acebook

AUGUST 2022

Hi Everyone,
I’m still working, I just found that most of you keep up to date with Facebook so I’m tending to do any updates on there.

Hope you’ve all been having a good summer and coping with the heat. It has affected work as it’s been too hot and some schools have become too dry and deep to ride in. I’m pleased to say that I’ve been busy teaching on the simulator, which is now in Lingfield, it’s such a useful training aid and I’ve had lots of great feedback. Don’t under estimate what you can achieve and take away from a lesson on it.

Ligero is feeling very young and well despite having his 21st birthday. I could never have expected the journey he has taken me on when I brought him home 11 years ago. He is very special to me, but, I’m disappointed that he hasn’t been able to do all the things that I would have liked to have done. He just mentally doesn’t cope well going to different places and it’s made it quite restricting. I have respected what he has needed. I sometimes feel I could write a book about him, I’ve never known a horse like him and I’ve learnt a lot from him regarding horse behaviour, understanding and patience. I value the special bond that I have with him and still enjoy schooling and hacking him out.

I’m still doing the video lesson/discussions if you are miles away and we can’t get together and I’m happy to travel out of the area for clinics now life has returned to normal. So please get in touch if you are interested with any help with your horse. Wishing you all well with your horses.
Debbie

OCTOBER 2020

Well it’s been a year we won’t forget, and I hope you have all kept well and are coping with the Covid situation.

Last winter was a long wet one, I don’t think I have ever seen my fields so sloshy. Ligero appeared to have a slip in the field in November and was lame for the first time in our 10 years together. He injured his shoulder and after a few weeks rest and treatment he appeared sound again. However, he wasn’t himself and has taken a long time to recover. He is only just beginning to feel that he is truly on the mend. I thought that I may have had to retire him, but, he has looked so good working in hand and on the lunge that I was back on board in September. We suspect he may have had some nerve damage from his fall and it has been a worrying time. Every ridden session, so far, feels an improvement in his confidence and he does feel very comfortable in his body. Ligero is a very sensitive horse and always lets me know if something is wrong. I will be taking it slowly and carefully in the hope that he will be feeling fully recovered in the new year.
I enjoyed having such a lovely summer, and like many people, managed to get extra things done while teaching had to stop for a few months. It’s great to be back out working again now as I love my job and did miss it.

Sadly this month, the simulator I’ve been using for many years has moved out towards Reading. I’m hoping to still go and use it once it is set up in its new venue, if there is enough interest.

Best wishes to you all.

OCTOBER 2019

I’ve been having a good year, having attended a few clinics with Ligero and spectating at various clinics and demonstrations. I decided not to compete Ligero this year and just enjoy training him at home or on a clinic where he remains much more relaxed and happier.

When I’m out and about working or at an event, I’m often saddened to see horses having a bad time. Sometimes the riders are unaware of what they are doing and need help and others just seem cruel and thoughtless. It prompted me to write the post below for my Facebook page:

ARE YOU LISTENING ?

Horses are such generous animals, but, sadly often misunderstood. We so often hear comments like ‘he’s so lazy’ and ‘he’s being naughty’.

I take a very holistic view and see the horse is reacting because something isn’t right. There are numerous things that will cause the horse to be difficult to ride or handle. Sometimes the horse can work very comfortably and well to a level, but not beyond it. Knowing when to accept the horses limitations is important to be able to maintain its health and wellness.

Horses in discomfort will often compensate as much as possible and the unknowing rider will usually find themselves battling with the horse. If the rider would just stop and take the time to assess the situation, find out what is wrong and hopefully put it right, they would have a much happier horse and enjoy training together.

As a teacher/trainer I find it very rewarding to help in these situations and very sad when my comments are discarded. Problems vary greatly from simple issues to the more serious. Catching problems early will make a big difference to the outcome. Seeing a horse working happily with their rider makes my day. So please listen to your horse, his voice is in his actions.

Please check out my Facebook page for more regular updates and clinic dates.

https://www.facebook.com/DebbieMooreClassicalDressage/

MARCH 2019

Gosh, I didn’t realise that it’s been so long since I updated this page on my website. I have managed to get out to a few clinics with Ligero and he has been working well. He has just had his 18th birthday and is looking and feeling great for his age.

My teaching is keeping me busy and my clients have told me I must keep them up to date more on Facebook, so Please check out my Facebook page for news and clinic dates. Thank you.

https://www.facebook.com/DebbieMooreClassicalDressage/

JANUARY - AUGUST 2018

It was a slow start to the new year with the constant wet weather, and I think most of us were finding it hard to get motivated, it seemed to go on forever. As I write this the sun is out and it now seems a long time ago.

I did manage to have a super clinic with Ligero in March with Alex Cookson. It was lovely to get out and about, Ligero felt better than ever. He is now 17yrs old & he still keeps surprising me. He was a very distressed 10 year old when I took him on, and it has been a very interesting and rewarding journey. Over the years that I’ve owned him I’ve had people make comments about me not having a warm blood type and competing more. I didn’t go out to get a Spanish horse, I was just helping with his rehabilitation and ended up bringing him home. He has been difficult, but, only because he was so nervous and demanded more patience than I ever knew I had. He is a pleasure to own and train and has a lot of talent, however, progress has been slow at times due to his confidence issues and this also affects competing. He finds it hard to relax in a new environment. When it comes to competing, temperament is top of my list of requirements, and unfortunately, Ligero doesn’t have the ideal temperament for a competitive career. The training and what my horse needs means more to me than competing. If Ligero was more relaxed about it, I would do more.

In May I enjoyed 3 days watching Manolo Mendez training horses and riders at Dovecote in Oxford. It’s always an inspiring 3 days and held in a stunning venue and area, so it’s a lovely breakaway too. The improvement in the horses over the 3 days was amazing. There are regular clinics and demonstrations held at Dovecote throughout the year. Check out the website for details : www.dovecotestables.co.uk

I did venture out to compete in May, and having not been out competing since last September, Ligero was very tense. He still managed to be 2nd on 67.41% which was a nice surprise, as he had given me a difficult ride that day.

We then had a good time together on another training clinic with Alex in early June. Having those ‘eyes on the ground’, watching and discussing training with friends is so important and fun. We followed this clinic with another competition & Ligero won the elementary on 66.38%.

A quiet month followed as the summer weather became too hot for lessons unless they were very early or late in the day. The long dry spell was awful for the school and it began to feel too heavy to ride in. My paddocks had a lot of grass coverage and felt quite springy under foot, so I schooled Ligero in the fields with the sheep and he seemed to love it and really relaxed in his work.

It was so hot at Hickstead on the first few days we were melting. I taught on the simulator with another instructor in the BHS tent on the Wednesday. I was so glad that there were 2 of us to share the teaching as it gave us time to cool down between sessions.

As I don’t update my website often, it’s worth taking a look on my Facebook page for info on clinic dates and items of interest : Debbie Moore Dressage Trainer.

I’m still doing my Aloe Vera business and welcome any questions you have about it. I use many of the products daily on myself, dog and horses. The company is celebrating 40 years this year. They have always had a 60 day money back guarantee on all of their products and they have not been tested on animals. I think that says a lot about them. Please email or call me if you would like to know more.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017

It’s been a busy year, I finally completed my acupressure case studies and passed all my exams. My clinics have been well attended and Ligero has been working well and feeling good.

In October I travelled to Dovecote in Oxford with some clients to watch Manolo training for 3 days. It was another inspiring clinic and we all had a super time again.

Highly recommend you see him if you get the chance. A very special man.

I’ve also been enjoying my Aloe Vera business and seeing the benefit it can have for some people and their animals. The feedback has been positive and encouraging. I’m not a sales person so most people have been contacting me on recommendation, which is really nice.

In November came the very sad news that the TTT after 30 years is closing at the end of December this year. The news made me feel like a best friend had died. The membership is devastated as this has been a unique place for training and given us access to trainers we would not have been able to train with easily anywhere else.

It’s the only place that I know of where you would see continuity of riders and their horses over the years, and watch them develop their riding and train their horses through the levels. The friendships made will not be forgotten and very missed. People travelled from all over England to East Whipley Farm in Shamley Green for the regular clinics, training days and demonstrations. I’ve been lucky to live so nearby and able to drop in regularly, even if only for a few hours.

The last three events at the TTT were very well attended by the members. Arthur Kottas gave his last clinic in November, but, will be coming back to the Contessa Riding Centre in Hertfordshire next year. The Trainers day, also in November had a super turnout and, as always, Alex Cookson and Andrew Murphy presented an interesting day of theory and demonstration on transitions. The last TTT clinic was with Miguel Ralao in early December. It was so sad as the last horse left the school to know that it was the end of the TTT. We are all hoping that the work of the trust will continue in other areas and that Alex and Andrew will hold some clinics next year.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year    

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2017

These months have flown by and I still haven't completed all my case studies! Always so much to do and never enough time. The mild winter has been good for training with very few teaching days cancelled due to weather. Ligero has been ticking over and feeling very well in himself, we've just got back from a few days training with Andrew Murphy at the TTT. It's always so nice to get some eyes on the ground and work through exercises to help Ligero continue to remain supple and healthy.

I'm enjoying the clinics that I teach and I am looking forward to doing one for Bookham Riding Club in April. Please contact me if you would like to organise one for your yard or club.

From March onwards the TTT has a busy programme of training days where spectators are always welcome.

10 - 13 March - Charles de Kunffy will be teaching daily.

Sunday evening 12th March - Charles will be giving a lecture demonstration on 'The correct use of the leg, seat and rein - The riders tool kit..

14th March - Trainers Day with Charles.

For full details - www.ttttrust.com

Also worth a look, check out www.dovecotestables.co.uk for their annual programme.

Charles will be doing a training day there with Andrew Murphy in March following on from his TTT clinic. A beautiful venue in Chipping Norton, Oxford.

In April the TTT will be hosting a joint seminar with Stephen Clarke and Miguel Ralao again due to it being a huge success last year.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2016

October started with another outing to compete at Pachesham EC in a few more elementary tests. Ligero won one test on 69.82%, his best mark at this level. He was unsettled in the next test and was unplaced with 65.73%. In the last few months he has felt so much more confident and we are having fun.

The weather has been lovely this autumn and great for riding. Every year is so different, it's hard to make plans for winter clinics with so few indoor schools available. We will organise dates and hope that we won't be affected by bad weather.

Dates for your diary:

7th & 8th December - Miguel Ralao Clinic
Wednesday 9am - 6pm. Thursday 8am - 3.30pm

All spectators welcome. To be held at East Whipley Farm, Shamley Green, GU5 0TE
Tickets available on the door or www.ttttrust.com

Over the next few months I have to knuckle down to doing case studies for my acupressure course. I have been enjoying learning all about it, feeling and seeing the results. I just need more hours in the day!

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and have a great New Year.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2016

Competing at the Iberian Performance Show   -   Photography by Danny Berta

The last few months have flown by. In August I took Ligero to the Iberian Performance Show at Merrist Wood and he won the Ridden PRE gelding class for the second time there. This has become an annual event for Iberian owners, now in its fourth year, and is well run by Sherene Rahmatallah and her team.

1 - 3 September I had a super 3 days at Dovecote in Oxford watching Manolo Mendez again. He really is a very special man who works with the horses so kindly and patiently. At times the audience were moved to tears, you had to be there to understand and see it for yourself. Six of my clients from Chobham came up together and stayed for two days and a few others made it for a day. They all went home truly inspired and have since been working their horses in hand as well as riding. With the youngest being only 14 years old, it's brought a smile to my face every time when they tell me that they 'Manoloed their horse this week'. This is a new term which the girls have made up, if you ever get a chance to meet and watch Manolo, you will understand. Thank you Manolo for being such an inspiration!

This month I also took Ligero back out competing at Elementary. It was our first dressage competition in about 18 months, so I couldn't believe it when I heard we had won both tests! He was still a bit spooky, but generally much more focused. If he could stay more with me throughout the tests I could really improve our marks.

That outing was quickly followed by a really beneficial clinic at the TTT with Alex Cookson. Having eyes on the ground and a trainer who understands where I'm at with Ligero makes all the difference. Since Ligeros accident about 2 years ago, he has found half pass difficult, so I haven't pushed him. I returned to basics and although he now feels super to ride and happy, he still feels hesitant when we venture into half pass. He never appears or feels lame, he just becomes a bit blocked and loses his throughness. That's why I've only been out at elementary. I've accepted that he may not be able to advance despite his collection developing to a higher level and his confidence improving all the time. Alex suggested exercises that had a good effect on encouraging Ligero to step through correctly into a few half pass steps. That's where those 'eyes on the ground' benefit us so much. I'm hoping that Ligero is just holding back mentally rather than physically and by continuing to take it gently and getting his confidence we will be able to move forward. I injured my right shoulder a few years ago and basically it's fine unless I move into a certain range of movement, then I am in trouble and it becomes painful. I can understand that it's not going to be any different for a horse, just hope Ligero doesn't feel like me and will be able to advance.

With my Chobham clients and Manolo Mendez

MAY - JUNE 2016

At the end of May we travelled up to Liverpool to watch Manolo Mendez training horses and riders of all levels. What should have been about a 4hr journey took us 8! It was worth it. We had a super few days, the weather was great and we had a bit of a holiday too. It is such a pleasure to watch Manolo with the horses, he has a kind, understanding manner and really cares about the horses well being at all times. Manolo will be back in England 1st - 3rd September at Dovecote in Oxford. Highly recommend attending if you have the time to go.

In June I was lucky and managed to get a riding place on Stephen Clarke's clinic at the TTT. We worked mainly on keeping Ligero focused and really through to the contact. Ligero has always been very difficult to train as he is very sensitive and can become nervous in new environments. This has improved immensely over the years and has been a disadvantage in competition. I have found his slow progress disappointing, but, I respect that not every horse can be what we want it to be. Most people would probably sell and get another one, that's not for me. I value the very special partnership I have with Ligero and I feel we have fun together, even if he is not as advanced as I would like. He feels so comfortable in his body and riding a horse that feels happy is just the best!

Ligero then had a holiday while I attended an acupressure course later in June. I was inspired to learn about acupressure last summer in Munich when I met Manolo and the late Dr Kerry Ridgway. Over the two day seminar last year, I watched several horses each day being assessed and treated with acupuncture. The results were amazing and Dr Ridgway emphasised that applying acupressure on the points was as effective.

Debbie and Manolo Mendez

The course I attended was through Tallgrass Acupressure Institute. People had come from all over the world as well as far and wide in the UK to attend. I was lucky that the venue was fairly local to me. There is so much to learn and understand, I just have to keep doing it, studying and learning whenever I can - I'm trying. I've done some interesting case studies, which I have to do and submit as part of my exams, thanks to many of my clients who have let me use their horses. I've still got quite a few to do, it's really interesting and I'm looking forward to completing my course work and exams.

Looking ahead - July is usually a quiet month for me and holiday time. August will pick up again with more clinic dates booked. The Iberian Show at Merrist Wood is on for 3 days 19th - 21st August. I hope to take Ligero on one day.

Looking forward to Manolo at Dovecote early September and then clinics start at the TTT with Charles de Kunffy on the 9th. Spectators are welcome at both venues and much can be learnt from watching.

Training with Stephen Clarke   -   Photos by Su Burrows from desk jockeys

JANUARY - MAY 2016

The year started with the very sad news of the death of Dr Kerry Ridgway on the 3rd January. A very special man who will be missed by people all over the world. I feel so privileged to have met him last year and watched him work for two days. He inspired me to learn about acupressure and I am now on a course.

I had my first outing with Ligero in February. A two day training clinic with Alex Cookson at the TTT. Ligero felt happy to be out again, we hadn't been out since last April! We had a constructive two days and the weather even stayed dry for us.

In March we went back to the TTT for a clinic with Charles de Kunffy. Ligero was very unsettled and difficult to train. We found some soreness in his right quarter and came home very disappointed. After a week off and a visit from Osteopath Nigel Hole and Equine Body Worker Diane Daynes he was back on form.

There have been some super training days and seminars held at Dovecote in Oxford and, more locally, at the TTT in March and April. These two venues have a full calendar of events worth attending to further your knowledge, keep an eye on their websites for details.

As I write this its mid May and at last the fields have dried out and it's warm and sunny. I've even been able to ride in the fields, which Ligero seems to enjoy. The soft turf gives him a cadence that feels airborne!

At the end of the month I'm away to Liverpool to watch Manolo Mendez training. A long way to go, but, he is amazing.

If I remember correctly, Dr Ridgway referred to him as the Magic Man. Unfortunately it's too far to take Ligero, we are hoping that we can get Manolo to come further south on his next visit. He is based in Australia, so he doesn't come very often.

I have a new clinic venue in Chobham. Please see the clinic page for details.

I am always happy to travel further to do clinics, please do contact me if you would like to organise one.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2015

Ligero has made a full recovery and feels great. I am not planning to go anywhere until the new year as Ligero needs time to return to work gradually and rebuild his fitness.

There are several clinic dates coming up at the TTT and at Dovecote Stables which will be interesting to watch. Check out their websites for what's on.

www.ttttrust.com
www.equinethos.co.uk

JULY 2015

After the unpleasant experience last month, it was enlightening to attend a brilliant 2 day symposium held in Munich with Dr Kerry Ridgway, Manolo Mendez and Col Christian Carde. The symposium was 'Optimizing Horses Straightness, Balance & Performance Through Fascia Retraining & Postural Rehabilitation'. It was organised by Caroline Larrouilh, principal of Proud Horse Connections.

It was held at Schwaiganger, Bavaria's State Stud Farm. It is an active Stud Farm and hosts many events throughout the year.

Schwaiganger is Bavaria's State Stud Farm, Ohlstadt, Germany

Anja and Debbie with Manolo Mendez

The hacking was lovely from Keepers Cottage Stables in Winterfold

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2015

Ligero was feeling his best ever and I was looking forward to the Spring and getting out to clinics and some competitions. In February Ligero had a freak fall when he spooked on the lunge. It was a horrid fall and I was very surprised that he did not appear lame after it. I knew he would definitely not be unhurt from such a fall. He was assessed by the Physio and an Osteopath and nothing too bad was found - I was surprised. A little time off and gentle in-hand exercise for a few weeks with a careful return to work is the plan.

In March Charles de Kunffy was at the TTT to do his annual clinic and demonstration. We are so lucky to get to meet and learn from Charles so regularly. He extended his UK visit this month to also teach in Oxford, so I went to another super training day at Dovecote Stables in Oxford with some clients.

Andrew Murphy, Charles de Kunffy and Gerd Heuschmann came together for the first time to give an inspiring day of lectures, discussion and demonstrations on Classical Training. As always, these informative days show why it is so important to understand the biomechanics of horse and rider and to adhere to classical principles.

Andrew Murphy, Charles de Kunffy and Gerd Heuschmann at Dovecote

JANUARY 2015

Since last September I have been very busy helping family and doing executors duties. Ligero has been ticking over in his work and we have been chilling out at home. Work has been steady and rewarding, with horses and riders making good progress over the last few months.

As mentioned in my last news, I had a few more clinics and a competition before the winter set in. Our last competition was a bit of a disaster - Ligero was very unsettled and not like his usual happy self. Disappointing, but we can all have a bad day and that was one of them. A few days later we were on a training clinic at the TTT and Ligero was super.

In October we were very lucky to get places on a 2 day clinic with Stephen Clarke again at the TTT. Stephen is always so helpful and encouraging. He treats every horse and rider as a valued partnership, and gets great results with his training. Ligero has continued to develop more collection in his canter work and feel very happy in himself.

There are many training days and clinics coming up at the TTT in Shamley Green, Surrey ( www.ttttrust.com ) and at The Dovecote Stables in Chipping Norton, Oxford ( www.equinethos.co.uk ).

JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2014

It has been a lovely summer and I've kept very busy teaching, training and competing. Ligero has been much more confident and he has been averaging 65% in Elementary tests. There always seems to be something that will spook him in the arena, but, generally he has been much better. With many marks of 7 and 8, it's frustrating when he loses attention and marks. He could do so well if he would just stay with me all the time. Having said that, he has been improving every time we have been out.

We went to the Iberian Performance show at Merrist Wood on 24th August. Ligero won his showing class for Ridden Pre Gelding. He did feel great that day and seems to enjoy being in the arena with other horses.

We did qualify for the Area Festivals at Elementary and went to Pachesham on the 25th August to compete. I think we were both a bit tired from the day before and it was a horrid wet windy day. We came 10th with 65.6%. I know we could have done much better but I went wrong in my test and it disturbed Ligero.

We had a super clinic with Charles de Kunffy in early September and also participated in the evening Lecture Demonstration. Charles had me introducing some piaffe work in our training sessions and Ligero felt like he had found a new gear on this clinic. He feels so much stronger and confident in his work. I was very pleased with him in the demonstration as he didn't spook at the gallery full of people !

In September we will be at the TTT for a few days of training and have one more competition.

There is a programme of training at the TTT from now through to December. Spectators are very welcome. Check out their website for details TTT.

FEBRUARY - MAY 2014

The wet start to the year continued and the first training clinic that we were to attend was cancelled the day before due to the indoor school flooding! February went very quickly and the weather was not encouraging for making too many plans, especially when you have a grey horse who may need a bath. Having said that, Ligero does stay very clean most of the time.

In March I took Ligero to the TTT to ride on the Charles de Kunffy Clinic and we took part in Charles Trainers Day Demonstration. These, as always, were very helpful sessions and Charles gave us much to work on. Spectators are welcome at all the Clinics at the TTT and there is a busy annual programme. There is a Training Day with lectures and demonstrations on 2nd June - check out the website for details TTT.

As the weather began to improve I felt it was time to get out and compete in late April. All ready to go and Ligero caught his shoe and ended up a bit foot sore for a few days. This happened the day before and I had to withdraw. Very disappointing, but that's life with horses!

Ligero was back on form in time for 2 days training with Stephen Clarke in May. He felt great and worked with much more confidence. My favourite comment from Stephen was "your horse

Schooling Falik. She is a Norwegian Fjord who is recovering from an injury. It is the first time that I have worked with this breed. They are very versatile gentle horses and Falik is part of a special team used for equine assisted therapy for people with special needs.

Photo by Christian Doyle

OCTOBER 2013 - JANUARY 2014

I've had a quiet autumn and winter with Ligero. The stormy wet weather has made training difficult and he has been ticking over in light work for the last few months. I don't have any outings planned until the spring.

Much of my work recently has been remedial referrals. It is a very rewarding part of my work and I really enjoy helping the horses and owners get back on track.

The clinics at Bridge House will start up again in March ( see the clinic page for dates ). I would like to do more clinics and I am happy to travel to other areas to do them. If you have any ideas for future clinics, please let me know.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year and look forward to helping you with your horses in 2014.