Testimonials
Fiona helped me in training my shire horse, Jack. Jack had no confidence to hack, and being so large it was important to be safe around him. She started with groundwork to help him be aware of where his body was in space, and how to move away from my space, creating boundaries. We worked on his response to aids, seeking lightness. We rode out with another calm horse to build confidence. Even when we hit a sticky patch, when he would just plant himself and not go forward, she found the way through, teaching me to keep his feet moving even if it appeared we were going nowhere. His confidence and fitness grew, and a decade later I still have a polite and gentle horse that moves out of my space with just a light touch. My absolute favourite piece of learning from that time is the one rein stop. I wondered if I would ever need it but I practiced it. Since then I have used it a few times to great effect to save him and me from danger. Most recently was when two large and unleashed dogs came across us in the local woods. The horses were all spooked. Being able to stop Jack in his tracks and have him stand across the track meant all three horses stayed calm while waited for the owner to catch them.
Fiona helped me in training my shire horse, Jack. Jack had no confidence to hack, and being so large it was important to be safe around him. She started with groundwork to help him be aware of where his body was in space, and how to move away from my space, creating boundaries. We worked on his response to aids, seeking lightness. We rode out with another calm horse to build confidence. Even when we hit a sticky patch, when he would just plant himself and not go forward, she found the way through, teaching me to keep his feet moving even if it appeared we were going nowhere. His confidence and fitness grew, and a decade later I still have a polite and gentle horse that moves out of my space with just a light touch. My absolute favourite piece of learning from that time is the one rein stop. I wondered if I would ever need it but I practiced it. Since then I have used it a few times to great effect to save him and me from danger. Most recently was when two large and unleashed dogs came across us in the local woods. The horses were all spooked. Being able to stop Jack in his tracks and have him stand across the track meant all three horses stayed calm while waited for the owner to catch them.
Helen
Fiona is fantastic, patient, and her understanding of horses is amazing. If it wasn't for Fiona showing me some groundwork, things could have been quite different, especially when leading a shire horse. I really appreciated the help.
Fiona is fantastic, patient, and her understanding of horses is amazing. If it wasn't for Fiona showing me some groundwork, things could have been quite different, especially when leading a shire horse. I really appreciated the help.
Rachael
Stormzy's progress has been amazing under your guidance and patient teaching. I always look forward to our sessions and I'm learning so much!
Stormzy's progress has been amazing under your guidance and patient teaching. I always look forward to our sessions and I'm learning so much!
Jo
Jo
Fiona helped me massively in just a few sessions. Having two large geldings (15.3 and 17h) who live out together, I was struggling to bring only one in without the other charging through when I opened the gate. With groundwork lessons from Fiona starting in the field, I can now do this confidently. My boys are also polishing up their manners and I feel much more comfortable bringing them both in together
Fiona helped me massively in just a few sessions. Having two large geldings (15.3 and 17h) who live out together, I was struggling to bring only one in without the other charging through when I opened the gate. With groundwork lessons from Fiona starting in the field, I can now do this confidently. My boys are also polishing up their manners and I feel much more comfortable bringing them both in together
Fiona has also hacked out with me as one of our lessons. One of my boys can be quite spooky, which was starting to make me anxious at certain points on regular hacks where I was predicting he would spook. Fiona taught me techniques to calm my own mind and this transferred across to my horse, and now we’re gliding past ‘scary’ points and it feels like my horse is genuinely taking his confidence from me.
Fiona has also hacked out with me as one of our lessons. One of my boys can be quite spooky, which was starting to make me anxious at certain points on regular hacks where I was predicting he would spook. Fiona taught me techniques to calm my own mind and this transferred across to my horse, and now we’re gliding past ‘scary’ points and it feels like my horse is genuinely taking his confidence from me.
Fiona is supportive, genuine, caring, professional and non-judgemental. Just the right mix. Thank you Fiona, so fortunate to have found you and your support for ‘horsemanship’
Fiona is supportive, genuine, caring, professional and non-judgemental. Just the right mix. Thank you Fiona, so fortunate to have found you and your support for ‘horsemanship’
Joy
Fiona was recommended to me and she has been so instrumental in helping me to understand and communicate better with my youngster, Flash. Fiona is knowledgeable, helpful and supportive and I am truly grateful for her time!
Zara
