Derry VM

04/09/2026

🐴 Advanced Teacher Training with Ride With Your Mind 🐴

I’m only just starting to decompress after three amazing days immersed in all things rider biomechanics.

The learning, collaboration and friendships make this training one of the absolute highlights of my year.

We’ve been digging even deeper into the fascinating puzzle of the horse-human interaction, whilst continuing to revisit and refine the world-class basics that underpin everything we do.

But for me, this isn’t just about developing my own knowledge.

Every time I invest in my development as a coach, it gives me more tools, greater understanding and a deeper ability to help the riders I work with.

Great coaching isn’t simply about telling someone what to do. It’s about understanding how they learn, how their body moves, what might be getting in their way and how we can create meaningful, lasting change.

The more deeply we understand the relationship between rider and horse, the better we can help unlock the potential of both.

A huge thank you to Mary Wanless and Ali Wakelin , as always, for leading such an insightful and thought-provoking few days.

Now comes the exciting part—reflecting, refining and bringing the learning back into my coaching.

Because better coaching creates better outcomes for both horse and rider.
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03/09/2026

As a coach I will met you (and your horse) where you are at.
Working with you to incrementally grow and develop.
🐴Hacking - I’ll be there
🧘Ground work - let’s fix this before your ride and make things clear for your horse
🐴1st ride - you’ve got this
🏵️Competing - cheering you along preparing you for the competition arena
😌Nervous - we will build confidence and focus on mindset
🤕Rehabbing - let’s work on this together
📚Lacking tools & skills - let’s grow some more

My approach draws on advanced coach education and a deeper understanding of how humans and horses learn, alongside knowledge of:

* Equine biomechanics
* Equine bodywork
* Rider biomechanics
* Mindset coaching
* NLP

Because great progress isn’t created solely in the saddle.

The non-ridden work matters just as much as the ridden work. Understanding how you think, learn, move and communicate can be just as important as the exercises you practise on your horse.

By looking at the bigger picture, we can develop the skills, understanding and confidence needed to create lasting progress—for both horse and rider
🐴🐎☺️❤️👌

17/08/2026

For anyone who hasn’t seen the test 🥰🥰🥰🥰

13/08/2026

If anyone needs assistance (equine or human please reach out).

We are very close but seeming far enough to be safe (thankfully)

Thoughts are with all affected

keep safe all x

09/08/2026

I have been talking with lots of riders about breathing, and core activation.

There is so much great stuff out there online.
But there is one video I so often recommend to riders. This one is from Ride With Your Mind (Mary Wanless) explaining it so clearly.

Getting the words ‘straight from the horses’ mouth as it were.. The originator of this work, Mary, her self.

Grab a balloon, sit down, take a watch and give it a go … Let me know how you get on below 👇

https://youtu.be/VDbm8LxfzaI?is=uR6lsNN2ZDi-xorX

In this Dressage Training TV video Mary Wanless BHSI explains how t...

22/07/2026

⭐️Tentatively searching⭐️

On behalf of a client- (who I would absolutely trust with my own horse 100%) sadly has out grown current horse.

Full loan or lease required to build a bond with and progress onwards. 15hh upwards (nothing enormous) mare of gelding. To carry onwards with their budding eventing journey.

A bit about the team:
🐴capable, lightweight, teen who is currently competeing comfortably at 80cm SJ, XC and novice dressage. (with comfortable scope to move up to 90’s+ ) having received qualifications at 80 with ease
🐴 knowledgeable parent, who’s very experienced
🐴 to be kept at livery yard (DIY) with fantastic facilities (herd or individual turnout, on site hacking, lovely arena) 📍Kinver/ Westmidlands area
🐴 regular instruction with myself, plus a range of discipline specific coach’s
🐴 they truly do care about the horse 1st (hence the loan as the collection of outgrown purchased horses are still with them)
🐴 disclosed (minor) quirks (nothing dangerous) and managed medical conditions may be considered for the right horse
🐴 top farrier(shod or bare foot) , excellent physio

I can’t recommend this family enough. Their horses really do want for nothing !

If you know of anyone that may be suitable please do let me know and I’ll happily put you in touch… Looking for end of season to spend the autumn / winter getting to know each other ahead of 27 season.

Thanks all🙏