" We warmed up as we would normally for show jumping over single fences. Then discussion time. Giles asked if we had any problems with related distances and combinations. I was burning to know how he could know that, as we did indeed have a problem, an indication of his ability to sum up horse and rider. When we went XC schooling I believed we had a problem with my horse backing off the fence. Giles believed that the horse was 'normal' to want to look. However, previously each time he did this I punished him and sent him strongly forward. He was in effect being punished for doing his best and was therefore losing confidence in his cross country and in me. By taking the pressure off, Charlie had time to sum up the situation and feel confident in his jumping. In fact I had never taught him to jump cross country, I had just expected him to do it and been less than understanding when he couldn't. My cross country consequently became much more rewarding. Again the key was his ability to sum up both horse and rider "

“Giles is a talented, sympathetic trainer who inspires confidence.  He has a natural affinity with horsemanship and has the ability to get to the root of communication difficulties between horse and rider.  By starting at the fundamentals and progressing at the rate correct for the horse/rider partnership he ensures safe progress that has strong foundations on which to grow.  He is a specialist in assisting riders overcome their inner fears, which is often the limiting factor in performance.   I would say, however, that Giles’ greatest achievement (from a personal level at least!) is the huge number of people who go to him to just feel confidence at grass roots level Eventing, who then go on through the grades to experience and be successful at higher levels, including International Three Day.  Taking people beyond their wildest dreams – now that’s a gift!” 

 Ruth Dickens BHSII
Police Advanced Trainer
Cheif Trainer of South Yorkshire Mounted Police

Giles’ genuine interest and attention quickly puts riders at ease. I have found that because I try so hard on lessons I can often “overload” and be unable to perform at my best. Giles has a way of seeing what exactly is needed for the best improvement and we concentrate on this, it is a much less pressured way of learning and my progress has been quicker. I always finish on a smile with enthusiasm to practice and looking forward to the next lesson. 

 Andy Cooper

"In Giles' lessons you have the space and time to focus on what issues and goals you have. There is no expectation to perform to any preset standard. Giles is gifted in assessing the horse/rider relationship and his clients here have found that softly, softly they are achieving their wildest dreams. Working on dressage, showjumping or cross country suitable for most levels of horse and rider, Giles has a positive manner and has produced many 'hobby riders' from that level right through to competing at International competitions. He has also had great success in unravelling the issues surrounding what many regard as 'problem horses'.

Daine Wolloff BHSII
Proprietor of Sykehouse Arena www.sykehousearena.co.uk

 " At the beginning of the week I had not been expecting to make such progress in all three areas, in such a short time. I felt that it was also useful to have the same trainer behind all three phases, rather than a dressage coach telling you one thing, only to be contradicted by a jumping coach, causing confusion "

Meredith Cool
HND Horse Studies
BSc Equine Sports Science

"Giles' teaching has taken me from a nervous rider struggling at riding club level through to producing a young horse that has now been placed at affiliated eventing. He has improved my confidence by pushing me in small steps where he knew I was capable which ensured that each step forward was a positive experience. He has helped me understand the basic building blocks for correct training on the flat and learn to adjust my riding for different horses over fences to get the best out of them. I have also arranged RC clinics with him over a number of years and seen how he can adjust his style of teaching to suit different personalities, both horse and human. He has happily taught our range of riders and gives as much to those jumping under a foot as those competing at high level."

Liz Atkinson
Chiltern Riding Club