Great Oak Equestrian

Entries are now LIVE on My Riding Life for our spring hunter trial at Geldeston. Classes 2, 4, 5 and 6 are Eland Lodge National Hunter Trial Qualifiers 😍
Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you all 🤩

Photographer will be Emily Harris Photography

In order for this event to run we are looking for some volunteers for jump judges - please message the page if you’re available for this!!

https://www.myridinglife.com/eventdetails.aspx?id=548096&fbclid=IwVERDUARN3c5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEedNQnlPWa_SrqKcRgG4WDfZpivjf_ujw4qdB-2IBFwKT6v42M24npTt0_j9Y_aem_TApD23dva4DHxn_XG5dBzQ

Today we clipped Piggy. Thanks for your help Evie Morgan 😀

I love this.

𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠
As a coach in-training, I’ve discovered how powerful visual language can be in the arena. Being a visual learner myself, I’ve found that using imagery helps riders connect with what their body should feel often more effectively than technical instructions alone. It encourages a positive, confident atmosphere while improving technique naturally.

Here are a few of phrases to use during practice ( Kids sometimes find it hard to understand my Irish accent🤣):

“𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐞𝐚.”
This helps riders keep their hands soft and steady. It creates the image of carrying something delicate, which promotes quiet, level hands and light contact on the reins.

“𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨.”
This encourages upper body awareness. Rather than turning with the hands alone, riders lead with their torso, guiding the horse with their whole body.

“𝐒𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐞𝐝.”
This phrase reminds riders to sit with confidence and balance, without stiffness. It encourages a proud, upright posture while staying supple.

“𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬.”
This is useful for softening tense or rigid arms. It creates a sense of freedom and movement, especially at trot or canter, helping the rider stay in sync with the horse.

These cues don’t just teach form, they help riders feel their position and timing. They make the lesson more engaging, and the corrections easier to remember. One thing I love about Pony Club!

Do you have a phrase you use or used when you learning to ride 😃

Last Saturday we had a little Easter fun show at the yard. We had showing, dressage, showjumping,cross country and even an Easter Egg hunt.
What a fab day it was! Huge thanks to Laura and Sacha for organising and to all the customers and staff for their hard work preparing.

There were prizes for the championship and a huge thanks to Di Tye from Four Legs & Two for donating vouchers.

I’ve been very slow posting this but we had a great day delivering BHS Road Safety course delivered by Sarah Abbs. Well done to all those that passed 👍🏻