Testimonials

"Giles has been teaching me pretty much since I moved from Buckinghamshire to Yorkshire 3 years ago when I went to one of his clinic's near Doncaster. I did some research before I went and read things like "teaches what he see's" and "adapts techniques for individual combinations". I thought, OK, lets see, they all say that.... However in Giles' case its totally true, in the last 3 years we have put my mare into a double bridle for flatwork which made an enormous difference, qualified for BD regional Elementary Pet Plan's, and been to Stoneleigh for Trailblazer Combined Training finals (reserve Champ's last year). We are aiming for Stoneleigh again this year, and plan our first Medium dressage test in early June. Giles has a very easy, natural way of teaching and works in harmony with you and your horse, he has given me loads of confidence and belief - and can only recommend his teaching in the highest possible terms. Thank you :)"

Jackie Douglas

" 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

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

 

"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