Here at Barguse Riding Centre, we not only provide informative riding lessons on our school horses but also cater for the private horse owner who wishes to develop their skills further.

We are proud to be able to offer access to some of the top trainers in both dressage and jumping. Barguse is unique in being able to provide training for all levels of rider from complete beginner to the most experienced horse owner.

Lisa Todd

I first began my riding career concentrating on BS jumping and BE eventing. However, her passion for dressage was triggered after she was fortunate to take some lessons with the late Franz Rochowansky (former Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School) as a teenager. Thus, began a long and at times painful journey discovering the intricacies of dressage and the various training techniques. Some more successful than others!!

matt-on-henry

I’ve been fortunate to have had training with some of the UK’s top trainers. However, it was through purchasing a Woodlander horse that I was introduced to Michael Beining when Lynne Crowden of Woodlander Stud donated some lessons. It was a major turning point in my riding and training career. Despite having trained and competed from novice to advanced level with some success, I noticed that my horses were going in a completely different way despite not always being mentally or physically designed to do the job and the results were beginning to get noticed!

Total credit has to go to German dressage trainer, Michael Beining, who taught me the correct use of the seat and fully understanding the German Scales of Training. It sparked the start of my interest and love for the bio-mechanics of the horse and rider and why it is important to understand how the two must work together to create a harmonious combination. I realized that in order to be able to ride a horse effectively, certain tools needed to be in place and without those elements, the chances of success were diminished. The focus on these basics is often overlooked with the emphasis normally on the horse rather than improving the skill set of the rider. This awareness helped not only to shape my riding but also how I approached my coaching.

I love teaching all levels of rider including para and have a particular interest in teaching junior riders, many, of whom are now doing really well in dressage, SJ & XC competitions and are interestingly always complimented on how well they sit in the saddle and use their seat!!

At Barguse, we pride ourselves in producing riders from beginners to advanced. We have a strong junior base and once our junior riders have a solid grounding in the basics we offer them more specialized training in the three disciplines.

It does require discipline to want to achieve the correct way of going without taking shortcuts. She hopes to convey to her pupils that although it’s hard work and at times frustrating, that the benefits long term for both the horse and rider are worth it. That is that the horse develops into a calm, happy, supple and flexible athlete who is willing to work with its rider rather than dealing with being pulled and “held” into position!

It has to be a more pleasant experience for all concerned! Providing your foundations are sound, the rest will be comparatively easy!