About Us
Our beliefs and methods are put simply, to work with the horse both physically and mentally making the equine experience for any rider as fun and easy possible...
Riding
Our aim in the training of the rider of any age or level is to achieve both balance and cooperation, using largely Classical Principles (as used in the magnificent Spanish Riding School), alongside some of the more recent developments in understanding how the rider can work bio-mechanically with the horse. This may sound very technical and fancy but using these methodologies leads to a much easier life in the long run!
We work toward this balance and cooperation in a physical sense, all the while pushing for an understanding from the rider of the horses view on the world, the way they see the tasks they are being asked to perform and the environment in which this occurs.
The harmony this method works toward helps all from the happy hacker to the aspiring competition rider as the relationship is greatly improved and level of trust between the two means they can take on the world, no matter how big their particular world may be!
Following on from these beliefs I have become a member of both the Classical Riding Club and Enlightened Equitation. Please visit the official websites for more information on these institutions http://www.classicalriding.co.uk/ http://www.enlightenedequitation.com/index.html
Please do not feel that the above only applies to the experienced rider as these ideals can be and at Robins Nest are utilised from the 1st time anyody sits on a horses back and the level of progress from day one is astonishing!
Horse Care
We aim to look after all of our horses and ponies as if each is the only one we have... in short to 'spoil them all rotten' in the best possible way... the way which is best for them.
We believe strongly that the horse in its natural state had things pretty much sorted, but since our intervention and domestication of the once wild equine the best way to care for the horse is to strike a compromise and consider both the wild animals needs and instincts whilst keeping in mind they are no longer roaming the plains.
Every aspect of care of our horses is carefully considered and refined, from rugging to feed every detail is considered to meet our herds emotional, physical and mental needs. We pass on this knowledge and expertise in individual and group horse care sessions and are planning on launching horse care certificates soon.
Groundwork Groundwork can be seen as a vague description as anything done with a horse when you are not on its back, and generally is dismissed as something to be done only when you can not ride. BUT! Groundwork is an incredibly useful tool to have at your disposal and takes many different forms.
Lunging is one of the most commonly used method of training from the ground and can be useful in rehabilitation, schooling of young horses and general exercise. but we believe it is BY FAR more useful if undertaken with 2 lines!
Double lunging is not something you come across very often but is an incredibly satisfying activity for you and is far more interesting and gives much clearer instruction to the horse. Horses like to know what is being asked of them and double lunging is a far more engaging activity for them to take part in. We offer instruction on this enjoyable technique, and also on single line lunging as a starting point for both handler and horse.
Natural Horsemanship is a term beginning to gain credibility in the equestrian world, but more importantly gives us another avenue to pursue when interacting with and training our horses.
Many ideologies profess to be ‘the only way’ or ‘the true way’. At Robins Nest we do not subscribe to a single methodology, but see each equine as an individual and take the appropriate methods which we expect to work in each individual situation. The overall aim being to communicate the required message to the horse or pony in question, be it to gain trust, build respect and therefore manners or simply overcome a particular fear or issue.
We work with our horses ourselves on a regular basis and offer coaching sessions on this interesting area of groundwork.
Play is another important part of spending time with our equine pals, but unfortunately is more often than not 
overlooked as a frivolous exercise, when in reality it helps our horses relax around us, let their hair down and see us as a fun member of their extended herd rather than a task master 24-7.
It really is incredible how much many horses appreciate us taking just 15 minutes out of our busy day to have a bit of fun, and smile with them! We can demonstrate & teach you how to do this.
Natural Horsemanship and Play can be rolled into one in school sessions, using obstacles, poles, small jumps and other things normally left for the ridden session. This not only helps the trust between human and equine, but stimulates the fun element, develops an incredible bond between the horse and its owner, and also gives you and your horse a physical workout better than any gym! We even dance with a couple of our own horses during these sessions. I kid you not!
If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about any of our sessions then please get in touch!