Compassionate and Comprehensive Dressage Training in North Wiltshire, UK

Welcome!

I’m Casey Stickland, a dressage rider and trainer with over 25 years of experience. I have represented Great Britain in Juniors and Young Riders, ridden for Australia as a senior rider, and have had extensive training whilst being based in Europe with several of the world’s best dressage trainers.

I have a deep passion for correct and sympathetic training, and nothing brings more joy than offering my assistance in helping riders have a better connection to their horse. My methods are built on the strong foundations of basic training, upon which more advanced techniques and movements are easily built. I have always been trained under the German system, and I also include many of my own techniques and theories that I have picked up along the way. I aim to empower riders with a comprehensive “toolbox” to work with at home and at competitions, so you never feel lost for how to fix a problem by yourself.

I take great care to teach each horse and rider combination as individuals, and understand that the key to success is clear, empathetic communication. Too often in this industry riders are bullied and pressured by negative reinforcement during lessons. Not only do horses pick up on this negative energy (and as a result, resistance compounds quickly), there can be devastating effects on the rider’s mental health and confidence if trained in this manner. This is a topic very close to my heart, and has led me to a “rider-focused” approach to training.

I believe that in order for our horses to understand and work well for us, it is the rider’s responsibility to maintain their physical and mental fitness when in the saddle. To assist riders in achieving this, I achieved my yoga teacher accreditation in 2016 after many years of practicing yoga for myself. Yoga is tremendously helpful in the strength, balance and suppleness of a rider, as well as being an effective tool for training the mind to be calm and focused.

To further assist riders in rider’s mental wellbeing, I am undergoing a BSc in Psychology with the Open University. I am very excited to have this skill of understanding the human mind and apply it to sport and training to provide a comprehensive, competent training service to riders.

I am very proud that in my 10 years and counting at Forest View, I have developed a safe place for both horse and rider to learn and enjoy their lessons in a quiet, calm environment. Feel free to contact me to chat about your training requirements, I’d be so happy to help!