AB Equitation

16/02/2024

Patience. These days lots of riders want immediate results for minimal effort.

Allowing the horse to develop mentally and physically is an integral part of good training.

The horse needs to learn what is required from him, to develop muscle, fitness and maturity. There are no quick fixes for long term health and wellbeing within the boundaries of correct training.

Cadence and the beauty of movement, the ability to dance is not a given. It will not be so because you impatiently demand it with a heavy hand.

The horse will give you his all when you have given your all to him.

The learning never stops. This horse, owned from 6 months old, now 11, has been training with me all his life. He is an example of excellent manoeuvrability, power and softness combined.

01/01/2024

Happy New Year to all our clients. Wishing you a healthy, happy 2024 ✨️🎉

Tuition available from 4th January.

Please call Andy to arrange an appointment.
Tel: 07971545826.

09/12/2023

Please be advised that all employees planning to dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are
required to undergo a Risk Assessment addressing the safety of open sleighs.

The assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly where there are multiple passengers. Please note that permission must also
be obtained in writing from landowners before their fields may be entered.
To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to
be considered a noise nuisance.

Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night.
While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all facility users are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks.
The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that prior to shining his/her glory all around she/he must confirm that all
shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.

Following last year’s well publicised case, everyone is advised that legislation prohibits any comment with regard to the redness of any part of Mr. R.
Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr. R Reindeer from reindeer games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken
against those found guilty of this offence.

Whilst it is acknowledged that gift-bearing is commonly practised in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that
the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages.

Whilst it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to our bribery policy and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual,

It is particularly noted that direct gifts of gold is specifically precluded, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions, such as frankincense, myrrh and other well known High Street body & bath oils.

Finally, in the recent instance of an infant found tucked up in a manger without a crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Safe New Year
Merry Christmas everyone!

Confident Rider

02/11/2023

Ice working on Emmerdale killing baddies!!

30/04/2023

We are looking for a retirement home for one of our horses. Possible light hacking but prefer complete retirement as a companion. Easy to do and friendly. 15.3.
Please pm us if you can genuinely offer a home.
Thanks 😊

25/04/2023

"The Master is always the Master. The simplicity of the movements, the elegance of the gestures, makes everything seem so easy. But it is the firm hand that lends the elegance, a profound knowledge and respect for the horse"

Tiago Barreto

20/04/2023

Search for a star🌟

We are currently looking for a black gelding or stallion to be trained up for TV and film work, high school, liberty and classical dressage.
3 years old plus, 15.2h up.
5 star home awaits right horse.
😊 TIA

21/03/2023

Never under estimate the benefits of hacking out.
If you like exploring the bridleways and byways, you might like 30% off equilab
https://www.facebook.com/equilabapp in accordance with the Confident Rider hacking challenges.

Full info at http://www.confident-riding.co.uk/mileage-challenges.html

02/03/2023

Wise words.

The legacy of Hans von Blixen-Fineke.

“I have chosen to include the element of ‘Art’. By art we mean the feeling of personal involvement: aesthetically, musically, as well as the appreciation of harmony and grace in the fluency of movement in this continuous exchange of information and ex*****on that goes on between the trainer and his horse, then, surely we experience something which has raised itself above the mechanical craft. The training of the horse and rider top act together is based on a mutual respect and understanding and only then can reach the highest levels of beauty, balance, and rhythm. Dressage must not be downgraded to mechanical tricks. It must remain a means to an end, not become an end in itself ".

26/02/2023

Put those polo shirts and summer breeches back in the drawer 🤣

09/02/2023

Schooling in the winter sunshine.

03/02/2023

Just saying!!😉

31/12/2022

🥳🐎Happy New Year to all our fabulous Clients. Look forward to seeing you all in 2023!🎈🎉

18/12/2022

Happy Christmas to all our Clients, past, present and future 🎄🎅

10/12/2022

Never a truer word spoken.

01/12/2022

2 fantastic books for any riders suffering with nerves or self-doubt . Available on Amazon.

28/11/2022

Lol!

25/11/2022

An "outline" explained.

“A horse does not engage and carry its body in a round and through fashion because of the way someone is forcing him to carry his head and neck.

That head and neck carriage is a symptom of how the horse is using his mind and body.

When a horse is supple , soft, and has no resistance in his legs and has the confidence to work with energy, then he will use his body correctly and shape up in an appealing fashion.

If you create resistance by trying to force his head and neck into a frame and drive him into this and you will at best get a poor counterfeit of true engagement.
More commonly you will get a horse that is heavy in the hand, that lacks energy, is out of balance, is hollow backed and injury prone.”

24/11/2022

https://www.facebook.com/100057482078175/posts/591846589408072/

An "outline" explained.

“A horse does not engage and carry its body in a round and through fashion because of the way someone is forcing him to carry his head and neck.

That head and neck carriage is a symptom of how the horse is using his mind and body.

When a horse is supple , soft, and has no resistance in his legs and has the confidence to work with energy, then he will use his body correctly and shape up in an appealing fashion.

If you create resistance by trying to force his head and neck into a frame and drive him into this and you will at best get a poor counterfeit of true engagement.
More commonly you will get a horse that is heavy in the hand, that lacks energy, is out of balance, is hollow backed and injury prone.”

14/11/2022

Just sayin'...!

19/10/2022

After so many questions about the advanced movement of Passage, this, I hope, is a very concise explanation.

"Passage is a measured, very collected, elevated and cadenced trot. It's characterised by a pronounced engagement of the hindquarters, a more noticeable flexion of the knees and hocks, and the graceful elasticity of the movement. Each diagonal pair of legs is raised and returned to the ground alternately, with cadence and a prolonged suspension". BD.

This 10 year old Lusitano is extremely talented and athletic so the ongoing training for the Passage is very rewarding and progressive. His finesse, understanding and power are increasing all the time and he is a pleasure to work with.

Taking time is important, the Passage is a very difficult exercise for the horse and requires immense concentration, strength and balance. Equally, the rider must be advanced to "sit" the power of the horse whilst understanding the movement, having the correct timing and ex*****on of the aids in order to elevate and control each step.

Our rider Liz said this: "Riding Passage is one of the best feelings. I have owned this amazing horse from a 6 month old c**t and every step of his journey has been, and continues to be, exciting and rewarding but somehow riding piaffe and passage are just so very special. As these movements become better and better it motivates me to aim for more each time I ride. We both have come so far and I am eternally thankful to Andy who has overseen our training, literally from backing to now. His unwaivering enthusiasm and superb tuition has been incredible and I am so very, very grateful".

For dressage, jumping, equitation or general lessons, please do get in touch. Lessons available riding your own horse or one of ours.

Tel: 07971545826.

18/10/2022

A sneak behind the scenes peek of the training done in advance of Emmerdale's 50th. Caspian rearing on queue. The addition of the wind machine took things to a new level once on set but as ever, Caspian is a true pro! The lovely Claire King who plays Kim Tate loved the horses and even commented on This Morning in an interview that "...the horses were fantastic and did all their shots in one take..." praise indeed 🙌

17/10/2022

Caspian riding down to the Emmerdale set to practice in the wind machines.
Emmerdale
ITV

17/10/2022

It was an honour to be the sole horse supplier and Horse Master for the 50th Emmerdale anniversary on ITV. My horse's were impeccable, both playing different parts. "Ice" (played by two horses (actor) and Caspian (stunts)). We are used to filming but hacking past the Woolpack was a bit surreal!!
Emmerdale
ITV

16/10/2022

A superb Piaffe and Passage training session today with this beautiful Lusitano.

18/09/2022

Thank you Ma'am.