Holmewood Stables
Training

We offer training for all levels of rider/horse -pony.

A little about Training and Riding.

We teach the academic position and application of the aids.  The rider is then equipped to train a variety of horse which are different in character and conformation, with good results. 

Learning the academic technique requires from the aspiring trainer, enthusiasm, dedication, boldness, courage, energy and most important, a genuine love for the horse. 

Nowadays, more than ever, the trend is for instant results.  It is not rare to hear comments of "It takes too long"  "I don't have the time"  "It is too hard"  "My horse will do it my way, or else..."  

If the rider has never learnt to sit correctly and ask correctly, if the rider cannot employ the right action at the right moment, how can the horse be expected to give of his best? 

How long will the poor horses be forced to bear a heavy and unyielding contact with the riders hand?  Is it right to pull a horse into visible roundness by see-sawing on reins which are already too short?  Is it right to force the poor horse into an outline, so ignorant onlookers will think he is round?  Categorically no.   How can the horse respond to a rider with freedom and lightness, when the rider sits in a stiff rheumatic position?  Stiff rheumatic riders make stiff rheumatic horses.  Ridden thus, the horses' natural beauty is erased, and his friendly willing temperament stifled. 

So, it is to the riders' advantage to learn to ride in an academic position, using academic aids.  The result is superior, the horse more beautiful. 

So this is how we ride, train and teach.  Allowing the horse to develop physically and mentally.  His personality is not lost.   A gradual process, without force.  Waiting till he is ready, before proceeding.  There is no confusion, and no fights with the horse.  The rider learns to wait,  --  till the correct result drops into your lap  - like ripe fruit!

A little about the Rider.

The academic position is one of stillness and decontration.  Of riding by balance and not gripping with the legs.  Having a balance which is completely independent of the horses' movement, at walk trot and canter. Of invisible aids.  Of elegance. A  position which compliments the beauty of the horse, and does not draw attention away from the horse, to the rider.  Of doing less and not blocking, so the horse can advance freely forward.

This then, is how we ride train and teach, throughout the horses life.  From the new born foal to the starting process at three and a half to four years old, to the fully trained High School horse.

Click Here to View a Video Clip (1.9 M)

Thirtysix one time flying change on the half 20m circle and short diagonal. Horse: Isola Pritzen.Friesian/Thb. By Lyckle B, out of Princess Wanda. 1980-2004.

Rider /owner Jane Cotswold.

The flying change is a canter depart from canter. One time flying changes can be performed on the straight line, the circle or the serpentine. The horse remains straight before during and after the change. The horse should appear a little 'uphill', and not put weight in the rein. The changes can be made with the leg, or with some sensitive horses, the seat. The hands are quiet, and allow the new inside leg to come forward. The legs stay quiet without the backward and forward swing of the lower leg so often seen. The aids should be invisible. The horse is happy. His tail carriage quiet, without irritation.