The Foundation Series
A 6-Month Education for Horse and Human
This six-month, small-group programme teaches you and your horse foundational skills you’ll use for life. You’ll learn how pressure and release really works, how to build organisation and balance, and how to calmly apply influence under saddle and on the ground — backed by weekly personalised video feedback.
What This Series Actually Is
This series covers the groundwork and foundational ridden education that I would work through with almost every horse, green horses, “problem” horses, and horses that are willing but confused.
The aim isn’t to suppress behaviour or chase obedience. It’s to fill holes in the horse’s basic education: how to respond to pressure, how to organise their body, how to offer answers instead of reacting, and how to stay mentally present as pressure increases.
We start on the ground, where clarity and organisation are easiest to establish, then carry the same understanding into ridden work.
Who This Is For
Horses that struggle with tension, balance, or responsiveness
Horses that brace, rush, switch off, or overreact when pressure goes up
Green horses that need a clear education rather than “miles”
Riders/handlers who want structure and progression, not random sessions
People who want to understand why something works, not just copy drills
If you want tools you can keep using long after the series ends, this is for you.
At a Glance
18 hours of practical, in-person coaching
One small group of 6 participants
Weekly personalised video feedback and support between sessions
The Progression (Groundwork → Ridden → Refinement)
This is a deliberate six-month progression. Each month builds on the last, so the horse learns to stay organised during change and the handler and rider learns how to influence the horse calmly and clearly. With time inbetween to practice and recieve feedback
Month-by-Month Curriculum
Month 1 — Foundations: Space, Direction & Organisation
We establish boundaries, handler position, and basic body control. Horses learn personal space, yielding shoulders and hindquarters, sending forward through a defined gap, loose circles and simple changes of direction.
Month 2 — Shape, Balance & Coordination
Organisation is maintained as the work becomes more coordinated and physically demanding. We define the circle, introduce specific changes of direction, add speed changes, and address anticipation.
Month 3 — Stimulus, Lateral Influence & Mental Control
Known movements are tested under distraction. We add stimulus, introduce lateral flexion, one-rein stop from the ground, side passing along a wall, and negotiating obstacles.
Month 4 — Transition: Groundwork into Ridden
Established understanding is transferred into the saddle. The same questions are asked under saddle so ridden work feels familiar rather than forced.
Month 5 — Pressure, Control & Practical Application
The work becomes more realistic. We introduce pressure scenarios from the ground and develop shoulder control, side pass, and backing under saddle.
Month 6 — Troubleshooting & Finesse
The focus shifts to individual sticking points, timing, feel, and subtlety. Riders learn how to diagnose issues and refine work rather than restarting.
What the Horse Learns
How pressure and release works without becoming tense or offended
How to organise the body: balance, coordination and tension release
How to offer responses instead of reacting
How to stay mentally present as pressure increases
How to regulate emotion and return to the task
Where to be, what to look for, and how to influence the body calmly
How to ask clearly, then release immediately
How to increase pressure without escalating emotion
How to recognise what the horse is offering and respond appropriately
How to know when to push and when to ask less
How horses learn, how they prioritise information, and what matters to them
How to offer leadership that still holds up when things get harder
What You Learn as the Handler and Rider
Ongoing Feedback Between Sessions
A core part of the Foundation Series happens between sessions, practice is essential and so along with session notes being sent to after the clinic, participants submit short weekly video clips of their groundwork or ridden work, which I review and respond to with clear, practical feedback.
This ensures progress continues between sessions, mistakes don’t become habits, and both horse and handler keep developing rather than guessing for a month at a time.
Weekly feedback on short training clips
Clear guidance on what to adjust, refine, or simplify
Support tailored to you and your individual horse
Continuity and accountability throughout the six months
How It’s Delivered
Six structured monthly sessions delivered in person, in a small group setting, with time between sessions to practise and consolidate. The emphasis is on practical progress and usable skills, supported by ongoing feedback throughout the programme.
Venue and Dates
Saturday 23rd May
Saturday 27th June
Saturday 25th July
Saturday 22nd August
Saturday 26th Sept
Sunday 25th October
10:00—13:00
10:00—13:00
10:00—13:00
10:00—13:00
10:00—13:00
10:00—13:00
Pay in Full
£795
One-off payment for the full 6-month programme.
Payment Options
Pay in 3 (Automatic)
£283.33 per month
Three automatic monthly payments. Subscription ends automatically after the third payment.
Interested in a Place?
This programme is limited to six participants to allow for individual support and weekly feedback. Because of that, places are offered on a suitability and availability basis.
If you’re interested in taking part, get in touch and we’ll have a brief conversation to make sure the series is the right fit for you and your horse.
What happens next
You get in touch via email or message
We confirm suitability and availability
You’re sent the relevant payment link
Your place is secured once payment is made
Important Notes
Places are limited to maintain a small, useful group
Commitment to the full series is required
This is foundational education, not a quick fix
Consistent practice and engagement between sessions is essential
Ready to Build Proper Foundations?
If this is finally the year you change things for the better with your horse, get in touch to reserve your space.