Jane -Marie Franklyn & Pericles

"Lessons with Nicola are great fun and extremely rewarding. In the twenty years I've been riding, I have never met a more intuitive instructor. She has the ability to understand what is going on in the mind of the rider and is then immediately able to offer advice to improve technique. Nicola always takes the time to explain the reasons why some things work and others don't".

"She has built my confidence and has given me a sense of achievement".

"Nicola combines a range of skills which not only improves the rider but the horse too".                                       

May 2006

Roland Hardman & Rio (Never forgetting Mason...)

"I have known Nic for approximately seven years and she has been unfortunate enough(!) to instruct me in the art of horsemanship, riding and the care of horses, for the past three years, until November 2004, when my wife and I moved from the area. ( I still badger her for advice via email even though I am 200 miles away!)

Throughout this time Nic has taken me from the level of very much a complete beginner to a level at which I now take part in Affiliated Show jumping.

Initially I found my lessons with Nic to be a little unusual, in that she actually asked me, the pupil, questions. This was much removed from the “ do it because I say so” style I had been used to. As I say, it was a little unsettling when the instructor was asking my opinion on how the horse felt etc, however I quickly found that this style of instruction was very beneficial and I learnt and understood a great deal in a relatively short space of time. All of my lessons with her were always great fun, for horse and rider and usually ended with a grin for all involved!

At all times I have found Nic to be courteous and extremely fair. She never shouts or loses her temper and is always willing to talk through any issue, no matter how small.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Nic as an Instructor to anyone wishing to learn to ride or be involved with horses in any capacity"

October 2007

Lorraine Shaw & Apollo

"I met Nicola six months ago at pony club. I liked her straight away as she seemed so nice but what appealed to me most about her was her kind way in dealing with horses.

 When I recently bought an 8 year old ex racehorse I decided to give Nicola a ring about having some lessons. I explained my situation, having bought a totally unschooled horse, I felt I wanted to start totally from scratch with him. Nicola was keen to learn about the pair of us and our individual history and the goals that I wanted to achieve with my new horse.

  I had previously had instructors with other horses, from whom I'd learnt different methods, but Nicola was different to them. She was very interested in what I wanted out of the relationship with my horse and catered to suit both of our needs rather than teaching a quick fix method. She even walked us out together on a hack as he was so nervy by himself, it boosted both our confidence.

 If you are looking for somebody who will give you the confidence to get the best out of your horse, then you are looking in the right place. Not only is Nicola quite clearly very skilled in her horsemanship but she also has a natural talent with people. She cares as much for the rider as she does the horse and explains everything in such a way that it all makes sense.

 I have so far only had 7 lessons with Nicola and already my horse is working on a nice outline, using no training aids. Having now found Nicola I no longer need to listen out for a good instructor as I feel I have everything I need in her. "

December 2006

Caroline Hardman & Brian

" I met Nic at a very difficult time in my life. I had recently sold my 12-year-old mare Solly on to a new owner as I had lost all of my confidence in riding and felt a complete failure, both to myself and to Solly. She went to a lovely experienced home up north. I had got myself into an impossible situation and that was the only resolve. Having only just got into the horsy world at the age of 40 I was misdirected into buying a totally unsuitable horse for a beginner. No disrespect to Solly, but she knew my level of knowledge and confidence and played on that totally. Unfortunately for me at that time I did not know Nic.

Having told everyone that I would never ride again, I was then persuaded by my husband and Nic also to go to an equestrian centre in Southampton, where my husband had recently bought his horse, and have refresher lessons at the school there. This I finally did and eventually began to enjoy the feel of horses again. The horse I rode every week gave me such a good ride and was very sweet that after a couple of months I felt that I ‘wanted’ to look for another horse.

The first time I saw my Brian, he was in a field with a rug too small, covered in mud and poo and looking very messy. He turned his head when I called him and looked at me with the most beautiful dark eyes I had ever seen. I decided to give him a try.

Nic then came in on my re-education and retraining. We both rode him and he was a little green. Nic promised me that she would be with me all the way and that he seemed perfect.

Thus I bought him and took him home. Then began the lessons. What can I say? I started out a quivering wreck, feeling sick with worry before the first lesson. No need!!! Nic is able to make those negatives just go away. The enjoyment is for the rider and the horse. Her stance, her manner, her speech etc etc is so positive and encouraging. If something does not seem to be working, try something else and do the other next time. There was always lots of laughter and good conversation.

Nic and Brian got on so well, that when he was bathed and cleaned, she rode him in some local dressage competitions at Prelim level, with success – two third places in four competitions. They both looked fantastic.

I miss this wonderful lady so much (so does Brian), since I now live in Cornwall, and feel privileged to have her as a friend for life. "

August 2005

Erin Collins & Spot

" Mummy has helped me learn to ride and even start riding on our own Pony, Spot. (Well done Mum!) Hopefully I will be able to do Dressage this year and well done again Mum!"

August 2007

February 2008

Lisa Snow & Charlie