Testimonials

"When we first started, you would completely shut down, go introverted and not respond to me at all, whether negatively or positively. You became rigid, both mentally and physically. And that was your feedback. You would become fixated on what was not working, and instead of working through the discomfort, you would slam on brakes and we would have to change tactics completely. You were one of the most shut-down students I had ever worked with, which often pushed my emotional fitness.

Now, you talk and give feedback whilst you are working through things. You ride through the discomfort to the other side, and it happens quicker and quicker. You show up, mentally and physically, even when you don't really want to. You do the hard work and are prepared to give it all you can, and take full responsibility for your journey with Commander. I always know you will come back having analysed what has happened, and taken responsibility for what you are doing, and we will leap forward.

You have a unique understanding of what it is to work through and trust in the process, even when you don't know what the outcome will look like. The feedback you give now is always eye-opening for me, and I love our interactions. You are a dedicated and committed student with a "need to know". And even in the face of unsolicited advice and snide comments, you have kept your head and never lost focus.

The biggest take-away for me has been to allow students (and horses) to warm up before getting into the work. To think about what I am saying, isolate and separate the information I give. And allow students to try, so that we can both see what is working and what isn't, rather than instructing their every move. And that grit wins out every time - sometimes when it’s shit, you just have to keep going until it’s not shit anymore!

You are one of my students that I admire the most, without question. What you are now capable of doing is inspiring and I know how hard won it has been. You have lived the change and done the hard work, and continue to keep improving yourself. You are willing to take chances on yourself, which means you will definitely do that for people you work with. The person you are today has transformed over the past 4 years, and it has been amazing to walk next to you through it."

(BH - my amazing instructor, who has the patience of a saint, and EQ for days. Thank you for walking this journey with me, and I look forward to where it leads us next!)

“When I first met you and your beautiful boy, Phoenix, you told me great stories of what you had both achieved over the years. Sadly it was time to let Phoenix have an easier life, but you took it in your stride and ensured he remained stimulated and happy. You cared for him first. Always.

Commander came along with a big bang, and he is a whole lot of horse! You knew he had to be yours, and sure as anything, he was. He needed so much love and so much care. He came from a dark place. You took all the time to make sure he was happy and secure with you. Once again you put your horse first.

You’ve always been a beautiful rider. Elegance and class. Commander at first was slightly intimidating for you but you rose to the challenge and you work together in harmony. So beautiful to watch. And with this partnership your courage has come back so strong and you always push yourself just a little bit further every day! I am beyond proud of how far you and Commander have come.

You have over the years become a determined and courageous rider, but you have never changed your concern for the horse first. Your love and care is like no other and your boys are blessed to have you as their Mom. You are my ultimate outride partner and I love the time with you. You are brave and love a long fun ride with your boy! How blessed am I to be able to spend this time with you. I can’t wait for many more.

Congratulations for this journey so far! I am so excited for the year ahead for your riding, as I know you have so many amazing things planned with Commander.”

(JW, Kyalami, South Africa)

I have had the privilege of knowing Natalie and her horses since July 2015, and the change that I have seen in her riding has been remarkable. She has always worked in a high-pressure environment, which manifested into anxiety, which translated into her riding. Being exceptionally goal driven, she would become easily frustrated when she felt that she had not achieved what she had set out to achieve in a lesson. On outrides, she was nervous, making it more of an ordeal as opposed to a fun experience.

Although I no longer ride with her on a regular basis, I have seen a significant change in her riding over the past 18 months. She has selected the perfect instructor to assist her, and together they have accomplished and exceeded huge goals with her Warmblood partner, Commander. Her soul-horse Thoroughbred, Raise a Phoenix (affectionately known as Mr. P), is in retirement, but also benefits from the same principles and practices, translated into groundwork only.

On the occasions that we have met up for outrides, Natalie is relaxed, less tense, enjoying the company of her horse and generally having a good time! Should the occasional unfortunate incident happen (where Commander has spooked and she has fallen off), she now laughs, stands up, brushes off the dust, climbs back on and off they go! Seeing that return of her sense of humour, relaxation and riding with less tension is what I see as having changed the most in her riding over the years!

They no doubt still have goals, but the pressure she puts on herself and her horse to achieve them isn’t as intense. I believe that Commander and Natalie have their own secret laughs on their rides together! It’s a joy to behold.

(DM, Lonehill, South Africa)

I have been stabling with Natalie for the last four years and really got to know her in that time. Her beloved Phoenix was retired soon after I moved to the yard, and she started riding Commander. I have seen her grow in confidence and ability over the years, and admire her courage and stamina, as he is not the easiest of horses. Natalie has always been insightful of people and her animals, and is a graceful and accomplished rider.

I adopted a rescue from the NSPCA three years ago. Little Flag was two at the time and was starved and abused. He has turned into the most beautiful little horse and was easy to back. But as his strength and confidence grew, so did his attitude. I discovered that his trigger is pain, and even the smallest thing would set him off, turning him into an uncontrollable mount. My confidence and nerve disappeared, and I started avoiding working with Flag.

Natalie has been in a similar position and offered to help me. She is absolutely amazing, and in just 5 coaching sessions, she has taken me from a dark place back to the sunlight. My confidence is returning, and Flag is less able to push my buttons, now we have identified them. He will always be an intelligent, sensitive little horse, but I have finally found a coach who is giving me the tools to cope with his personality. I was ready to throw in the towel but now I am, once again, looking forward to this journey with Flag. Thanks for rescuing me.

(ER, Edenvale, South Africa)