Leadchanges Horsemanship
Kenninghall, Breckland, Norfolk
(83)
Kenninghall, Breckland, Norfolk
(83)
I work with people and their own horses to form a better relationship with their them using equine learning theory. Embracing both horsemanship and classical techniques gained from many years of experience and my own journey through he highs and lows of owning horses and my own horsemanship centre.
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83 customer reviews
Bethan Hensser
We cannot recommend Tamasine highly enough. We were really struggling to understand and manage our Spanish Rescue Podenco and at the point of sadly considering rehoming. Her approach and honest support has enabled us not only to safely keep our dog but to truly enjoy him and watch him flourish. Tamasine breaks her process down into manageable steps that make absolute sense and allow time for dog and family to really embed the learning. Most importantly for us, the process has built confidence, helped our dog trust in us and start to relax. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Nik Smith
We inherited Billy after a family bereavement and at ten years old he could be reactive to other dogs and nervous with certain situations. From the very start of working with Tamasine not only were the improvements obvious we could see Billy loved learning the foundations and following the training was easy. Every video call was followed by thorough notes to help in-between sessions and feedback on the videos we sent was really helpful. The in person sessions with Tamasine really helped with understanding and just showed how much Billy had improved....he is a different dog and the guidance and help received from Tamasine cannot be understated. I would highly recommend Tamasine and it shows that a dog even of Billy's age can change mainly by allowing him to think for himself while looking to us for support. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Diana Townsend
What impressed me from the moment I made my initial inquiry with Tamasine was the support she gave me. I had so many questions and worries about my dog Bella which Tamasine was so happy to answer. Her communication and detail in her replies confirmed from the very beginning that I had found the right person. Her knowledge, passion and kindness filled me with so much confidence (I've never felt like that with any one else who I've asked for help). Since Bella was rescued as a puppy from Turkey, I also needed someone who has an understanding of street dogs. I learnt so much from Tamasine about street dogs and their different needs, therefore understanding why Bella was struggling. This really helped me to build a better relationship with Bella and to help her cope with her stress and anxiety. I also highly recommend Tamasine's online sessions. I know if Tamasine had come to my home at the beginning , Bella would have been very stressed, anxious and unable to learn anything. The online sessions enabled me to work with Bella for the full time knowing she was calm, relaxed and engaged. The sessions are very well structured and delivered with notes and further videos sent to you after. You have to put in the effort but I really enjoyed having focussed exercises to complete with Bella. When Tamasine did come to my home, Bella welcomed her in. Doing all the foundation work online really paid off. Thanks to Tamasine, Bella is now a happy, calm and confident dog. The techniques that I have learnt means that Bella is much happier on her walks. If I find myself needing to support Bella on a walk, Tamasine has gifted me a brilliant tool kit of techniques and approaches to use. I love our walks now. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Michael Johnson
What people don't see: Tamasine cares about the dogs she helps. She spends a lot of time studying and researching to ensure that she has the best answers for dog behavioural issues. She has helped multiple people and has many 5 star reviews across Bark, Google, and here, on Facebook. She is never rude to her clients and takes every issue seriously. She has over the years tuned and improved her technique to give owners the best chance they have of resolving the issues they have with their dogs. The level of advice and resources she makes available to her clients is off the scale. Read her reviews from people who have employed her to help them. It's clear how much she helps. I am her husband, so you might think I'm biased. But I see what others don't. The work that she puts in, the care she gives. Not biased, but very impressed. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Tony Arthur
We came to Tamasine for help with our Romanian rescue dog. Ziggy is a playful dog who is nervous around strangers and noise sensitive. When we adopted her she was sometimes too scared to leave the house. Ziggy has made great progress since working with Tamasine. What you get with Tamasine is not an attempt to tinker around with the behaviour issue. It’s about building a base (a bond and greater understanding of your dog) from which you can work on the issue but also apply these principles to so much more. The online sessions plus 2 follow-up face-to-face session model works really well and any queries we had between sessions were answered quickly and extensively. Ziggy has gained hugely in confidence and I think that’s largely because Tamasine has given us confidence. We would recommend Tamasine without hesitation. Thank you! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Georgia
Reviewed on Google Maps
Marie Diesel-Dyer
Not just a trainer, but a behaviourist as well...understands what she is asking your dog to do, and why, and what will motivate your dog to want to do it.
Reviewed on Facebook
Dawn Seago
A brilliant lady , so calm and really knows how to get the dog and owner working together. I reccomend her everytime
Reviewed on Facebook
Christina Sundalskliev
I cannot thank Tamasine enough for her help with my rescue Basil. I am so thankful for her expertise, patience and continued support. Basil is my first rescue dog and he came with multiple problems that I was ill equipped to deal with, leaving me feeling anxious and isolated. It is a very different story now, we have both learnt so much from Tamasine. I now have a much happier & confident dog with a brighter future. It has been alot of fun and opened doors to new hobbies such as mantrailing & parkour and I have met a lot of wonderful people along the way - and for that I am truly grateful. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Lauren Louise Dawson
We had a very human and dog reactive German Shepherd puppy due to not being able to socialise her well in lockdown. I put an add on bark looking for a dog trainer to help us and Tamasine replied and saved the day! We completed all the basics via video call which worked really well and had 2 in person sessions whilst socially distancing in my garden and on a puppy play field. Tamasine's instructions were very clear, and after every session follow up information such as notes and videos were sent to aid our training in between the live sessions. I am amazed by how far Storm has come in her confidence with people in particular and I now have the tools to help her improve even more around dogs and in new situations that she would have been very anxious about before. I highly recommend Tamasine if you have an anxious/reactive dog, well worth the time and money! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Michael Brown
Having been involved with dogs all my life both socially and professionally I struggled and emptied my dog training tool box. After the family addition of a puppy Wolfhound who sweet and gentle was insecure and timid I was thankfully recommended Tasamine of Leadchanges Tailored guidance with play induced training has transformed our dog constantly available with web chat and practical solutions. I have no doubt without seeking Tasamine assistance we would not of progressed. I cannot recommend this training enough and are truly thankful for the encouragement and support we have and still receive More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Diane McClelland
I am President of Axarquia Animal Rescue in Spain. Tamasine has supported and worked with us for a long time now , offering support to us and our fosterers and adopters. In Feb 2020, Tamasine donated her time (her travel costs were covered by a sponsor) and came and spent a week with me and my team visiting some of our adopted and foster dogs who needed behavioural support. It was a packed and hectic week. She was wonderful and has kept in contact with the adopters and fosterers since. Tamasine continues to provide advice and support on all our behavioural matters. I can't recommend her highly enough. Her experience and knowledge combined with her passion and love for what she does, and her love and respect for dogs, makes her very special. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Richard Bradley
Reviewed on Google Maps
Gintaras Armalis
Reviewed on Google Maps
neil powell
Being a new dog owner, is daunting, being a new dog owner to a five year old Romanian rescue with behaviour issues is even more daunting and also being a dad to two cats could've complicated things too. Esme my adopted dog has been badly mistreated in the past and as such is very reactive to humans and other animals. She and I fell in love the very first day but I knew I had take on her issues as well as her, and so I searched on line for a behaviourist in my area, and the reviews for lead changes convinced me that's who I needed, and so here we are a couple of weeks in and my dog is a very different dog, she still has a long way to go but thanks Tamasines patience, and kind natured way I have a dog who doesn't want to eat my cats or my neighbours children. Tamasine Smith is a very special person, she will explain processes, and the reasons our dogs do the things they do, it's been really encouraging to use WhatsApp as a way communicating our training between visits as Tamasine can review video footage and message back positive feedback. I have no problems recommending Tamasine and lead Changes as my life has been turned upside down with this adoption, but my dog had several homes prior to mine and families have given up on her, well I wasn't prepared to do that and Tamasine is very experienced with rescued dogs. I have a long term neurological illness which means no two days are the same, some things I find harder to do than others, Tamasine has easily adapted the "human" training to fit around me, communication is key and Tamasine will be with you all the way.. You and your dog will be in the safe and hardworking hands of Tamasine Smith and Lead Changes. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lindsey Westbrook-Lay
Thank you so much Tamasin for your highly professional, caring and in depth knowledge of dealing with our difficult, nervous and socially challenged little dog. Because of your help and guidance she is now moving forwards with confidence and is so much happier, as are we! We can't thank you enough. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Nikki Sidwell
Many thanks Tamasine for spending time with us (mum, me and Bramble) we all learnt a great deal the information you gave us was excellent . The training was handled with structure and fun, bramble responded to Tamasine within seconds and “I” need to practice some more!! The follow up documents/videos you receive are great and allows you to revisit the items you’ve been shown on the day.Highly recommend to everyone who would like their fur baby to be the best he/she can be? More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Christina Davies
Perfect place for cream tea on a rainy afternoon. Friendly staff and warm atmosphere!
Reviewed on Facebook
Dan Howes
Tamasine has helped us immensely and comes with our highest recommendation. She has given us the tools and techniques to help us with our French Bulldog Lenny and his unwanted behaviours. She is a very calm positive person and put us at ease during her visit. We had immediate results with Lenny following her training techniques. Thank you Tamasine! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
sheila Thompson
My dog is a big rescue from Spain and came with lots of baggage . He was a victim that didn't have a voice and used normal but unacceptable behaviour to show his feelings . Two days working with Tamasine as part of the family and we are all in a better place, a happier more confident dog and owner . No longer worrying about him being a bad dog, just a dog that was crying out for help. She was the help we needed with a service that starts before the home visit and follows through after with help and advice for as long as needed. Massive thank you Sheila , Simon and Big Boy Benji xxx More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rob Digweed
Even better than the Burford one! Great tea selection and very high quality bakery and breakfast/lunch menu.
Reviewed on Facebook
Karen Londesborough
We took our mum to Huffkins Stow yesterday for a belated Mother’s Day treat. We were a group of 4 and ordered 2 Celebration Afternoon Cream Tea’s - the waitress serving our table (46) could not have done any more for us and really helped to make the experience even more of a treat. She helped with alternative suggestions for sandwich fillings as one of our party is a fussy eater! And she gave us all a little box to take home for all the lovely cakes we couldn’t quite manage. All of the sandwiches, cakes, scones, tea and were delicious and although we felt £96 for 2 cream teas seems a little pricey, after shopping around, this seemed to be a usual price. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sheila Thompson
My dog is a big rescue from Spain and came with lots of baggage . He was a victim that didn't have a voice and used normal but unacceptable behaviour to show his feelings . Two days working with Tamasine as part of the family and we are all in a better place, a happier more confident dog and owner . No longer worrying about him being a bad dog, just a dog that was crying out for help. She was the help we needed with a service that starts before the home visit and follows through after with help and advice for as long as needed. Massive thank you Sheila , Simon and Big Boy Benji More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Barry Abraham
This is the fourth Huffkins we have had afternoon tea at.Lovely place for afternoon tea in lovely surroundings.Staff were brilliant and very helpful. Afternoon tea left us feeling full, the staff boxed up the cakes we couldn’t eat to take away.Definitely worth another visit when we are in the area. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Nadine Charles
Staff very friendly, food lovely!
They are in the middle if a refurbishment but it was still a lovely experience. 2nd visit there and cant wait to go back. Best scones ever ?
Reviewed on Facebook
Cullen James
I spent an intense, interesting and highly beneficial day with Tamasine in early Jan.She is SO calm and focused, and literally had 2 barky rescue dogs eating out of her hand. She explains how many 'bad' behaviours can be sorted out just with some simple exercises aimed at increasing attention and reducing reactivity. She demonstrates what to do, gets you to practice and is always patient, never tells you off if you go a bit wrong.Within 2 hrs the dogs had stopped barking at the door, stopped jumping up and had learned to ask for attention with a nice sit or lay down. It was amazing to see how much the dogs enjoyed the training, and how quickly they understood what to do.She spends as much time as you need, you don't feel rushed. She leaves you with some homework, sends you a detailed plan of action a couple of days later, then checks in via WhatsApp to see how you're doing. There's then a follow up visit after a few weeks to check progress and address any further issues.Book her, you won't regret it. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Pam Meade
Thorough knowledge of animals and importantly works with them!
Reviewed on Facebook
Helen Tyler
I can't thank Tamasine enough for all her help with my nervous cockapoo puppy. She came to my house and right from the off gave me ways to help Nellie feel safe. I would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs help with any behavioural issues with their dog- her knowledge is just amazing! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Simon Vallance
I cannot recommend Tamasine enough, she is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She spent around 5 hours with us knocking our two puppies into shape.
We’ve also had lots of ongoing support from her which is invaluable.
Thank you Tamasine.
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Reviewed on Google Maps
Jane Hagger
Can’t recommend this service enough! We have a beautiful rescue staffie that we rehomed recently. She has given us great advice and help on how to settle her down. As you can see for the photo my son has gained a best friend already! We will carry on with her training which is simple to learn and something the whole family can do.Thank you again for all your help More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Iwona Wightman
I cannot recumbent Tamasine highly enough. She spent two days with my pack of six dogs mainly working with two of them but giving me so much advice and support with the others. She is a lovely person and so very patient. Explains everything clearly and follows up with extensive notes and aide memoirs. Very useful for this forgetful old lady. I have looked far and wide for a decent professional who know what they are talking about and are clearly devoted to what they do. I have seen so much progress in my dogs in the time she was with us and I am totally motivated to carry on. Our first day out in the park after Tamasine and it was totally different dogs. Don't go anywhere else! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Catherine Bradley
In just one visit (so far) my dogs have already become calmer and more focused. Tamasine offers practical advice tailored to your needs and obviously based on sound research. Can't recommend her highly enough!
Reviewed on Facebook
Debbie Musk
We found Tamasine very helpful, understanding and patient with us and Teddy. We felt totally at ease. Tamasine also goes the extra mile calling in the following day, much appreciated. Would definetly recommend.
Reviewed on Facebook
Hayley Speakman
Tamasine has been an absolute God send! After two sessions we have a much happier and calmer puppy. I have learnt so much from Tamasine, who has been so patient and understanding with me. She is incredibly knowledgable and watching her work with Dougal was amazing. Can't recommend her highly enough! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Julia Langlands
Tamasine is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, and best of all? A genuinely balanced behaviour consultant and trainer. I can't reccommend Leadchanges enough! Ethical, sensible and thoughtful in assessment and advice. I would refer to Tamasine in a heartbeat - and that is the highest compliment that I could give! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Hugos Mum
Interesting approach and can see why it works. Tamasine makes it look easier than it is, very good. Would definitely recommend . .Hugo not quite sure what happened ...he was tearing around like a mad fool then this lady came and all was calm :) More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Laura Anne Wells
Today I had Tamasine come to my house and help with my cocker spaniel Ronnie, I already see a change in Ronnie and I know if I stay consistent I will see changes .
100% recommend this service , I feel educated and now at ease .
Thank you very much . X
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Reviewed on Facebook
Cara Amankwah
Tamasine has been brilliant, and truly went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the rehoming of our Henry has been a success. He came to us at 18 months old, having already been in 2 homes. He had received no training and hadn't been walked, so came to us very excitable and with no idea how to behave. After just 3 visits from Tamasine and only 7 days later, we have a completely different and wonderful dog. Hand on heart, I don't think that we could have done it without her. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kerry Hannington
Spent most of Sunday with Tamsmine and my little jack x cavalier Kotie and learned so much in such a short space of time such positive ways to train a dog and it's owner I learned so much about kotie and how she sees things i had issues with her and her dominating me and with the new ways to change her mind set I have litteraly got a completely different dog now it tired her out better than any walk possible it's mental stimulation and I feel like I have built such a better bond with her now than I had before I would highly recommend leadchanges if you have any trouble with your dog well worth it x
Reviewed on Facebook
Paul Mackmin
I really can't thank Tamasine enough for all of her advice and help in training Lula. We have only had two sessions and in the last two weeks we have seen such a huge change in Lula's behaviour.
I highly recommend Tamasine to any one in need of a knowledgeable, friendly and patient trainer.
We will keep up all of the hard work and thank you once again for all of your help and advice.
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Reviewed on Facebook
Lara Just
Amazing super dog and puppy training! We had a great and fun time in preparation for our new puppy. Tamasine is excellent and seeing her work with her dogs is amazing. It has been very enlightening and a brilliant experience to be allowed to practice with her dogs. Seeing how it could be and can work is eye opening. Cannot wait to get our puppy now and start to continue the training! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Hilary Martin
Over the last two years i have spoken to several trainers and behaviourists about my lovely dog Monty, but Tamasine was the first to properly communicate to me, Monty's anxiety and lack of impulse control. The detailed personalised plan is so comprehensive it is almost overwhelming, but if you take your time, all the information you need is there. It has been particularly helpful to be able email Tamasine with questions and frustrations, and she has always responded quickly with wonderful advice. Monty and I are making great progress and enjoying every move in the right direction. Thank you Tamasine More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Geoff Barber
Yesterday I had my planned visit from Tamasine of lead changes. To be honest I was a bit sceptical as you do hear so much negative about behaviourists generally from people who don't know. So to say I was happy is an understatement!! From the word go I was instilled with a feeling of this is going to be good And it was. I am too busy training tethered to Cora to write too much at the moment but I will add a follow up later however at this stage I am happy to give 5 stars plus and recommend you to the expert service of Tamasine who is not only dog friendly but also Human friendly!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Charli Vince
100% recommend! The home visit with the training exercise helped my Lola the podenco so much. She struggles with paying attention to me and getting worked up over dogs and small furries on walks.
The exercises we were given have already improved her behaviour so much, and it's only been 4 days!
I also received a hugely detailed and helpful personalised program via email with videos, links, and advice as well as a rundown of all our exercises.
Tamasine is friendly, knowledgeable, and worked so well with my often nervous Lola! Can't wait to see more of Lola's improvements as we continue to follow the program. :)
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Reviewed on Facebook
Melanie Jane
We spent a fabulous introduction day with the amazing Tamasine, learning all about how to prepare for our new puppy. It is also our first dog so we have a lot to learn and want to get it right. If our dog can turn out to be remotely like any one of Tamasine's 3 incredible dogs, we will be so happy. Tamasine is patient and knowledgable and explains everything thoroughly (and has to repeat herself many times). She helps you to understand the reasons why you need to do the things in the way you do them as well as how this impacts on your dog. She also manages to make it fun for us and the dogs! After this intro day, I have learnt so much and can see how vital this training will be for our puppy. Thank you Tamasine. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sue Sadiwskyj
Milo & I really enjoyed this course, it has given me the basic understanding of how to get Milo to listen to and obey my commands and given us something we can really build upon. Lots of useful information was provided as back up and I will be referring to this constantly. Thank you for an enjoyable course! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Karen Norcott
Tamasine came to our house and our dog took to her immediately and her new approach to his life. Tamasine is kind and supportive and gives lots of good advice. She is very knowledgeable and has expertise in rescue dogs. For us it was brilliant that she understood about cats too and could help with all the animals to live together more harmoniously. I have a lot of learn but I’m seeing results really quickly. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kath Moore
Tamasine is very professional , friendley and easy to be around. She has given us lots of tips and made sure we knew what to do before leaving us, then we had email with info so if we forget something we can go back to it she said we can contact her if we have problems anytime. Tamasine is more like a long lost friend so easy to get on with. Can't recommend her enough. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Jane Steel
My cavapoo Poppy was a very frightened little dog due to some irresponsible dog owners bjt already I see a change in her after a session. She is more confident in herself and is enjoying life more. I was told by the vet she would never get over her fear but working with Tamasine it has given us such hope. I feel so much better equipped to help Poppy now. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Belinda Laws
What a wonderful lady Tamasine is. With her wealth of knowledge in dog behaviour she will quickly get you and your dog on the right track .
Her home visits are friendly with easy going sessions and everything she teaches you will be backed up by notes and links that are a huge benefit.
Our 3 year old GSD X rescue dog is reactive to other dogs whilst on the lead . We attended Tamasine’s workshop with a bit of trepidation but we needn’t have worried. Tamasine is so supportive and with her expertise Duke was amazingly calm by the end of the session.
We now know what we have to do and Duke knows what is expected of him. A very positive experience for all of us.
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Reviewed on Facebook
What do you love most about your job?
I love seeing the change in the relationship between horse and human. Mostly, I see people grow, gain confidence and empower themselves with more knowledge. For me, seeing students learn about horses, how to work with them, how to understand them and how they can do things for themselves is the most important - horsemanship and the so called "natural" way is not about "whispering" and is not magic. Anyone can do this - the job of a teacher is to help students gain enough knowledge so that they can deal with situations and continue to help their horses outside of lessons. I love seeing people go from nervous to confident and regain their love and appreciation of their horses. I love seeing those who have finally given up on the conventional, discover that there is a way that makes sense to the horse so that he or she is a willing partner. The horses change before our eyes and grow in their own confidence and self esteem and it is not the humans that tell me this stuff works - it's the horses themselves. They prove it time and time again. I have found by combining the methods I have learnt, they answer all the questions and challenges horses throw at us.
What inspired you to start your own business?
A number of trainers, vets and at the time, farriers encouraged me. My horses would stand quietly and were calm in all situations and they said that I should give some demonstrations and help others. I had never considered myself a teacher, but suddenly I found more and more people wanted to know how I did what I did. I was already using one well known system of horsemanship, but it did not offer the chance to teach in the country in which I was living without jumping through considerable hoops and without considerable expense. I started asking questions and one of the assessors for that system was supportive and helped as much as she could from her home in Tasmania to where I was living in South Africa. She even came to help us and I decided that I would always answer everyone as well as I could even if I was many miles away. Often people just need to know there is help, they need to know there is a way and by having someone to lean on and talk to, they can start to think more clearly and find a way forward.
At this time I found Silversand Horsemanship which has now evolved into Light Hands Equitation. I studied with them in Australia and made a number of return trips. I started to teach for them and discovered that their way of working with horses was tailored to the individual. Although many of the concepts are similar across many horsemanship techniques, there are differences and we need to take each individual into consideration. I learnt that the way I had been studying was too much of a "one size fits all" and that just doesn't help horses. Humans like to tick off a list of things and have a prescribed way of working, but this does not suit the horse. I am the fist to admit that what I teach is simple for the horse but not the human. Learning this way requires dedication and more than just handling a horse - it requires people to think, to understand more about themselves and their horse's psychology. It is far more about "who we need to be" than any one method of training.
Seeing people empowered by this and become stronger in their own lives, seeing how working with horses and learning to adapt, change and live moment to moment can influence people in their home lives, work lives, family situations and relationships with others is what really motivates me to teach and what truly inspired me to run my own business. No one out there was offering this in the areas I lived, so I had to get inventive and become a pioneer myself. If you want something enough you make it happen and if you can't find what you are looking for, you create it. There is no truer saying that "necessity is the mother of invention"!
Why should our clients choose you?
Each horse and each owner is an individual and each combination of horse and human is unique. So often riders find that they are told to do something "because that's what we do" or "that is how it's done" or "that's the way it has always been"... but for me, working with horses is more than this and riders have the right to know why we do things and how and why they work. Everything I do is tailored to the individual horse and rider and they can ask as many questions as they like - in fact they are encouraged to question! I work from the ground and in the saddle - riders need to be able to do both and they learn more about how to understand their horse and work with them using biomechanics, physiology, psychology and equine learning theory. Horses need mental, physical and emotional well being - and riders learn how to fulfil all these things. If a rider is worried, we work at their pace and gain their confidence one step at at time, but the wellbeing of the horse is never put second to the human.
Riders learn how to reintroduce a bit and teach the horse step by step - they learn to become their own teachers and trainers and not just to sit on a horse and ride. They learn to help the horse in partnership. I travel to most places and this can be quite some distance if it is possible to arrange lessons for a few people in the same area.
