Competed up to Advanced Medium Level in able bodied competitions, Nicola is a Group 5 BD Rider, having taught both able bodied and disabled for many years now. Both beginners and the more advanced riders, can benefit from Nicola's guidance every step of the way about what they should be feeling when and why.
Dressage Training & Coaching
Qualified and Experienced
- British Dressage Registered Coach.
- Paralympic, World, European & National Champion.
- 1 to 1 training (improving flatwork of all levels for both able-bodied and disabled, from beginners - advanced (Either mobile or on all weather riding surface).
- Riding for the Disabled (RDA).
- Each lesson tailor made to suit each individual and in a relaxed but focused atmosphere.
- Flat Work Clinics Specialising in Position, Way of going and Test Riding.
- 45 minute Sessions explaining every step of the way. Teaching from the heart and from my 17 years experience as an International Rider.
British Dressage Registered Coach
As Co-ordinator for the Skilled Development Programme for Para Dressage Wales with Disability Sport Wales, my role is to work, train, support and mentor the choosen athletes and help produce future stars.
Objectives
- To encourage young riders to make the next steps towards competing in British Dressage Para Equestrian competition and entry onto the talent pathway.
- To assist para classifiable riders within RDA groups, pony club and other equestrian organisations in Wales who wish to access further training in order to be able to compete in Para Equestrian competitions for the 1st time.
- To provide training for riders who have the potential to represent Wales at the BD para equestrian Home International.
Testimonials
"Anyone who can interest a teenage boy who only really loves jumping in dressage has to be an excellent instructor. Nicola is patient, flexible, encouraging and in my son’s own words “what she says works” – highly recommended!"
"After a 12 year break from horses and a newly acquired youngster I was keen to start having regular lessons. Nicola was recommended to me by several people and since my first lesson six months ago , both myself and my horse Murphy have made amazing progress I didn't think was possible in such a short time. Nicola is an extremely knowledgeable, patient and highly effective instructor, making each lesson enjoyable for both myself and my horse. Her enthusiasm and energy that she puts into each lesson has improved both mine and Murphy's confidence tenfold. I now have lots of goals for the future to aim for and with Nicola's instruction I feel sure I will achieve."
"Nic has coached my 12 year old daughter, who is a Para Dressage rider for just over 2 years. Having a coach who has competed at the highest level and also understands the complexities of how different disabilities affect both horse and rider has been invaluable. Leonie loves her lessons with Nic, and knows she will need to work hard to get results. Highly recommended!"
"I started training with Nicola in order to improve my flat work for jumping. Now, several years later I appear to have converted to a dressage rider and it turns out that dressage can be an enjoyable experience rather than 'that thing that you must endure before the jumping.' In the years that I have trained with Nicola I have gone from unaffiliated to representing Wales at the senior home internationals. Nicola has to take a lot of credit for this! She has an amazing ability to improve a horse's way of going - getting incredible results, and if one way doesn't work there always seems to be another trick up her sleeve. Being a competitor herself she can relate to those competition nerves and knows how to get the best from both horse and rider. Certainly recommended for riders of all levels!"
"My daughter and I find Nicola to be encouraging and helpful. She really concerntrates on the correct way of going and straightness of the pony. My daughter has grown in confidence and enthusiasm which she lost in dressage last year and she intends to start competing again in BD. Nicola is kind and sympathetic with the pony and rider, there are no shortcuts and that is how it should be. I have also had a lesson with Nicola and cannot recommend enough how she dealt with an unbalanced, unfit middle aged rider and horse! I intend to continue. Thank you."