Centered Riding and Classical Training

Last week's lesson was a classic example of how your way works! Missie was such a pain I was ready to give up when after ten minutes she would not settle. The very fact that you showed me how to ride her through her tantrum and convert the energy into a positive source so that she went far better than my expectations is a tribute to your techniques. Thank you." Sue North Wales

When I have had riding lessons before, I've never been able to tell the teacher,' sorry I don't understand what you mean' because I felt stupid. So I paid for lessons that I didn't understand in the hope that one day the penny would drop. But I felt that nothing was too much trouble for you, I also felt your enthusiasm and commitment to your work. The compassion that you show your pupils, together with the ability to actually enable them to understand what you are talking about is a true gift. Teachers have been all too ready to tell me that I ride crooked, I am spoiling my horse etc I came away from your clinic feeling that there is hope for me! I was not afraid to tell you that I didn't understand, and when you told me I had a nice position, I just wanted to jump off Dusty and give you a hug, those few words of encouragement meant more to me than anything. I really don't know how to thank you, good teachers are so hard to find. Briony Mr Dusty's mum

A big, big thank you for the weekend - it was absolutely fantastic and I have to say that I left on Sunday evening feeling a very different rider from when I arrived on Saturday morning. I don't need to tell you how wonderful and effortless it all felt when I was starting to get it right (because you've seen it all before) but thank you, thank you! The big thing now, of course, is can I maintain and build on this? I can't wait to get back in the saddle at the weekend and I'm almost hoping we'll be hacking out rather than having a lesson because that might give me a bit more freedom to 'play' around with the new position without having to focus on doing anything else. Thanks too for your hospitality over the weekend... please pass on my thanks to all the other girls for their encouragement and making me feel so welcome... what a lovely group of friends you have! I'll definitely be back for more lessons in the future. Melanie North Yorks

"I am writing to say a huge heartfelt and admiring 'thank you' to you. I was surfing the internet last week looking for some advice and tactics for training my ex-racehorse. I came across one of your (quite old I think now) responses on your website to somebody called Kate. I didn't think much of it at the time and continued surfing and picking up bits and bobs from here and there. Since then though, every time I have taken him out, I keep remembering phrases from your response. And they really apply and really help. Things like "patience of a saint" and "a gentle stroke on the neck every time he stretches out and walks will be sufficient to let him know that this is the behaviour you want from him when hacking". You are, in my opinion, brilliant. And Thank You A lot for it. Jenny. (and Texas, who is grateful too - especially for the "patience of a saint" part, ha ha). Jenny Newly patient rider!

I was over horsed and Lisa saved me! My break through was that day when Lisa had me thinking of the wind and the birds singing. Then the post man arrived. Rupert would normally spook massively, but Lisa got me to breath into my seat (sounds mad, but works!) and the horse never even twitched. I remember 2 years ago I could not even get on a horse without shaking. The other day I did half pass in canter! Elaine Eliot Born again rider

When I'm confidently hacking out on my own horse or cantering through an open field, it's hard to believe the difference from the tense and terrified person who started the Centered Riding journey 3 years ago! I was pointed to Lisa Pritchard's website having had a total loss of confidence with my riding. My position could best be described as 'foetal'! Although I was aware of Centered Riding, I had booked a lesson more for the fact that Lisa specialised in helping nervous riders. By the end of the first lesson I was hooked; the body work got me to the point where I actually felt secure in the saddle and I was happily trotting round the arena with a huge grin on my face! Lessons are always a dialogue with clients actively encouraged to question anything they don't understand. I always end a lesson feeling good about the progress I've made and with specific things to work on for next time. Debbie Robinson Satisfied CR client

Centered Riding has helped me immensely with my riding and confidence. I learnt more in my first session than I have learnt in years at Riding Schools. Lesson are truely tailored to your individual needs, it is not "one approach fits all". I have found that Centered Riding caters for the complete package (you and your horse) in a relaxed atmosphere. Advice from my instructor has also proved invaluable - resulting in a significant improvement in my Pony's attitude! Alex Sarginson CR client