September 2011
Owning horses seems to be a minefield of emotions. From seeing my daughter being airlifted to hospital after a fall (thankfully she is absolutely fine), to watching one of our ponies almost die choking, there are definitely times I have found myself wondering why do we do it?! Thankfully not many months are as dramatic as this one has been, or I'd have to hang up my spurs I reckon!
The Rogate Riding Club Camp was as brilliant as I hoped, even though the weather did its best to thwart us at the beginning. The marquee tried to make a bid for freedom and we all got drenched rescuing that, but afterwards the sun shone and so did everyone's smiles! It is with relief that camp season is over for this year, with an overiding sense of wellbeing; not to mention a need for sleep!
Gabriel and I attented the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray Hunt camp; unfortunately due to other commitments we could only attend for one day but we still had a great time. As I discovered last year, it is very different experiencing such occasions from 'the other side'. I thoroughly enjoyed just having fun! Riding ponies is very different to horses, I found myself giggling like the 10 year old I feel I still am inside! Huge thanks to Angela Church for being so willing to try her best to fit us in at the last minute, well worth the effort.
August 2011
Camps, camps and camping! Two weeks of camp for Cowdray Hunt Pony Club has been the backbone of this summer, many hugely enthusiastic children braved the erratic weather to enjoy their time at camp as much as they could. I am always amazed at just how much is achieved during these weeks, both the ponies and riders blossom with the concentrated work. Well done to all involved at Cowdray Pony Club, Rachel Wilson and Clare Voller, you did a sterling job, as ever!
I am loking forward to next month's camp for Rogate Riding club too, although adult camps are somewhat less formal, they are just as fulfilling and fun!
Back at home we have been thoroughly enjoying riding out together. It has made a lovely change for me to be able to ride alongside my children instead of lagging behind on foot. Pitta is still undergoing treatment so we are only able to walk out, but it has still been magical!
July 2011
I have had the pleasure of working with Hannah Warren and her beautiful horse, Banter, for a couple of years now. Hannah's passion is showjumping but she has made the most of her opportunities to further her understanding of flatwork, ultimately to improve her jumping.
This week I achieved a career ambition with them. I have always wanted to teach a partnership to execute an exercise involving 10 metre circles, 10 metre loops and flying changes. Having worked on all the individual elements for some time now, especially sorting Banter's balance and self carriage, I thought their flying changes were obedient enough to try the whole exercise... It was fantastic!
I have a great deal of respect for Hannah, she has worked incredibly hard to achieve the level of work she and Banter are now displaying. Banter does not give anything away easily so sometimes even just a weight shift in shoulder-in is a massive achievement. Other days cantering along swapping between shoulder-in and travers is the level Banter will willing give that day! Another day sailing over a 1.10 metre course is the days level. Hannah has never resorted to gadgets or quick fixes, pure hard work has won the day. Hence now the work is truly established and Hannah is ready to take her skills onto a new horse. I am very proud of you both!
June 2011
I need to stop going on holiday at this time of year, as each time I do, I seem to come home and aquire a new family member...! Gabriel is the latest edition to the Simply Riding Team! My eternal thanks to Julia and Chloe Jacobs, you are both angels...
My dudes...!
Pitta is having remedial farriery to try and make him more comfortable, I have everything crossed that it will work. This photo was taken on our first ever ride together on our own horses! As we live in such a beautiful, horse friendly area, we have many hours of rides planned for the summer!
May 2011
Amid all the heat and sunshine, this month has been an incredibly busy time! Rogate and District Riding Club held their first Summer Camp at the Rogate Equestrian Centre. It was a rip roaring success! Credit must be given to the incredible hard work by Lynne and Kevin Britten; the yard has been transformed and is working well. The facilities are perfect for such an event, especially with Fair Oak just a short hack away.
The camp was arranged in a free format so each Instructor had a time to do each activity, the riders put their name on whichever list they wanted to join. As an Instructor this is quite a difficult (and nerve wracking!) way to work as you are constantly having to re assess your new group; also the fear of, "What if no one wants to be in my group...?!" Thankfully I had the company of a lovely group who actually stuck with me for almost all the sessions. This allowed some to opt out of the Cross Country whilst others joined extra gridwork and polework sessions. The week really could be tailored to each individuals' requirements. Huge thanks especially to both Emma's and both Anne's for such a great week!
Also this month I have been on holiday with my children. We went on an adventure to the Outer Hebrides! For the first time ever, the three of us rode together, along the beach on Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula. It was quite simply, the most magical moment of my life so far; the three of us galloping along, side by side along the pure white sand before cooling off the horses in the turquoise hebridean sea... If you would like to fulfill this dream too, look at: http://uistcommunityridingschool.giving.officelive.com/BeachRide.aspx
April 2011
I have taught (and learnt!) probably the most important lesson of my career this month. I have taught Justina and Ruby before, a number of months ago. Ruby is a 4 year old, 14.1hh bay mare of Welsh origins. Justina has been increasing her work lately to try and work off the extra weight that Ruby was carrying.
As she walked around, I asked, 'Do her shoulders and neck look fat?'
'No, it's just her great big belly...' came Justina's reply....
Ruby was bought last September, at no time was there any mention of Ruby having been anywhere near a stallion; however when I looked underneath and saw how swollen her udder was, there was no doubt!
8 days later, Ruby gave birth to a beautiful, healthy colt!
Ruby's springtime surprise!
A very stark reminder of 'Buyer beware'! If you are buying a mare, it can be prudent to include a pregnancy test as part of your vetting...!
Last weekend saw the first ever outing for the Cowdray Hunt Pony Club Mounted Games Team. They entered a competition held by Petersfield Pony Club at Eashing Farm. Both the Senior and Junior teams had a fantastic day, putting all their new skills to the test. Louise Rainer deserves a huge round of applause for her hard work and dedication to the teams. She has ensured that within literally a matter of weeks, all these riders had a thorough knowledge of all the rules and skills required to compete in all the different races.
It was with great pride that I watched my own son Ethan, competing as part of the junior team!
March 2011
Welcome to Spring!
Sadly this month has brought a wheelbarrow full of troubles to the Simply Riding stable... Pitta has been off work due to very sore hocks. After a few visits up to Liphook Equine Hospital, we now know he has severe arthritic changes in both hocks. As it has been bilateral changes, it hasn't shown itself as lameness. More as just 'not being right'. Following both hocks being medicated, he is now more comfortable behind but frustratingly lame in front!
The thing which has struck me most during this, is that although owning a horse is predominantly a sole effort, as soon as things go wrong it becomes very much a team effort. I was really feeling the weight of responsibilty as to whether Pitta was coping, or whether in fact things were so bad that it was no longer fair for him to continue. Due to the fantastic support of vet Tom McGinley, physio Helen Wood and superb farriery from Rory Morgan, I know this responsibilty doesn't rest on my shoulders alone...
Fingers crossed that the situation will improve and my lovely little horse will be back to the work he loves (although sadly no more jumping) and exploring the South Downs.
February 2011
Now the pheasant shooting season has drawn to a close, the countryside is opened up to us again. Luckily that means all our schooling is carried out whilst hacking! Leg yielding, shoulder-in, travers and transitions all executed with far more enthusiasm than when laboriously repeated in the school. Our circles have been neglected somewhat but hey ho, you can't have everything!
Pitta has finally begun to gain weight. Having tried a number of different feeds including Baileys conditioning cubes, Allen and Page calm and condition, ad lib haylage and Omega rice, (all with no weight gain) we have recently been using Balanced horse feeds 'show mix'. Within two weeks there is already a marked improvement, I no longer have to worry about being pointed at for riding such a skinny horse! Huge thanks to Becky Rogers for that suggestion.
****Hot news**** Thank you to everyone who contacted us about wanting to offer great homes to the puppies. I am very delighted to announce that they have all settled happily into their new families. 'Husky' too has secured himself a great home ready for when his time in quarantine is complete.
January 2011
Happy New Year!
I hope the year has got off to a positive start for you all. Time to think of all the lovely days of riding ahead and plan what the goals are for this year. Now the great thaw has commenced, we sadly have rather deep mud to contend with; Oh for a spring day!
Our boys have been on 'holiday' for a number of weeks, I think they have enjoyed the change of scenery and new friends to hang out with. My eternal thanks to Eileen and Jodie for looking after them both so superbly. Now they are back home and it is time for work to commence again; Pitta especially will begin a fitness regime as he and I have been selected for the Rogate and District Riding Club Dressage team. Our first team competition is next month.
We have some more dates for clinics with Rogate & District Riding Club, to be held at Oakwood, near Chichester:
Sunday 6th February 10 & 11 am,
Sunday 6th March 10 & 11 am,
Saturday 26th March 10am onwards.
More dates are being added all the time. To book onto these or for more information please contact Lisa Parker 07852 159947 or look at www.rogaterc.co.uk.
December 2010
As a break from the usual news, this month I am making a plea to your hearts.
In September, my best friend found herself in the midst of a holiday romance; but not of the conventional type! She arranged to bring her new loves back to this country...
Husky & Sandy
Much to everyone's surprise, Sandy has produced a beautiful litter of five, healthy puppies. They are thriving with their lovely Mum, regular visits from their temporary owners here and constant attention from the staff in the quarantine kennels; who can resist cuddling a puppy?!
In approximately three weeks, these five gorgeous puppies will be ready to move into their new homes, will that be yours? Sandy and Husky are also looking for fantastic homes too.
There are many fund raising events underway to cover the costs of the quantine fees. Also there are veterinary fees for the regular checks on the puppies etc, so there is a charge of £200 per puppy. If you would like more information about any of these dogs, or indeed would like to offer your home as a lifelong, loving home (!), please contact Emma 07780 660581
Just remember, a dog is for life, but these ones could also be for Christmas...!
November 2010
There is a definite change in the general trend of lessons this year. More and more people are booking their training through clinics instead of predominantly private lessons. Whether this is due to financial constraints, or the fact that group lessons are just more sociable I'm not sure!
We had a group last week doing final practice for the Rogate and District Riding Club Dressage, held at Thorney Island on Sunday. The support and good will between everyone is great. No-one is considered badly just because they are struggling. For many it is their first ever outing in the sport. Sometimes finding the courage to just 'have a go' can be helped along by attending such clinics. Seeing that you are not the only one working at your level and that often your abilities in some areas will be far stronger than you realise in comparison to others.
Pitta and I got roped in at the last minute to join in the Novice test on Sunday. Having done very little other than enjoy our hacking lately, I was utterly stunned to finish with the highest score! Most of my riding recently has been ride and lead with Spot, a great way to keep them both fit. The dogs get to come out too so it has been the perfect answer to the ever present problem of lack of time at this time of year. Thank you Lisa and Becky for talking me into it!
Diary date for final clinic to be held at Oakwood this year: Friday 10th Dec, 12.30 and 1.30. If there is a demand for it, we could fit in some more dates over the Christmas period. New Year dates will be confirmed soon.
October 2010
Autumn has arrived, along with far too much rain and mud for my liking! Thank goodness for decent rugs...
Today I was very impessed by the riders who came along for the clinic at Oakwood and braved the conditions! Well done to all of you. Our first session today was jumping, we had a full course to school around. In our second group we introduced lateral work (shoulder in). These sessions are all about helping you to get the most out of your own horse. There is a general 'theme' but usually each person is given their own exercises to work on both within the lesson and also to continue at home.
We have set more dates: Saturday 16th October 1 and 2 pm, Sunday 24th Oct 10 and 11am, Wednesday 27th Oct 10 and 11 am, Sunday 7th November 10 and 11 am, Saturday 20th 1 and 2pm, Friday 26th Nov 12.30 and 1.30 pm. Please contact Lisa Parker 07852 159947 to book into the clinics. If you have any specific requirements please let us know. We can incorporate these ideas into the training programme.
September 2010
Having your own horse is great. This month I have been to a 4 day camp, done a One Day Event, been Show jumping and am about to do a Hunter Trial! All the things I help everyone else to do, but now I can join in too!
Pitta & I having lots and lots of fun!
The Camp was with the Chiddingfold, Leconfield and Cowdray Hunt, held at Fair Oak, Rogate. It was a great opportunity to get to know my new horse and have a try at all sorts of activities including Hunting.
It was very interesting to experience camp from 'the other side'. Feeling the bone aching tiredness of day 3, the elation of completing the Cross country and being part of the camaraderie within the group. I have made some great friends, some of whom I will be in a team with for the upcoming Hunter Trial. Huge thanks to Angela Church for organising the whole event and for providing the fantastic food!
August 2010
This month seems to have passed me by in a blur, four weeks of camps!
I have really enjoyed working for Cowdray Pony Club, meeting all their junior and 'mushroom' members and ponies. Huge thanks to both Rachel Wilson and Claire Voller for inviting me along and for running two such well organised and efficient camps. I hope all the children enjoyed themselves as much as I did!
Leah Bentley & Monty of Cowdray Pony Club, on their way to a fantastic 2nd place at the Cowdray minimus One Day Event.
Erin and Spot attended Goodwood Pony Club Main camp, held at beautiful Goodwood House. I was teaching at 'Jockey Camp' for most of the week so had sneaky peeks into what they were up to! I was a very proud Mummy on the final day, as I watched Erin ride her way to a fantastic second place in the Eventers challenge, that's my girl!
The final camp was West Sussex Riding Club, again held at the club field in Barnham. A super attendance, great atmosphere and fab food, what more can you ask?! Dates are already being planned for next year so get booked early to avoid disappointment.
July 2010
My big news is that we have a new member of the Simply Riding Team, 'Pittoresque' has joined our family and has already settled in a treat. He is already enjoying his new life with Spot, so far he has spent his time eating and exploring the Downs, not a bad life for a horse! I am looking forward to getting out and about and having fun on him myself as well as Erin too. My own horse at last! Erin may have to fight me for him...!
If you are looking to buy jump poles, I can highly recommend CGW Chesnut Supplies. Based in West Sussex, this local business can supply all manner of chestnut products, including 9 foot long, 4 inch diameter poles for £5 each. They are a sufficient weight and strength to withstand the vigours of use for both jumping and ground pole work. For more details phone 07767 400042.
June 2010
Summer has arrived with its horrible baggage of flies. We have been plagued at home with horseflies. If we took them out of the food chain, what would suffer?!
This month has seen another hugely successful Adult Camp for West Sussex Riding Club. The atmosphere was supportive, fun and everyone finished with huge smiles. The progress made over 3 days of concentrated work is amazing, far more than weekly lessons can achieve. Much of this is due to the confidence gained, for both horse and rider. Certainly all of those in my group attained far more than their expectations suggested at the start of the week... Well done ladies!
May 2010
Last weekend saw the spectacle of Badminton with all its usual thrills and spills. I was hoping to see Mary King finish victorious, she certainly deserves it!
Unfortunately we got stuck in horrendous traffic on the way in. At 9.30 we were 10 minutes away, FOUR HOURS later we finally pulled into the car park having missed the first two hours of competiton. Never mind, we had a great time once we got there...!
March/April 2010
Due to ongoing gremlins in my computer, I'm afraid the past two months news has had to be joined together!
How welcome these past few weeks of lovely weather have been. It is such a treat to bring Spot in and be able to see the colour of his socks, not all just plastered in mud!
From 'Yard sitting' for a week back in March to 'Pole work and beyond' Clinics for West Sussex Riding Club, I have been a busy little bee! It has been really great doing the clinics, working with such a wide variety of horses and riders is always interesting. 
Anne, Fran, Lisa, Donna & Colin (thanks to Stephanie for sending the photo!)
April has seen the debut for my son, Ethan into the world of Cross Country having completed the Hunter Trial at Fair Oak, Rogate, on Spot! I had to run it too, I have to say I'm amazed how high I can jump-purely to avoid tripping over as has happened in the past...! (Photo to follow soon). Erin also completed the course for the first time on her own. She and Spot cantered round confidently together, both finishing with huge grins! A fab start to the season as Jodie and Rhysa from our yard also managed their first clear too!
Don't forget Badminton is the first weekend of May and this year the Cross Country is on Sunday. We will be there, come rain or shine!
I think there are still a few places availble for the next Polework Clinic with West Sussex Riding Club to be held at 'Cotfield', Sara Smyth's yard near Chichester. The dates are Sunday 16th at 10 and 11 am. and Saturday 22nd at 10 til 12. Also Adult camp is 25th-27th May. For more details look at www.westsussexridingclub.co.uk or phone Lisa Parker 07852 159947. There really is something for everyone there, from first time owners to experienced competitors, in a friendly, welcoming environment. Come along and give it a try!
February 2010
This month has definitely been the month of rain! If it hasn't been actually raining then the ground has been too boggy to ride. Also due to ongoing back pain, my work has still been somewhat limited, but I have been able to be useful to quite a few of you at least!
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little story of how if you want something badly enough, you can achieve it.... Jo Beveridge has had many problems with her horse, Toby, culminating in not riding him at all between April and October last year. We have been working together these past few months to build up the trust in each other again, initially with lunging then when Jo was ready she rode Toby for the first time in months. Since then, they have steadily progressed to cantering in an open field and schooling freely forward. Yesterday, for the first time in 22 months, Toby was successfully hacked out-by Jo! 
The huge grin on Jo's face at the end of her lessons is all the thanks I ever need, WELL DONE JO!!!! Thank you for making my job so fulfilling...
January 2010
I am riding again!!!!! Whoop whoop!!!!!
It has been a long process, getting back to work and I know there is a long way to go yet. I am still having to be very careful (and sensible...!) but my goodness me it feels good to be riding again!
I have recently started a course of physiotherapy with Helen Wood, based at the Nuffield Health and Wellbeing Centre in Chichester. (07815 739691) Helen is also qualified as a Veterinary Physiotherapist and rides herself too so is in a perfect situation to understand the rigours and specialist requirements for someone in my position. It is great to be able to discuss what feedback I am getting from the horses I ride and to use that diagnostically to treat my own back. Helen is also going to come out and work with some of my clients horses, get us all back to peak performance!
This month saw the first outing this year of the Goodwood Pony Club mini team, 'Goodwood Gallopers'. On 3rd January the intrepid Showjumpers made their way to the South of England Showground in Ardingly to compete in the 2'6" Class. After some initial nerves, battling against the below feezing temperatures, the team came a magnificent 2nd out of 17 teams! Beaten by only half a second...!
All three of the team members rode sterling rounds exceeding their own expectations. Made the early start very worthwhile!
Erin Collins & Totally Spot On
Max Newton & My Mate Merlin
Bethany Sadler & Dynamic Domino
Huge thanks to Annelise Sadler for arranging the entries and managing the team and to Sam Garry for encouraging them to ride their best!
December 2009
Snow, snow and more snow! What a way to see in the Christmas season! We have been coating the soles of Spot's feet with Vaseline to prevent the snow from 'balling' but like most people have been unable to ride very much for ages. If it isn't snowy, it is frozen solid and very slippery! Still, the nights will soon start to draw and out and spring will be upon us!
If anyone is struggling for gift ideas, you can purchase 'Simply Riding Gift Vouchers' for lessons. Each voucher is a bespoke gift tailored to your specific requirements, so give me a call and tell me what you need!
My back is getting much better, I am able to teach again now and hope that very soon I will be back to riding too, I am missing it very much! Reminds me of when I was little and I'd go and see the horses in the fields near home, just to be 'near horses'! I guess you either feel like that or you don't...!
I hope you are all coping ok with this freezing weather and that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
I look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year!
November 2009
This month got off to a good start, I was invited to meet Amy Stovold and the magnificent Macbrian at their yard near Hickstead. It was great to have the opportunity to see Macbrian being worked and to meet all the other horses on the yard. Thank you to Julia and Amy for the sneaky peek into your world!
It all went wrong after that. I was involved in a car accident, no serious injuries luckily but enough to keep me off work for a while. My sincere apololgies to all of you whose lessons have been cancelled and to those owners whose horses I have been unable to ride. I am doing my best to get better as quickly as possible but it would appear to be a slow process.
Dr Daniel Heritage of Chichester Chiropractors www.chichesterchiropractors.co.uk has been doing a sterling job of straightening me out and symathetically tolerating all of my complaints (and sniffs!) Thanks Daniel!
With the sodden state of the ground everywhere at the moment, remember to keep a close eye on the health of your horses' legs and feet. It is important to give them the opportunity to dry out for a few hours at least each week.
If your horse is stabled, it is far better to allow the legs to dry overnight then be brushed clean in the morning rather than hosing them. The constant wetness can soften the skin and lead to cracking which then leaves the area susceptible to bacterial infection.
Lotions containing Lanolin (such as Udder cream) improve the waterproofing of the skin without clogging up the hair as thicker creams can do. Unfortunately that can make the situation worse by locking the moisture next to skin. Likewise 'Turn out boots' can help to keep the area clean but must not be left on for too long in any any one session of wear.
The actual hoof wall can also become softened by being exposed to too much wetness. This can be especially problematic to unshod horses and ponies. If you have any concerns about your horses' feet, speak to your farrier.
October 2009
A very warm welcome to all the new members of the 'Simply Riding' team this past few months. Having got off to a slow start this year, I am amazed by just how busy things are at the moment. It is great for me to be teaching so many new people, keeps things very fresh and interesting.
This month is proving to be the month of thrills and spills. I have been working with a beautiful horse called Armani a great deal lately. He is owned by Julia Jacobs (co-owner of 'Macbrian' ridden by Amy Stovold), www.teamstovolddressage.com We have great fun working in the school and out on hacks but yesterday was rather more 'fun' than I planned when out of the blue, a tree suddenly fell down! Fortunately for me Armani was a very good lad and listened to me after his initial blind panic moment and we halted eventually with me still on board...! 
Goes to show that you must always expect the unexpected! I know of others who have been in all kinds of scrapes this week, maybe it is the weather?! Certainly helps to illustrate the importance of always telling someone where you are going for your ride and having Identification with you. An I.C.E (In Case of Emergency) number on your phone labelled for both you and your horse is also a very good idea. Some people have discs, like dog tags, attached to their D rings on the saddle with emergency contact details. Simple actions which can take a great deal of stress out of an emergency situation...
September 2009
Last month saw the second 'Adult Camp' for West Sussex Riding Club. Again the 3 days proved to be great fun, culminating in a Combined Training Competition. For some this was their first experience of competing, for all it was a worthwhile, positive experience. My huge thanks to everyone in my group, I had a great week! Also to Lisa and Jenny for organising everything, and for the fabulous food! If anyone is interested for next years' camps, keep an eye on the West Sussex Riding Club website and book early!
We are happily settled into our new house now, most things can be located at last and we are almost ready for the new arrivals-chickens! Any hints and tips welcomed!
I recently 'jump judged' at Fair Oak combined training, one thing which amazed me is how unfit many of the horses and riders were. How can you both perform well if your muscles are screaming for more oxygen? It is vitally important if you want to compete, to ensure both you and your horse have prepared correctly. Not only for success but also to stay safe and avoid injuries. Also, why do so many riders (children especially) 'Growl' at their ponies coming into a fence? If I could I would eliminate them for that alone! Use your legs to go forward, voice to reward!
Don't forget to check out this month's issue of Horse and Rider, look at the article about Laminitis....!
Finally, a big Thank you to all who were in my group at Goodwood Pony Club Camp, I spent my vouchers today at Oldwick Saddlery. I treated myself to a lovely Joules jumper-which I promise I shall not wear for work!!!
August 2009
Summer holidays means Pony Club Camp. This year has been the 20th Anniversary for Goodwood Pony Club, their annual Camp has been a huge success. The week is a massive undertaking, for the children, Instructors and parents. The pressure to be on time, sparkling clean and in good humour takes its toll!
Although I am exhausted, I love teaching at camp. The children in my group have been an absolute delight to work with. Always supporting and encouraging each other, helping their confidence to blossom and their skills to to improve. Many aspects of horsemanship are covered during the week including pony care and achievement badges. Helping them all to be safe, competant pony owners.
I want to thank everyone involved, especially the fabulous members of my group! (Both mounted and support crew!)
This week I am moving house, my Internet access wont be reconnected for a while. If anyone wants to contact me, please phone rather than email for the next few weeks!
July 2009
Summer is upon us! This past few months has been frantically busy, both with lessons and lots of riding for me too which is great. Many new people have joined the 'Simply Riding' clientele this year, welcome to the gang! I have been involved with writing an article for Horse & Rider magazine-due in the September issue to coincide with the release this month of 'LaminTec 5-HT', the new supplement from Pegasus Diagnostics.
This month has also seen Caroline trying cross country for the first time ever! Goes to show the difference it makes when you have the right horse....
Caroline & Sheena
At this time of year, most of our horses tend to live out all the time. However, when this changes due to work loads and time constraints, weather etc, this can add high levels of stress to the horse. This can lead to Gastric (stomach) ulcers. Horses are designed to eat 'little and often' throughout the day. When fixed feeding times are imposed they are more likely to develop ulcers, just as stressed humans do. Merial Animal Health have developed a risk assessment website to determine whether your horse is at risk. Their aim is to develop a database about the incidence of Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS) in the UK. If you are concerned about your horse, contact your vet who will advise whether video endoscopy is indicated to diagnose the condition. If present, it can usually be rectified very easily with simple changes in diet and management. www.equinegastriculcers.co.uk
June 2009
Last month saw the first 'Adult Camp' for West Sussex Riding Club. It was held at their Club field in Barnham. Three groups spent three days training in flatwork and showjumping, culminating in a Combined Training competition on the final day. Fabulous lunches were provided each day, this gave everyone the opportunity to meet new friends and discuss all matters both horsey and not!
Many came along with their own personal issues and goals. Jane had given up trying to jump with Jasmine as it always ended in frustration. Jasmine simply planting her feet and saying, 'No way'!
We managed to turn that around!
For others the camp was spent learning new skills, experiencing long forgotten fun and rebuilding confidence again.
Greet & Amber Sally & Roger
The opportunity for such intensive work over a few days always progresses the work far more than weekly lessons. As confidence grows it is easier to introduce more technical aspects into the schooling. We had everything from transitions to travers!
Jane Reed & Jasmine, winners of both the individual Dressage and overall winner of the Combined Training.
An enormous haul of ribbons!
Huge thanks to everyone involved in the camp, organisers, riders and fellow trainers. Due to the huge success another camp has already been planned for 24th, 25th and 26th August. For more details look at www.westsussexridingclub.co.uk, or contact Lisa Parker 07852 159947
May 2009
On Tuesday 26th May, The White Horse Pub in Westbourne is hosting an evening of talks, starting at 7.30. First is a very relevant talk for us all about Wormers and the increasing problems of resistance to certain drugs. Advising us all how to protect our horses effectively and keep them free from life threatening worm burdens. There will also be an Equine Herbalist present for the evening for advice on all matters herbal! Westbourne Animal Feeds have generously promised a 10% off all worming products purchased from them, with the voucher they will hand out on the evening.
April 2009
Happy 2nd Birthday!
The website is now 2 years old! I hope you all find this a useful way of staying in touch with 'Simply Riding' activities...
This month has brought in lots of work. Goodwood Pony Club held an 'Easter Camp' at Thorney Island. It was a great opportunity for me to really work on the technical aspects of riding with my group. I know given the opportunity they all happily throw themselves around a course of jumps, so I really worked hard on their balance and position~to keep them as safe and effective as possible, especially for cross country. Bones can get broken far too easily if the level of work is in advance of the level of skill. We also had a session of 'Dressage to Music' which was great fun. Not least having to explain to everyone else what all the noise was about!
Goodwood Pony Club Easter Camp 2009
I have been involved with a number of new partnerships recently. It is great to be working in new areas and to see the confidence growing as the riders (and horses) understand their work more. I hope to see great things from you all!
Yet again, I have been reminded of how so much of what we achieve with our horses is down to confidence. I have been working with two different people, each with a new horse. For each of them it is lack of confidence which is the main issue. Horses are generally happy to accept us as their herd leader, it is up to us to deserve that status and quietly but firmly insist on the behaviour that we want. It is not unreasonable to expect your horse to stand still whilst you mount, not to then kick his heels in the air (for joy or otherwise!) Decide on the behaviour you want, do not accept anything less, but be quick to praise when your horse does well. You must really believe in yourself to convince the horse to trust you, not always easy to achieve but with help and time your aims and goals can be realised.
As the long, dry days of summer approach I hope you are all enjoying your horses. Whether you are planning to compete or want a nice, safe hack, now is the time to sort out any issues so you can enjoy your riding to the full. Your reward for all the long hours spent in the cold, rain, snow and mud!
March 2009
Welcome to Spring! The mud is finally drying up, the evenings are getting lighter and Spot is moulting for Britain! Ahhhh!
This month has seen all manner of exciting activities for us. Hamish has moved to a happy new home and in his place is 'Sheena'. Although all horses require time to settle into a new home, this lovely little pony has got her four feet well and truly under the table! 
Caroline & Sheena getting some serious schooling done!
Also this month has seen the debut for the 'Goodwood Gallopers', (as seen in the Chichester Observer). A superb first time effort saw the Mini-mini team achieve 3rd out of 10 at the Eridge Hunt Pony Club, inter-branch showjumping. All four team members rode really well showing great improvement within the two rounds and the jump off. A fabulous start to their season.
Bethany Sadler, Kitty Elwes, Erin Collins & Max Newton
Lots to smile about!
I am planning to run some 1 and 2 day training clinics at 'The Old Dairy Farm', Long Copse Lane, Westbourne (Debbie Williams' yard). Dates yet to be confirmed. If anyone has any particular requests for the content/date then let me know as soon as possible. We are also planning to run the BHS Horse Ownership Certificates Course there. More details to follow...
January/February 2009
Due to enormous gremlins at website HQ, I have had to endure a whole load of techno jiggery pokery. I am afraid last months news has had to become this months news too! Unfortunately all the previous news has been lost to the ether but I shall endeavour to ensure all the photos are available soon in the gallery...
Our big news is that Spot has moved home! He is happily settled with his new friends. It has been very interesting observing the herd dynamics. The psychology of horses has always fascinated me, it is an area which many riders are often not given the opportunity to learn about. 
Another horse on the move soon is Hamish. Caroline has (very reluctantly) accepted that at 15.2hh, Hamish really has outgrown her...
Hamish
That is the trouble with buying a 3 year old, you can never quite be sure what you will end up with! If anyone knows of a suitable home for this super horse, Caroline can be contacted via me (see the contact page).
December 2008
I hope you all have been enjoying these frosty mornings as much as I have, I love how clean everything feels whilst it is all frozen! Last weekend saw the Goodwood Pony Club Christmas Show at Crofton Manor Equestrian Centre. The courses were all built 'Up to height', so it was a challenging task for all the plucky youngsters who took up the gauntlet! They braved the freezing conditions for a lively and fun morning of Showjumping. I really enjoyed seeing so many riders that have been in my groups over the year, confidently negotiating their way around the testing courses.
Special notice goes to Bethany Sadler and Woody for their highest place so far! 2nd in their first outing for Goodwood! Very well done!
Bethany & Woody proudly showing their rosette!
My huge thanks go to everyone whom I've had the privilege of working with this year. It has been a year of thrills and spills, ups and downs, but an overiding sense of achievement. So many of you have really put yourselves out there this year and 'had a go' at whatever you've wanted to try. From those of you with your young horses just being backed and schooled on, to older horses going Cross Country for the first time, Children and Adults alike and so many new faces this year too, I am proud of you all...
Thank you for your continuing trust and commitment. You're all fab!
I wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I'm looking forward to our adventures in 2009!
November 2008
Last month saw the sad loss of one of the biggest influences in my 'horse-related life'. When I was growing up, I had the honour of spending most of my waking hours with my best friend, Sue Haritou, and her legendary pony, Pippin. They are probably responsible for my training techniques of calmness and kindness. In all the years that I 'groomed' for Sue, both at competitons and at home, I never once saw her lose her temper with Pippin.
With advancing age, Pippin developed Cushings and Laminitis. Having exhausted all conventional treatments, Sue developed a theory that involved returning the endocrine system to that of a young horse, to manage the age related changes. With the full support of her Vet, they began treatment. To allow full analysis of the frequent essential blood tests, Sue set up her own laboratory and has managed to turn this initial idea into a thriving business.
With full support of the Laminitis Trust and many leading advisors in this field, Pippin has lead the way in a groundbreaking new treatment for these debilitating, life threatening conditions. To the amazement of the local vets and experts, Pippin's condition improved beyond all expectations, allowing him to live a happy life for six more years.
My eternal thanks go to Sue and Pippin. For inspiring me to do things the best way I can. Pippin will never be forgotten... For more information about this innovative treatment and understanding, visit www.pegasusdiagnostics.com