Wyn's Story
In 2001 I decided to fulfil a lifelong ambition and learn, at the tender age of 51, how to ride a horse. I took lessons at a local riding school and in October of that year I saw an advertisement for a residential riding holiday at White Tor in Devon - another ambition to be achieved! I had attempted to canter a couple of times at the riding school but felt unbalanced and not at all confident about it . However, I phoned White Tor and, after explaining to the owner that I was still a novice and being assured that it wouldn't present a problem, I booked a weeks' holiday there.
I arrived early on Saturday evening and met Ian the following morning at breakfast. I am by nature a very shy person but within 10 minutes I felt so at ease with him that I felt I had known him for years. I told him that I hadn't yet managed to canter and he told me that he would have me cantering by the Wednesday to which I replied "If you can do that then I'll give you a medal!" I knew that there was absolutely no way that it would happen - famous last words!
Ian introduced me to Nibs, the horse that would be "mine" for the week and the first thing he had me do was to "take my heart in my hands" and stroke them very gently over Nibs' chest. By the time I had finished I was completely at ease with Nibs and he was so at ease with me that he actually rested his head on my shoulder and had a doze!
I cantered on the Monday and by the Wednesday was confident enough to actually let go of the reins and canter with outspread arms. On the Friday I even jumped a water course whilst making my way up one of the many tors on Dartmoor. Granted, it was a very small watercourse but as far as I was concerned it could have been the Manchester Ship Canal!
Not only did Ian instil me with the confidence to do these things - and so quietly that I didn't even notice him doing it - he also taught me so much about the behaviour of horses and the reasons behind that behaviour. All I had done previously was unsaddle and unbridle the horse I had ridden at the riding school and I had certainly never been in the company of any more than 2 horses together. Two days into that holiday I was able to groom, feed, saddle up and put a bridle on and I was walking with confidence in a field of twenty-odd horses and helping to bring them down to the stable yard - all things I had never done before and all of which had been made possible by this one man.
On more than one occasion I had the pleasure of watching Ian at work with the horses, training them, sorting out behavioural problems and enjoying their company. The results he achieved, with one horse in particular, were astounding and absolutely fascinating to watch. At no time did he use anything remotely resembling force, the horses responded to him because they wanted to.
I can honestly say that my life is enriched by knowing Ian. He taught me so much that week and instilled in me a confidence that has stayed with me to this day. We have kept in touch and I am honoured to call him my friend.
Wyn - Sussex 2001