The Riding Workshop

13/07/2024

Nolegro has now moved to a new home in Auckland and is in the capable hands of Lindsey Craig Physiotherapy. Thank you to all my customers over the last 10 years your support was much appreciated. 😊

06/02/2018

A short film by Joseph Newcomb & Stephen Forbes

25/11/2017

Wow a gorgeous pearly white simulator! Nolegro is in❤❤!!

17/07/2016

Horse Simulator at The Riding Workshop

09/06/2016

How about this for an idea?

Developers believe the new system could make marks higher, fairer and more accurate

20/01/2016

Unmounted rider exercises to improve your seat: strengthen & straighten your own core. http://equinemechanics.com/post/128568891748/unmounted-rider-exercises-to-improve-your

29/11/2015

Fascinating insight into modern dressage.... any opinions!!

Nov24 Equine Experts / Leaders Spectacular Gaits vs Equine Health Using examples from the 2015 stallion licensing in Verden Germany it is shown how the wrong selection in Warmblood horses for thrust and mobility affects not only the quality of the gaits but the health as well. Both effects are count…

20/11/2015

AP McCoy, the most successful steeple chase jockey of all time, having a go at dressage with Charlotte du Jardin. https://www.facebook.com/pointswest/videos/vb.102814153147070/900214490073695/?type=2&theater

06/09/2015

Traveling to the UK tomorrow to train with Mary Wanless and take in the UK National Dressage Championships along with other horsey treats! Our simulator Nolegro will be having a rest until 15th October.

23/05/2015

Thanks to Ashburton dressage group who came and rode the simulator today.

19/10/2014

Thanks to everyone who came to our open day. Congratulations to Alexia who won the draw for a free lesson. If you couldn't make it email us to arrange a time for a demo and a chat.

01/10/2014

The Riding Workshop is having an open day on October 19th. Come along and view a demonstration of the dressage simulator. Find out what this machine can do for your riding and be in to win a free lesson. Contact us for details.

Spring Special $90 for 1 hour lesson in October.

29/09/2014

Just read Carl Hester's new book "Making it happen". A friend gave me a signed copy so I'm hoping some of the magic will rub off!! It's a surprisingly good read. Anybody else read it?

17/09/2014

New horse at last! This is Higgs an OTT TB I bought about 3 weeks ago. He is a 7 year old and last raced in August. The photo has been very kind to him as he is quite under weight and covered in rain scald. Hoping to turn him into an eventer. Seems like a bit of a daunting task but challenges are good!

23/08/2014

The naked rider's bare all blog!
Sitting lopsided or being crooked is something every rider wants to avoid. So it was a bit disturbing to realize that I was a indeed slightly crooked. Cripes disaster!!
The simulator picks up even the slightest movement in the rider's weight so its quite obvious (even if it's invisible from the ground). If you're slightly collapsed in your hip joint (even a tiny bit) your thigh will have rotated outwards, your heel comes up a few millimeters and your leg on that side will touch the horse's side more than your other leg. This will make the sensors on the simulator activate. Most people will be 'right legged' and some will be 'goofy'. Which foot would you kick a ball with?

22/08/2014

Totilas and Undercover are out of WEG! What a shame it was gearing up to be an amazing contest. Never mind Isabel Werth's new horse will be well worth watching and Valegro of course.

01/08/2014

The Naked Rider's bare all blog!
So if I'm behind the movement can I fix it by leaning forward? Sounds like an easy solution. But, hang on, when I lean forward I look like I'm leaning forward. That's not good. After some thought I realise that my seat bones are pointing slightly forward. This is enough to put my weight behind the movement. Eureka!!
My new position feels weird at first. I've left my comfort zone but the more I ride the more it becomes my new home position. Soon I can maintain it without thinking about it. First problem solved!

25/07/2014

The Naked Rider's bare all blog!
Some thoughts after my first simulator ride.

Was I nervous? Yes. Did I want to be perfect? Yes! Oh yes! Was I? No. Time for a short sharp shock I thought..........wake up you don't have a perfect seat.
This was a bit disappointing but let's be realistic how many of us ride like Charlotte or Carl? First thing to address is my balance. It seems that i'm behind the movement. Horror! Hang on a moment aren't all dressage riders behind the movement? Time for some soul searching.