Val Main: A Straightforward Approach to Classical Riding

Val Main: A Straightforward Approach to Classical Riding I’m a freelance Instructor who specialises in Modern Classical Riding and instruction for riders o The most difficult being a hairy and wilful Shetland!

I’m a freelance Instructor who specialises in modern classical riding techniques and the author of the book "Riding with Finesse". The focus of the finessed riding and training system I use is best summed up by the phrase "LESS IS MORE". Modern Classical Riding Techniques can be used by everyone who want to become a more effective and more graceful rider, To quote Nuno Olivera “The secret in ridin

g is to do only a few things but to do them right.”
I learned to ride in the 60s and 70s at Fulmer School of Equitation owned by Robert Hall a world recognised trainer, who trained at The Spanish Riding School under the legendary Colonel Alois Podhajsky. I have over 55 years riding experience and over 30 years experience as a Showing Judge (Ridden and In-hand). In addition to my many years of practical experience of training horses, I hold an MSc in Equine Science (Edinburgh University Vet School). Based near Stow in the Scottish Borders, I work with all levels of rider who compete in Dressage, Jumping, ODEs or in Showing Classes and riders who do not wish to compete but do wish to refine their skills. I have had the opportunity to ride and train many different breeds and types of horses and ponies over the past 55 years. I’m by nature a positive person and find positive and constructive comments get better result. Hopefully the days of Instructors shouting and berating clients are long gone. I bring something different to the table other than my decades of practical experience as I have a scientific background. I am fully insured, have PVG Scheme membership and have passed my BHS 2 Day First Aid Course.

Pre-Easter offer... Ends Easter Sunday... £10 off and free UK tracked postage. Pm me to purchase or purchase via valmain...
18/03/2026

Pre-Easter offer... Ends Easter Sunday... £10 off and free UK tracked postage. Pm me to purchase or purchase via valmain.co.uk.

Just wondering what your horse goals are for this year?Mine are, firstly, to keep my old homebred stallion comfortable a...
18/01/2026

Just wondering what your horse goals are for this year?
Mine are, firstly, to keep my old homebred stallion comfortable and hopefully get him to his 28th birthday in May.
And , secondly, to get on with riding our 2 Pres who will turn 6 in June and August respectively.

30/12/2025

After decades of working with horses my 2 PREs have been a different challenge. Un-handled colts until roughly 21 !and 19 months respectively. The most important instruction I have taught them is WAIT and the 2nd most important is STAND. These useful instructions have given the boys time to think and not do something silly.

28/12/2025

I'm feeling really inspired going forward into 2026. I can't wait to share my passion for training horses with you all.

23/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all of you and thank you for all the fun we had this year

19/09/2025

QUESTION... Why do some people only turn to Classical Training Methods once their current method stops working??

10/07/2025

Hard to believe but temperatures here in Scotland are set to be 28C in the afternoon this coming weekend. Please consider the temperatures that sand arenas might reach. I have cancelled my teaching for this weekend as it is too hot to work horses and for pale skinned Instructors...

26/04/2025
LIMITED OFFER FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS... DISCOUNTED UNTIL 30th JUNE 2025. I'm offering a £10 discount to International ...
14/04/2025

LIMITED OFFER FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS... DISCOUNTED UNTIL 30th JUNE 2025. I'm offering a £10 discount to International purchasers of my book "Riding with Finesse." Please contact me for postage costs.

Address

Watherston Farmhouse
Stow
TD12ST

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm
Friday 9am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 8pm

Telephone

+447706057795

Website

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