Testimonials
Experiences:-" Martha's teaching has taught me the influence of lift, balance, feel and focus when working my horse, not only that but equally important how much your breathing effects what you do either on the ground or under saddle. One of Martha's great strengths is in being able to help you fix your body to enable you to help your horse, this has been greatly influenced by her Tai Chi training. Whether you are working on the ground or under saddle, it's all about where your body is or how you are positioning it, these movements are incredibly subtle. Martha wants to teach you to be able to think for yourself, horsemanship is not something that is black and white it is something that you are constantly fixing shifting and shaping, riding every step. For me the culmination of what Martha has taught me over the years came when I was able to help a friend who was having difficulty flexing her horse one way her daughter found the horse stiff on the other rein, I spent 45 minutes riding the horse and when I gave the horse back to her for her to ride she found him balanced and level on both reins. Thanks Martha" Marg L "Having trained as a BHSAI and worked and ridden horses for many years I have had lessons with many well qualified people in the past, but have felt that they have not always understood how to teach even if they were excellent riders themselves. Over recent years I discovered the importance of balanced riding and of understanding how the horse works and thinks when riding and training horses. Having found a way that worked well for both me and my horse I was reluctant to have lessons with someone who may not agree with my thoughts and beliefs but knew I had come to a point where I needed help to go any further. I had had a lesson with Martha once before through a friend and felt that she understood both myself and my horse and was happy to discuss training rather than just dictate. My friend and I decided to have regular lessons with Martha and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. She has a natural ability to put you at ease and has a brilliant eye for noticing and giving you strategies to improve the little things which make a big difference. Through our lessons my confidence in my horse, and hers in me, has grown immensely. Martha has an inbuilt understanding of how horse and human should work together and a wonderful way of putting things across in a easygoing and fun way. I always look forward to my lesson and know I will learn something new and effective, I cannot recommend Martha enough if you want to improve the bond you have between you and your horse." Ruth D "My daughter Leesa, 8, has been having a brilliant time learning about horses, properly, for the first time. Leesa has been riding since she was 4 and in all that time time, she has never learnt as much as she has with Martha in the space of only four weeks. Leesa's riding has vastly improved and continues to do so as her knowledge and affinity with horses is further developed under Martha's guidance. My daughter absolutely adores Martha ad always returns after a lesson with a huge grin on her face :-)," Laraine "I first met Martha on a three day natural horsemanship course in North Wales. I had a little bit of experience as I had been having one to one lessons with another teacher. The other members of the course varied from very proficient to complete beginners. We started the horses at liberty. There is no describing the feeling when your horse chooses to be with you. It is such a privilege to have these beautiful creatures join your soul. Later we had the horses in the ménage at the same time. I have to admit to being slightly worried by this. Martha managed to pitch each session so each horse and owner’s needs were met- and not one horse interfered with any of the others. Since that time I have attended Martha’s courses on several occasions. On each a different mix of horse and handler has been present. The sessions are informative, exhausting and good fun. Everyone leaves the sessions on a high! Martha gives practical demonstrations and is open minded enough to spend time discussing the different skills and philosophies of the various branches of natural horsemanship. One of the most amazing things for me to see was two people working with their horses at liberty at the same time. It was incredible to see the relationship that had developed between each horse and its owner so that each was responding to its own person." Christine M "I bought a mare with attitude and many issues, the most frustrating being napping; she would simply plant her feet and refuse to budge. Over the eight years I had owned Jess I experienced three natural horse teachers but in October 2010 we were still locked in a struggle over napping. Martha arrived and in one session unlocked us. It was a miracle. I don't know how she did it ,maybe it was her ability to 'read' horse and rider and her being such a positive and inspirational woman. I recommend her 100% to any owner or rider with or without problems. Jess is simply a pleasure to ride'. When the snow melts I would like some coaching in tidy and dignified halts!" Pat K |
In short:-"Martha has put the 'work' in over the years and it's paid off. With a wealth of knowledge and experience of horsemanship she makes for an excellent trainer. She is intuitive in knowing what you and your horse need and constantly adjusts to what's required. Highly recommend." Karen B
Martha is inspirational! Her teaching is fun, and thought-provoking, leading her students to learn from their horses, and with their horses. Chris D (BHSAI and NH horse trainer) "I have been lucky enough to have met a few people in my life that have made a real difference to my horsemanship. Martha is one of them." Elaine P "I'm so glad I met Martha five years ago - and my horse is too! Martha has a positive open minded approach to helping horses and students, with a big emphasis on having fun, at all levels. No matter what aspect of training my horse and I have needed to work on Martha has supported us and given us both the confidence and skills we needed to move forward.Whether I've spent a day or five days with Martha I'm always sad to leave, but I do it with a big smile on my face." Diane S "After a few sessions with Martha, she got me and my horse work as one, at liberty. There is no greater feeling than being at one with your horse. Thank you Martha." Liz B "You helped me overcome my fear of riding after a bad experience. You teach something new every session. Thank you," Tara "Martha has the ability to make learning fun. Her lessons are interesting and thought-provoking. If you are looking for ways to improve your riding “Martha's Art of Feel” course will give you exercises to develop body awareness that will help you “tune” in to your horse." Lorraine C Chartered Physiotherapist/ Tteam Practitioner "Dear Martha, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy our lessons and clinics with you, I always leave with greater confidence, a few extra tools to use and a greater insight into my horses world. After our last lesson when my troubled rescue mare rested her head on your shoulder and closed her eyes to relax, well it was magic! Looking forward to the next clinic,. Thankyou," Jane B and grateful equine family. :) " have been having lessons with Martha for nearly five years and she has been a wonderful instructor. I have had a troubled pony and Martha's understanding and knowledge has helped us enormously. Martha teaches in such a special way, nothing is too much trouble, things are explained simply and she listens to what you want, also Martha makes learning FUN. I am very grateful to her for the patience and understanding she has shown us, it is also great to know that Martha is only a phone call away if any help is needed. I would highly recommend Martha as an instructor." Deborah P "Martha has really helped developed my confidence with my young (sometimes challenging) horse. She has helped me strengthen the relationship I have with my horse, showing me how to effectively communicate with her. I always enjoy the training days and have found them very beneficial. It has allowed me to be able to develop my riding and ground work skills and I now feel more comfortable and in control. I couldn't be more grateful for how Martha has helped me and my horse. I would definitely recommend!" Hannah |