Equestrian Coaching

Inspiring Minds Equestrian Coaching recently held a One Day Intensive Equestrian Coaching Workshop. One of those present on the day was Jess Griffiths.

Here's what Jess had to say about her day...

After rushing around riding before flying to Healing, I arrived at Lara's family home a few minutes late and very flustered! I found a seat and started listening to David and from that moment I've never looked back.

David spent the time patiently listening to everyones reasons to why we had attended and what we wanted to get out of the day. I had just got a new youngster who is very talented and I was becoming anxious as to how I was going to ride her and whether I was good enough to take on a horse of this calibre. I also like to please everyone and I really didn't want to let down my parents (to whom I owe everything) or anybody else around me that has helped with getting us together. I, like many others on the course with me, put a lot of pressure on myself and tend to 'want it' too much.

It was interesting listening to the other members of the group. Some wanted more confidence in everyday life, some wanted to be more confident when riding and others wanted some strategies to help them deal with problems that arise in everyday life, especially when working with horses.

The course was brilliant in addressing many issues and giving us lots of 'tools' to use when we feel a little anxious or apprehensive.

We went outside and watched Lara riding one of her horses so we could see the techniques being used. David talked us through how we can use the techniques when we are riding. They both emphasised how important it is to centre ourselves before we get on and ride. We then all charged our magic buttons on our saddles!

I have since ridden at a demonstration with an audience of 150 people, something I would have been far too nervous and anxious to have done before the inspiring minds course. I also competed in a young horse class against top riders like Maria Eilberg which again, before the Inspiring minds course, would have completely phased me.

I think that although this course hasn't made me ride any better, it has completely changed the way I approach training and everyday life. Instead of my mind being clogged with thoughts such as 'what will happen if', 'will they spook at that', 'what if I fall off' and 'what will the judge think', I'm now focusing on what my trainers are saying and really focus on how I am riding and how the horse feels.

Aside from the one day intensive, there are a variety of great coaching courses available for you so please follow the link for more information about our currently available equestrian coaching courses.