I am available to lecture on any dressage related subject and will gear it to any type of audience from novice to advanced - and I can promise it won't be boring! Teaching with visual aids is not sufficiently appreciated by the equestrian community and yet I believe it is fundamental to the learning process since there are no distractions in an indoor environment. For each lecture, I use over 60 colour slides for in-depth subjects such as the use of the seat, the aids, the biomechanics of the horse in movement, outline, balance, how to lighten the forehand etc, as required. I have had wide lecturing experience, not only all over the UK but also in the USA including Equitana, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Audiences generally vary from 60 - l50 seated and we have a generous amount of time at the end for questions and answers on any dressage related subject. Favourite topics are:

THE HISTORY OF CLASSICAL DRESSAGE
THE STORY OF THE IBERIAN HORSE AND HIS INFLUENCE ON OTHER BREEDS
WHY THE CLASSICAL SEAT?
A KINDER WAY TO RIDE

Weight Aids Clinics

These workshops conducted indoors and without a horse are vital to the learning process. Step-by-step, we address posture and the theory and feel of riding to show the individual how all riding is governed by the same laws of balance which affect us in our every day movement off the horse's back. If this is not first addressed and corrected on the ground, it is unlikely the rider's aids can ever be fully understood by the horse since he will feel the smallest imbalance. Simple aids such as understanding the different feels for bend, forward, straightening, transitions to the more advanced aids for lateral work, canter changes, piaffe and passage can all be understood and improved on the ground.

Weight Aids Workshop Eden Hall 2002
Photo Courtesy of "Scotlands' Horse News"

Anyone wishing to run such a workshopin their area, should contact my office and we can then advise. There is no financial outlay involved since the venue hire fee and insurance will be included in the ticket price. The exercises are not violent so all age groups (within reason) are welcomed, but contenders must wear trainers and easy clothing. Each workshop lasts roughly 2.5-3 hours and we recommend from 15-25 people per workshop. There is fun and laughter between the serious moments and people go away with enormously improved body awareness and a great deal to THINK ABOUT. I have received so many letters from people (even advanced riders and trainers) saying their horse improved dramatically the next time they rode it, that I know these Clinics are hugely worthwhile.

Commentaries and Judging

Sylvia Loch with his Excellency the Portuguese Ambassador in London 1986

Again as a public speaker, I am well used to handling the microphone and although most judging is done silently, there are some riding clubs which prefer an informal approach where you judge and address an audience at the same time.

Judge Training and Teacher Training

Working with small groups and improving technique with visual aids and round table discussions etc is another facility to be shared on a wider scale. Anyone who is interested in organising any of the above, should please write to: