INTRODUCTION

  
There's so much to share! I have most definitely not had a smooth ride in my 'dressage career' BUT I'm more passionate than ever about it. I have taught many people from all backgrounds and from all disciplines over the years and I love the variety. I am based in Northumberland and am available for private lessons, talks, lectures or demos for clubs/organisations, test riding clinics and day clinics and to judge at BD or BE events. Horses can be taken for training by arrangement/availability.   

I hope you enjoy reading about my journey so far, my hopes and aims for the future and how ANYONE can do 'dressage'! There are new additions coming soon to the website (and personally - baby Emily!) so please keep your eyes peeled for updates! Please contact me on 07779251697 to discuss any training requirements. Full details on the 'contact' page.

I don't take short cuts in training. The horses do need to work hard if they are to progress and be successful, but I like them to be happy, at the front of the stable to greet me and for their characters to grow - not become like machines!

What's NEW on this site at a glance!

Training testimonials

'Chrissie has been teaching me now for nearly 3 years. She explains everything to me very clearly (which I need!) so I understand. She is a hard task master who will not let you off with anything. She has done wonders for my confidence and for my horse too. She used to struggle to canter a 20m circle and used to constantly be in wrong bend.'

'Words that describe Chrissie as a trainer are: positive, patient, focused, fair, flexible, thinks 'outside of the box' and 'eyes in the back of her head!'

'Chrissie is an inspiration as a trainer. She not only focuses on the horse and rider as individuals, but she looks at them as a partnership as well. In the 2 years that my horse and I have trained with Chrissie we have improved more than I would have believed possible. Chrissie's lessons are always positive and she is always patient. She is one of the rare trainers who will back up her theoretical advice by demonstrating the moves herself on my horse. Chrissie is an exacting trainer expecting 100% from both horse and rider. At all times she is very fair and she seems to instinctively know just how much to ask of me and my horse. On occasions when I'm struggling to achieve something, Chrissie will say ' you can do this' and it spurs me on, as I know she would never encourage something that we were not capable of achieving.'

  'Chrissie takes time to explain the 'whys' to help training on your own and always has clear ideas as to how to progress you and your horse'

'I always come away from a lesson having learnt something new'

'Having trained with Chrissie for over 3 years now all I can say is she is the best. She is not only an inspiration with where she has taken her own horses she has the ability to motivate and inspire me to be the best I can be with my horse. She has worked with me now with two horses and the most recent a newly broken 4 year old and she has been great, working them through the scales of training and seems to be able to judge exactly how each horse learns and how best to explain it to them and me!!! I cannot believe how far I have come in the last 3 years and am excited about where I will be in another 3 years, I would not train with anyone else, you are a mind of information and ability Chrissie, Thankyou x'

'After having reached Novice level under my previous trainer, but failed to achieve 65% plus, I started training with Chrissie. The following season we started winning Novice classes and qualified for the Regional Championships in just a few outings. We are now in the process of establishing ourselves at Elementary level and aim to compete the next season successfully at this level too.'

Chrissie understands and tailors our training to suit my horse. She understands that he needs different training approaches depending on  what state of mind he is in, which means that I now achieve what I want from our training without any battles with my horse.'

'What was amazing about Chrissie was her willingness to help and her genuine interest in how things were going in both training and competition. She travelled to many events including down to the final Pony trial at Withington Manor in Gloucestershire and beyond the call of duty to Ballendenisk in Southern Ireland. This was a massive aid (having your own trainer to warm you up) to help Emma be part of the winning British team and gain individual 6th position. As a result Dusty and Emma went onto the GB A Squad.'

'Chrissie has taught me that there are no short cuts and the basics need to be correct before progressing up the levels. This has resulted in much improved suppleness, in both my horse and myself. I have also learnt about the rider effect on the way the horse moves, which now means that my aids are used much more efficiently'

'Every lesson is different and inspiring. We start with a recap on what we did last time and then add new or different movements / work. Chrissie's lessons give me material to use in training, but also give me suitable and appropriate 'tasters' of movements that makes me want to constantly improve and aspire towards higher levels!'

Thank you to Dot Tindal for this lovely photo of Bob and I in winter 2010!

What I do.....

*I take time to explain and assess (with the rider) where the horse currently is 'at' with his/her training and understanding.

*I help the rider to understand how to work with their horse's temperament and know what their (both horse and rider) strengths and weaknesses are.

*I explain what training is required going forward and ensure a thorough understanding of the correct basics. Riders have homework.

*I get riders involved with charting their own progress / self reflection and planning ahead where applicable.

*Each horse is treated as an individual. Physical and mental wellbeing of the horse are both equally important.

 Riders can choose to have a simple lesson format or can become more involved with watching other riders / horses being trained and attend competitions with Chrissie to learn more. Please ask!

Where I do 'my stuff'