2025 Bonkers and Brilliance

It’s the time of the year to reflect on all that’s happened over the last 12 months and to start thinking ahead to goals for the New Year. Sit back and enjoy the read (long message alert).

January: It was a bit of a slow start to 2025 with a few clinics cancelled due to the weather, who would have thought there would be storms in January! I did manage a clinic in Tadcaster which went very well. I set off for a weekend of clinics in Scotland for SSA Area 9 (Southern and Central Scotland) in the height of Storm Éowyn, all was going ahead as planned but as I approached Ferry Bridge, 4 hours into the journey northbound, I heard that the clinics were having to be abandoned, not least because the roof of the indoor school we were meant to be using had been blown off in the storm. A quick stop to regroup at the services and drove another 4 hours to get myself back home! So much for January.

February: With fingers crossed for a better month, we started off with the first of several mechanical horse clinics at Hartpury, always a good time of year to have a refocus and tidy up of rider position in the comfort of being indoors and also an ideal opportunity for those new to side saddle to get started in an ultra safe environment. 

There were a variety of clinics at Tadcaster, Carlisle and in SSA Area 1 (Northern Scotland).

March: If February wasn’t busy enough, March proved to be even more so. We held clinics in Clitheroe and Beverley where there were a few new (to them) saddles exchanging hands in preparation for the year ahead. A new clinic took place in Newbury, gathering some people previously taught as individual lessons which worked well and a re-visit to the Hartpury mechanical horse. March also saw my first trip of the year to SSA Area 21 (Northern Ireland), the team here had new people generated from “have a go” days, so it was great to see some new attendees joining. March ended with a very busy weekend heading to Carlisle (Greenlands) and Area 9 again (first time at newly roofed Totley Wells) but added in an Area 1 visit as well to finish off. The mileage on my poor car!

April: Thankfully a (slightly) quieter month with another trip to SSA Area 21 getting riders fine-tuned with a pre-Royal Balmoral Show clinic, there were numerous individual lessons and more clinics in Clitheroe & Tadcaster. Just to prove I have life outside side saddle, I also managed a lovely long weekend in Rome.

The previous three months of the year are always one of my busiest times of year as everyone starts gearing up for the forthcoming show season and this year was no exception. Goals were discussed and set, training plans created and everyone was now eagerly anticipating the show season getting underway.

May: A particular highlight of my equestrian year, happened in May with SSA Camp North taking place again, this year was hosted at Bolerno, near Edinburgh. Wonderfully organised by the phenomenal team of SSA Area Chairman and Secretary, Steve and Karrie McGill, 30 riders joined this eagerly awaited event. I was one of the team of instructors, with riders all receiving 3 lessons across the camp before taking part in the show on the final day. It is such a fun few days, new friendships are formed, great camaraderie, lots of laughter and, of course, the chance for riders to really develop their riding through having more intensive training.

June: SSA Area 5 in Northamptonshire hosted a “Have a Go clinic” which was a great success and I would recommend all areas to try these out to encourage new members. The remainder of the month, I had a few judging appointments and a lot of individual lessons, many focused on preparation for the SSA Nationals.

April: Thankfully a (slightly) quieter month with another trip to SSA Area 21 getting riders fine-tuned with a pre-Royal Balmoral Show clinic, there were numerous individual lessons and more clinics in Clitheroe & Tadcaster. Just to prove I have life outside side saddle, I also managed a lovely long weekend in Rome.

The previous three months of the year are always one of my busiest times of year as everyone starts gearing up for the forthcoming show season and this year was no exception. Goals were discussed and set, training plans created and everyone was now eagerly anticipating the show season getting underway.

May: A particular highlight of my equestrian year, happened in May with SSA Camp North taking place again, this year was hosted at Bolerno, near Edinburgh. Wonderfully organised by the phenomenal team of SSA Area Chairman and Secretary, Steve and Karrie McGill, 30 riders joined this eagerly awaited event. I was one of the team of instructors, with riders all receiving 3 lessons across the camp before taking part in the show on the final day. It is such a fun few days, new friendships are formed, great camaraderie, lots of laughter and, of course, the chance for riders to really develop their riding through having more intensive training.

June: SSA Area 5 in Northamptonshire hosted a “Have a Go clinic” which was a great success and I would recommend all areas to try these out to encourage new members. The remainder of the month, I had a few judging appointments and a lot of individual lessons, many focused on preparation for the SSA Nationals.

Straddled between a weekend at Area 9 and Area 1, I was also honoured to be invited to go to The Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi in October to work with the UAE Paralympic riders who are aiming for the 2028 LA Olympics. Along with Rob Jenkins, master saddler, we made the 5 day trip, which was a phenomenal experience, introducing one of their Para riders to side saddle and seeing the joy on her face as she found riding aside so much more comfortable than astride. Fingers crossed for more trips.

November: With the competition season (except London International) over clinics started to relax for winter training, reviews of the last season and plans being configured for next year. We held clinics at SSA Area 9 and Beverley with several clients going to London International Horse Show lots of individual lessons, fine-tuning and last minute preparations. I also managed a bit of riding for myself, or rather pairs, with a weekend riding with Hannah Terndrup, Eddie & Frank. Once again Hamish appeared and gave side saddle a go, this time on a real pony!

December: The last hurrah! London International Horse Show, a huge spectacle and several of my clients had qualified, apologies for not naming you all but huge congratulations to Florrie Dyer winning the Ladies Side Saddle Performance class at LIHS. The final fling of the year culminated in 2 days of clinics in Area 9, it was cold, it was “dreich” but the warmth and love of the side saddle family was truly amazing.

I think this year has undoubtedly been my busiest, and if you’ve managed to read this far, well done! I am so proud of all my students, whether they won LIHS, placed at SSA Nationals, qualified for HOYS, competed for the first time or achieved their own special goals - you are all absolutely amazing. 

As a year of numbers (for the statisticians amongst you) I’ve totted it all up and all in all, I’ve taught 525 amazing clients and run 48 days of clinics - will 2026 be busier - time will tell. Happy New Year Everyone, may 2026 bring all your dreams come true.