Autumn has truly arrived here in North Yorkshire and as I type this blog the trees are losing their leaves and we’re warming up our fingers and toes after a brisk start to the day. It’s been great to be back into the swing of things after a strange September (I covered this in my last blog, in case you missed it), with the National Dressage Championships, camps and clinics galore! It was great to see some of my teaching clients heading off to compete at the nationals after so much hard work this year.
I think as the years go by; I’m finding it ever more rewarding to work with riders. I love working with horses to progress their education, but it’s wonderful seeing the partnership of a horse and rider grow together. I’m also lucky to have ridden to a high level in both eventing and pure dressage, so I know the challenges faced by eventers who need to collect the fitness and pure athleticism of a horse who can storm around a 4 or 5-star cross-country course and channel it into a dressage test. I also know the benefit of improving precision and communication with a showjumper to help you climb the ranks and jump higher and faster. I also know the addiction of starting a horse on the scales of training in dressage and seeing it grow in confidence and ability over the months and years.
If you’ve been following me for a while and would love to train with me, either here at Team Chapman Equestrian or closer to where you’re based, there are several different ways we can make it happen. Here are the main ways but if you would like to explore something different then just get in touch with me directly to discuss.
TCE Camps
Our Team Chapman Equestrian camps are held over two days and can be over a weekend or midweek, so they suit people who work Monday to Friday. These two-day camps include two private lessons with me, one on each day, and test riding with a BD-listed judge which is such a huge help to our riders. There’s also a rider-focused Pilates session, Baileys feed advice and test judging practice. We provide overnight stabling and use of the stable on both days so that your horse is settled and happy. There’s also lunch on both days and one evening meal which is normally a very sociable affair! All camp attendees take away goody bags from my sponsors, which includes Baileys Horse Feeds.
One-day Camps
My one-day camps are a great way to cram lots of learning and inspiration in one day, and you’ll get to meet other riders with similar aims and interests to you. We kick off the day with coffee and croissants for you and the other pupils while I ride one of my advanced horses. This is a wonderful chance to see what I’m working on with them and how I go about solving some of the common issues and challenges.
Then we move on to your private lesson with me (one after the other, of course) before we stop for a tasty lunch. We provide a stable so that your horse can have a good rest and a munch on something too. In the afternoon you’ll benefit from test riding with a British Dressage judge before we get together for a debrief and some goody bags from my sponsors.
Coffee and cake club
The famous TCE coffee and cake clubs are held fortnightly and usually on a Thursday and, as the title suggests, you’ll find plenty of homemade cake when you arrive! The idea is that you can book an hour-long lesson between around 10am and 7pm, either for yourself or a group of up to three riders. Then, you will enjoy coffee, a slice of tasty cake and a good chinwag in the TCE clubhouse afterwards. Make sure you’re following me on social media so that you never miss a coffee and cake opportunity!
1:1 Training at TCE
I welcome riders to come to TCE for lessons on their own horse and, as mentioned in the intro, that can be for a wide range of reasons. Perhaps you have a new or young horse to bring on, maybe you’ve run into a challenge and would like help, or you’re moving your horse up the levels in your discipline and need some support. You can book a one-off lesson or a series of sessions, and some people work with me on an ongoing basis to ensure they never slip into bad habits.
Clinics near you
I currently travel to three locations to hold clinics - one in east Yorkshire, one at Ledston and the other are some yards close together near Newcastle. If you would like more details so that you can join these clinics, just drop me a line! I’m also happy to consider starting an additional clinic within a reasonable radius of home, so do contact me to discuss how we could make that work.
If you need any more persuasion to come and train with me here at TCE, here are just some of the lovely messages I’ve received from people who have trained here:
“Loved every second with my Highland Pony” - Debbie Gaskin
“Fantastic informative weekend with great facilities (and food)” - Helen and Alfie
“A great stress-free experience with lovely facilities, informative sessions and teaching. Left with a feeling of progress and motivation.” - Rhiannon & Ace
“In my opinion, the best camps around! Fabulous facilities, amazing food and a variety of additional activities! Lessons are simply outstanding! Truly inspirational and delivered with passion and understanding for both horse and rider. Cannot recommend enough!” - Julie and Pee