All Your Equestrian Needs

02/08/2026

⚠️ Hard ground warning ⚠️

The recent extended period of dry weather has really caused the ground to harden up. Are you aware of the risks of riding on hard ground?

🐎 Exercising your horse on hard ground can cause concussion-related lameness issues. When the horse’s hoof meets the ground, it’s subjected to a great deal of concussive force.

When the ground is softer, it absorbs some of the impact and provides cushioning to the foot - but the harder the ground, the less force is absorbed and the more stress on the horse.

It’s not only ridden horses who are at risk of concussive injuries from hard ground - any retired oldies who like to show you they’ve still got it by galloping round their paddock can also do themselves some damage! If this sounds like your horse, consider bringing them in a little earlier than usual.

Shod horses are also at greater risk from hard ground than unshod horses, as unshod horses actually absorb some of the concussive forces through their frogs.

Hard ground can cause injuries like:
🔵 Jarring injuries
⚪️ Tendon and ligament injuries
🔵 Bruised soles
⚪️ Splints
🔵 Concussive laminitis
⚪️ Pedal bone fractures

You can reduce the risk by:
🔵 Trying not to work your horse on hard ground too often
⚪️ Choosing softer surfaces for jumping where possible
🔵 Apply cold water after hard work
⚪️ Maintain your horse’s overall fitness/strength
🔵 Listen to your individual horse

28/06/2026

Gez Wilson - Eddie
I have been working with Katie for over 10 years with my previous horse spring and now currently horse Eddie (or steady Eddie) as hes fondly known. I had a stroke serval years ago making it’s very difficult for me to use my right side of my body. Katie has been patient in her approach to schooling with Eddie and I as some days I feel much less confident than others. Having the right combination of horse , rider and trainer has been brilliant and I have achieved great things with Eddie. Katie often accompanies me in the lorry to go training on clinics or to an arena hires. We do a combination of groundwork , pole work, hacking jumping and dressage.

30/05/2026

Sain pasquale - Jazz & basil

I wholeheartedly recommend Katie, she has been a huge support to me over the years, first with my nervous boy Jazz helping us both build our confidence greatly, and then with my full of mischief, unbroken cob Basil. Katie has been helping me teach him boundaries and manners but all in a calm and gentle way, I'm very grateful for Katie's adaptability and patience. Most recently Katie has been the perfect hacking companion building on Basil's long reigning skills and keeping Jazz and I company.

04/05/2026

Maria - max
After just a few short weeks having lessons with Katie my horse Max has made some great improvements in his way of going. I never thought I wanted to school again but Katie has made it enjoyable that I’m now excited about the future and what we can achieve together.

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

Tim Card - Maggie & Chester
Katie has been teaching my pony Chester ( and me.! ) for several years and I credit her with giving me a lot of confidence after a riding break of over 20 years. She is consistently patient and positive ,always encouraging me to achieve whatever my low level goal happens to be! I recently took on an ex polo pony , Maggie , as a rescue and Katie is now training her along with Chester. We take mainly do ground work as Maggie is retired from riding work so do a combination of long reining, lunging and walks out on the roads.
highly recommend.