for instance, knowing the difference between ‘stubborn’ or ‘scared stiff’ will help you do the right thing for your horse. Learning why horses do certain things and not criticizing them for being a horse is a big part in becoming a better horseman. Many horse are resold or even destroyed because they were misunderstood or maybe the cause of their bad behaviuor was pain and discomfort, often it is just time and patience and a little bit of effort from the rider that is needed to get back on the right track. All horses and riders deserve a chance of acheiving their personal best and if the 'want to' is strong enough, then the 'can do' will follow through.
Sarah’s working mantra is ‘Never say never, always say maybe!’
Sarah is based at Mopley Farm in the New Forest, Hampshire, but also visits clients who have their own facilities for clinic days, demos or individual sessions, e.g. loading problems or handling a young foal.
Horses as early as yearlings can be taken in for training, as even at this young age there is plenty to teach them; catch easily in field, manners in the stable (especially whilst eating), leading, getting used to traffic, tying, loading, being led from another horse, feet handling, leg hosing and vet visit preparation (vaccinations, trot-ups, teeth rasping, taking temperature etc). Time spent now will pay dividends later.
Mopley farm has a roundpen which is invaluable for starting horses, a large sand arena, grass jump paddock and direct access to a common land with no roadwork. The common land based on gravel has many well draining soft tracks, grass belts and woodlands occupied by just a few cattle, ponies and dog walkers to keep the young horse interested. Such a great way to teach a horse balance, co-ordination, confidence outside the 20x40 box, and develop his athletic ability over different terrain and to stimulate his brain.
Sarah only teaches people with their own horses but can be booked to give demos on Western Riding with her own American Quarter Horses or people can attend one of her ridden/groundwork clinics with their own horses either at Mopley or at another suitable venue.
Sarah also is a qualified Bowen Therapist (a gentle effective hands on holistic therapy) helping riders to restore and maintain balance and harmony with their horse. For more information just Google ‘The Bowen Technique’.
Whether you want to get the correct canter lead in your Dressage test, need to improve your focus, feel and timing whilst jumping, better scores in the Trec obstacles or just wish to feel safer whilst having fun with your horse, then you are only a phone call or e-mail away....Take that first step!
Sarah’s working mantra is ‘Never say never, always say maybe!’
