Hello, and welcome to my blog.
I don't know how you got here- but then I guess it doesn't matter.
Whether you are here looking for help, or just to find out more please keep reading and if you need more information on anything, just ask.
I have been involved in horses for the last 20 years, and in the brass band world for the last 10.
My experience of horses extends beyond their day to day care - I have a degree in Animal Nutrition and am qualified through the Pony Club to teach. I have been teaching for the last 5 years, and thoroughly enjoy it. I believe that many instructors teach children like children, and that this ends up holding back their progress. So I teach adults and children in the same way, just modifying the language and pace to suit the individual.
I also believe that the mind is the most powerful tool that a rider has, and I aim to get every rider I teach to use their mind to their advantage. It's amazing how much a spot of determination helps get a horse to co-operate, or how well 'thinking slow' can steady a trot without losing impulsion.
I have been involved in the last year with developing a new range of horse feed supplements, which has been really interesting. The products are due to go on sale shortly via White Horse Nutrition which is part of A-One Feed Supplements who will be making the supplements. The supplements are all high quality and do not contain any fillers or by-products that have no nutritional value.
My riding experience is varied, but largely centers around Hunting, Eventing and cross-country. I have schooled on a large number of horses and my current horse is 12year old, 16.2hh Irish Draft, Ronnie. I have had him since 2004 and we have done everything and he tries hard to please. We mostly hunt and event but do a little show jumping and even the occasional dressage test.
My Musical background is equally varied, although I have possibly had less formal tuition than a9lot of people. I started learning to play the flute aged 9, and had lessons all the way through until I was 18, reaching grade 7 along the way. I played in a number of duets, quartets etc, and played 1st flute in Northallerton Area Schools Wind Orchestra until I was 15, including a tour to Paris and a couple of Massed Schools Bands events.
At around 13 I started teaching myself to play the clarinet when my little sister stopped playing, but I never really did anything with it, I only played for fun.
At 15 I saw an advert in the local paper that had been placed by Yarm and District Brass Band (now Lockwood Brass Band) who were wanting to recruit young players to boost their numbers. They were willing to provide the instrument if the player provided the enthusiasm and dedication. I signed up, and after an half hour lesson I was left to get on with it. I played with YDBB for 3 years, and played in national and regional finals with them on 2nd and 3rd cornet.
I then had a break whilst I was at university and whilst I settled into a new job. In Feb 2007 I joined Northallerton Silver Band, initially as a 2nd cornet. By the end of the first week I was playing repiano where I remained for 8 months, then I was moved to front row to play 1st cornet. Then in Jan 2008 I was made Principal (Solo) Cornet. I'm still not as convinced of my ability as the rest of the band seem to be, but maybe that's more to do with my confidence than anything else!
In the coming days/weeks/months I shall be posting information about Horse Feeds, Stable Management, Riding, and if you're really lucky even some Photos. I will also be passing comment on our upcoming concerts and rehearsals.
