GWR Equestrian Coaching

A fantastic weekend with a big thank you to Lyndsey for organising and for allowing us to use the beautiful arena at Moonfleet as well as to Joe for allowing us to use the lovely facilities at Laurel Lodge - great to see everyone developing and smiling throughout ☺️🐴

Just had to share this one 🤣🤣

Today’s view was from B judging the Elementary bronze at the British Dressage Area Festival held at Onley Equestrian Centre alongside my fellow panel judges Lizzie B & Johnathan C. Big thank you to my writer Michelle for being on the ball with the online system 💪

📕 https://a.co/d/06lvN3nl

Please read and take note 😉

Stop being so f*cking mean to yourself.

I know you think this doesn't apply to you, that you're not mean to yourself. Ok then, answer me this...

When did you last finish a ride and immediately think about what went right and what you did well, before reflecting on the parts that could have been improved?

When did you last give yourself a rest? And I mean a proper rest, no riding, no rushing around with somewhere to be. I mean taking time for you to chilled, regulated and content.

When did you last allow yourself to feel proud of something you've achieved without trying to dilute it?
''Oh it was all the horse''
''He helped me out''
''He saved me at fence 4''

When someone gives you a compliment, do you graciously accept it or do you dismiss and downplay it?

When was the last time you spent money on yourself? Not riding clothes, not clothes for work, not a new rug, or the weekly shop? When did you last buy yourself that nice coffee or cozy blanket, just because you wanted it?

I know you think you're not mean to yourself. That you're just ''joking around'' and ''having a laugh'' when you berate yourself for that pole down or missed fence. But your brain is ALWAYS listening, and it remembers and takes in far more than you are consciously aware of.

Equestrians are notoriously driven and passionate. We rarely settle and our goalposts are forever shifting. It's both a blessing and a curse, but you will never be the rider you want to be whilst consistently being mean to yourself, even in tiny ways.

So just try and be a little kinder to yourself. Celebrate your wins, allow yourself to feel proud, take credit for working hard. Be your own biggest fan.

Self belief is a super power, and it's probably the one thing holding you back.

🌟 The countdown is on – Area Festival 2026 is almost here! 🌟

The excitement is building, and we can't wait to see everyone come together for what promises to be a fantastic festival.

Just a friendly reminder that entries close this Friday at midnight, so if you've been meaning to enter, now's the time! Don't leave it until the last minute—get your entries in and join us for what is sure to be a wonderful celebration of Horses, riders and our amazing community.🐴🥂

🌟 Senior & Youth Boot Camp – Places Available! 🌟

Looking to sharpen your skills ahead of your next competition? Join us at Spurstow Hall on 17 June for our Senior & Youth Boot Camp, including Squad Assessments.

Open to riders of all levels, this is the perfect opportunity to:
🐴 Fine-tune your training
📈 Gain valuable feedback from experienced coaches
🤝 Train with friends or meet like-minded dressage riders
🎯 Prepare for the season ahead

Your session includes:
✅ 30-minute training session with Charlotte Thomas (BDCC Level 3 Coach & Youth Assessor)
✅ 30-minute training session with Guy Reynolds (BDCC Level 2 Coach, Youth Assessor & List 3 Judge)

Whether you're aiming for squad selection, preparing for upcoming competitions, or simply looking to improve your partnership with your horse, this is a fantastic training opportunity not to be missed.

📍 Spurstow Hall
📅 17 June

🔗 Book your place now on Horse Monkey