Morag Colley:
Pip was recommended to me eighteen months ago by a friend whose
daughter had regained her confidence in riding through having
been taught by her methods. I’d always loved horses, and
had hoped that my daughter Faye would develop the same interests,
however, her early experiences were negative due to a mixture
of poor teaching and an allergy to hay which aggravated her
eczema. I was intrigued by my friend’s description of
Pip’s unique, holistic approach, and was delighted when
she agreed to take Faye on for a series of lessons.
The difference in my shy, then 13 year old was immediate.
Pip’s approach was completely positive, no confusing
list of lengthy instructions, no scary negative warnings,
and above all, no humiliation. She taught Faye to look at
riding from the horse’s perspective, showing her how
to build a relationship of mutual respect and consideration.
Seeing Faye freeschooling what was to her (and me!), a very
large, ‘enthusiastic’ creature, who then followed
her quietly around the arena because it chose to, is one of
the most memorable experiences of my life.
Pip’s ‘herd’ at the time consisted of horses
who had their own problems caused by ignorance (albeit well-meaning)
on behalf of their humans. Pip re-built their trust in people
and proved that a rider’s age, size and experience didn’t
matter, it was the inner determination and belief which supported
the progress. Faye did have setbacks, there were falls and
frustrations, but Pip calmly reminded her that the fault was
probably her own in allowing her inner fears and negativity
to communicate itself to the horse. This is not an easy life-lesson
for anyone, let alone a youngster lacking in confidence, and
any type of bullying teaching techniques would have caused
Faye to fail instantly. Instead, patience and perseverance
were what Pip taught her, plus the ability to observe the
horse closely to see for herself the effects of her actions,
both positive and negative.
Pip teaches a unique form of unison between horse and rider,
starting with the physical sensations of balance and moving
with the horse, through to observing closely how they interact
together in a group, and using their means of communication
to establish a strong relationship. She doesn’t use
any tricks or ‘quick-fixes’ and each pupil is
encouraged at their own pace together with that of the horse.
Mistakes are examined and worked through gently before moving
on. All Pip’s techniques translate well into ‘life’,
and the difference in Faye has been quite remarkable. She
has grown in confidence, determination and attitude. She will
always be a shy personality, but now has the inner strength
to cope with situations which previously caused her to be
anxious. Her hay fever is just a minor irritant and her eczema
has all but disappeared. She now has a pony on loan and the
pair of them are building up a wonderful relationship based
on mutual trust and respect.
Pip once told me that ‘horses are the best teachers’,
and she is absolutely right, but it is Pip herself with her
unique approach to horsemanship who allows the rider to accept
and understand this remarkable gift. Faye and I can both thoroughly
recommend her to anyone interested in developing their love
of horses, and life itself!
Morag Colley - August 2006
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