madabouthorses.net Kimberley Smith BHS AI Accredited Professional Coach

13/01/2025

Last minute Pole Clinic this Saturday, I have a couple of slots available please get in touch asap to book £20pp 🐴

06/01/2025

Good Morning,

I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas and new year!
I am working through my list of lessons, please do get in touch if I haven’t got you booked in yet!
I have some very exciting things to come this year that will help you all step up a level in your riding and I can’t wait to share this with you all very shortly! 🐎

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful clients! I’ve loved working with you this year, and I look forward to working with you all again next year!!
Love you all xx 💋

28/11/2024

25/11/2024

🎄December Pole Dates🎄

10th Burstow Park 6pm & 7pm £25pp
11th Sands Farm 6.30 & 7.30pm £25pp
14th Westlands Farm 10am onwards £25pp
18th Sands Farm 6.30 & 7.30 £25pp

25/11/2024

Polework clinic this Saturday!!

£20pp booking secured spot!

Large 40x70 arena, no puddles!!

Message me to book!

18/11/2024

Last Minute Polework clinic this Sunday!
Only afew spaces left pm if you want them!
£20pp at Waggoners Equestrian

01/11/2024

New Date added to Burstow clinics!
✨New Venue Alert!!✨
Indoor Polework Clinics through the winter!!!
I will be holding some evening polework clinics through the winter months in some indoor schools!!

🦄 Burstow Park Riding Centre
Tuesday 12th November £25pp
1 x space at 6pm and 1 x space at 7pm

Tuesday 10th December £25pp
4 x space at 6pm and 4 x space at 7pm

🦄 Sands Farm EC
Wednesday 20th November £25pp 6.30pm & 7.30pm
availability to add in a 5.30 group if enough interest.

🦄 Wednesday 11th December £25pp 6.30pm & 7.30pm
availability to add in a 5.30 group if enough interest.

🦄 Wednesday 18th December £25pp 6.30pm & 7.30pm
availability to add in earlier group if enough interest.

Payment secures spot! Please pop me a message or whatsapp me on 07738111544

24/10/2024

Saturday was a tough day! I had three dressage tests to learn all at different levels prelim, Novice & Elementary 🤦🏼‍♀️ I had qualified for the Westlands Championships back in the summer, so I wanted to take part! But I am also learning the ropes of how to run these shows so in between learning and riding my tests, I was behind the scenes watching, learning and ensuring everything ran smoothly and to time. And so by the end of the day, my brain was a little fried! Pleased to say the lovely Adam won his class! I have been doing a bit of riding for his owners to make sure he’s a big brave boy, so now I look forward to watching them compete him themselves! My lovely Roxy came second in both of her classes, which I am very pleased about considering me and her have had a bit of time off recently! So all in all a very good day!

24/10/2024

Evening INDOOR Polework Clinic at Burstow Park
Tuesday 12th November
From 6pm
£25 pp including School hire
Spaces go quickly these are small groups due to arena so please get booked in asap!
Payment Secures place

24/10/2024

Half Term Jumping Fun!!!
Showjumping Clinic at Burstow Park
Tuesday 29th groups starting at 11am £25 pp including school hire!
Spaces go quickly so please get booked in asap!
Payment secured place!

27/09/2024

Huge well done to Macy for going Double Clear yesterday at Hickstead with her schools show jumping team!!
Macy came to me a couple of weeks ago for some lessons on her new Loan Pony tinker, as they wanted to get a better understanding of each other! Macy has been a pleasure to teach, she’s worked hard in the lessons and has practiced when I haven’t been around and it really showed yesterday in her showjumping round!! What a difference a couple of lessons have made!! Very well done!! I’m looking forward at helping this little partnership get up and going 🏆

25/09/2024

Dates for your Diary:

Saturday 5th October Polework Clinic
Flat -raised poles £20pp

Saturday 19th October Formation Riding Clinic
£20pp

23/09/2024

Last Chance to enter the last 2 clinics of the month!!

Formation riding will be after 1.30pm
Poles will be starting at 9am

🎠 28th September Formation Riding Clinic £20pp
🎠 29th September Polework clinic £20pp

🎠 Group lessons every Thursday morning starting at 8.30am £25pp 🎠 Very limited spaces

Limited spaces, message to get booked in!

14/09/2024

Not quite as good on paper on the 2nd day as we took down 3 poles overall but I could not fault her, big fences in a tight arena, and she still tried her heart out for me 💗💗

27/08/2024

Why join us for Formation Riding?

We aim to give fun, light hearted Formation sessions, suitable for all abilities but there are many more reasons why formation riding is another great addition to your normal horsey outings:

Formation riding, also known as drill riding or equestrian drill, is practiced for several reasons:

1. **Teamwork and Coordination**: Formation riding requires precise coordination and communication between riders. It helps build trust and a sense of teamwork, as all participants must move in sync.

2. **Training and Discipline**: It enhances the discipline of both horse and rider. Horses become more responsive to subtle cues, and riders improve their control and ability to execute complex maneuvers.

3. **Spectacle and Tradition**: Historically, formation riding has been a part of military parades and ceremonies. Today, it's often performed in equestrian shows and events, showcasing the elegance and skill of both riders and horses.

4. **Improved Riding Skills**: Practicing in a group setting helps riders develop better spatial awareness and control, as they must be mindful of other horses and riders.

5. **Bonding Experience**: It can be a bonding activity, fostering a deeper connection between rider and horse, as well as among the group members.

6. **Cultural and Historical Significance**: In some traditions, formation riding is a way to preserve and honor the history and heritage of horse riding, especially in communities with a rich equestrian culture.

Overall, formation riding is both a practical training method and a beautiful art form that highlights the harmony between horse and rider.

26/08/2024

Clinics for September UPDATED!!

🎠 1st September Polework Clinic £20pp
🎠7th Jumping Clinic £20pp
🎠 28th September Formation Riding Clinic £20pp
🎠 29th September Polework clinic £20pp

🎠 Group lessons every Thursday morning starting at 8.30am £25pp 🎠 Very limited spaces

Limited spaces, message to get booked in!

26/08/2024

Why choose Polework!?

Polework offers a variety of benefits for both the horse and rider.
Here are some key reasons for incorporating polework into your horse’s training routine:

1. Improves Balance and Coordination

• Developing Spatial Awareness: Navigating poles helps horses develop better spatial awareness, making them more coordinated.
• Enhances Balance: The requirement to step over poles in a controlled manner forces the horse to engage core muscles, improving overall balance.

2. Strengthens Muscles

• Targets Specific Muscle Groups: Polework engages different muscle groups, especially those in the hindquarters, back, and core, leading to improved strength and conditioning.
• Builds Endurance: Repeated work over poles can increase stamina and muscular endurance, beneficial for both performance and general fitness.

3. Encourages Flexibility and Range of Motion

• Improves Gait Quality: Moving over poles encourages the horse to lift its legs higher and more deliberately, which can improve the suppleness and range of motion in joints.
• Promotes Stretching: it can encourage Horses to stretch through their backs and necks while working over poles, which enhances flexibility.

4. Enhances Focus and Mental Engagement

• Mental Stimulation: The variety introduced by polework keeps horses mentally stimulated, breaking the monotony of regular flatwork.
• Improves Concentration: Horses must pay close attention to where they place their feet, which enhances their focus during training.

5. Improves Gait Rhythm and Pacing

• Consistency in Stride: Working over evenly spaced poles encourages horses to maintain a consistent stride and rhythm, which is beneficial for all disciplines.
• Helps with Horses that tend to rush or slow down, it can regulate their pace as they negotiate poles.

6. Aids in Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention

• Low-Impact Exercise: Polework is a low-impact form of exercise that can be used in rehabilitation to gently reintroduce movement and build strength without overloading the joints.
• Prevents Injuries: Regular polework helps maintain muscle tone and flexibility, which can reduce the risk of injuries during more intense work.

7. Prepares for Jumping

• Foundation for Jumping: For horses in jumping training, polework serves as a stepping stone, helping them learn to judge distances and adjust their strides.
• Confidence Building: Polework can increase a horse’s confidence in approaching obstacles and improve their jumping technique.

8. Strengthens the Bond Between Horse and Rider

• Communication: Successfully navigating poles requires clear communication between horse and rider, enhancing trust and partnership.
• Variety in Training: Adding variety with polework can make training more enjoyable for both horse and rider, reinforcing a positive relationship.

Incorporating polework into your training routine can have significant physical and mental benefits for your horse, making it a versatile and valuable exercise.