​Central Horse News have published two articles in their latest issue: a lovely write up of the Danesmoor Open Day in November as well as asking Sarah to take part in their Tack Room Chat article.

Our season actually finished a few of weeks ago with 2 nice double clears at Swalcliffe so enthusiasm was at low ebb loading the lorry during monsoon conditions to have a final play with the young guns in the training day at Aston. Considering the rain, it was a very good experience for them all. 

We have had a busy and successful season with some good results, leading to much excitement around the ponies & their plans for next year.  This year:

• We have travelled to Ireland twice with top 10 finishes including 3rd in the 4*long at Ballindenisk with Roo
  
• To Blair with Roo and Alice both coming home with Ribbons
  
• Roo had a fantastic run at Bramham finishing just outside the top 10 but posting one of the quicker XC rounds in the 4*short. 
  
• Harper has been very consistent at Novice level (and apart from Swalcliffe where I have no idea what the judge was watching) her dressage, strength and balance has been really improving. 
  
• Pickle had a great season and now has a lovely new home. 
  
• Other horses have also been consistent picking up ribbons both BE, unaffiliated and show jumping. There are a couple of exciting young horses waiting in the wings that we will be looking forward to bringing out next year. 

We are now knuckling down with winter plans and preparations for next year. The horses are having staggered holidays depending on where they are in their career and what the focus is for their winter training, with plenty of dressage and show jumping outings for them all. This is the perfect time to re-visit and solidify the basics while conditioning, strengthening and building up for the 2023 season. 

While the eventers are having down time we have space for schooling liveries and our popular staycation where you can come and train with your horse - do get in touch to find out more about it - and we have now published dates for clinics for this year, as well as finalising clinic and camp dates for next season. 

In November I will be re launching the GET AHEAD programme to mentally prepare you and your horse for planning and achieving those goals in 2023 (however big or small they are). 

Continuing professional development is important for everyboady, no matter what level of the horse world they are competing and working at.  Sarah has been investing some time on on her own CPD in her unending quest to stay current: you never stop learning!


Save the date:
For the first time we will be welcoming you through our doors to have an OPEN DAY to allow old and new clients to look around the yard, meet the horses, understand our ethos and training methods and see what we are about. 
Sunday 27th November 

Do you want to be an owner and join our successful team? We have a space opened up for another competition livery in 2023. ​

We had a really busy 4 days at both the BE and the Unaffiliated Aston le Walls Events.  Roo started the competition with a 5th in the Open Intermediate with a lovely double clear inside the time.  She needed a run and a good canter round before her party at the end of the month at Blair and we were really pleased with how she went. She showed her class in the Show Jumping arena giving a clear round.  In the XC, she just hacked round nice and slowly at the Intermediate level to give her a nice steady clear inside the time meaning everyone was very pleased with this as a warm up for later in the month.  She show jumped really well.


The next day it was the turn of the novices: Dougie was 4th in the Novice with another double clear; Harper and Pickle both ran in the intermediate novice: Pickle coming second and  Harper third.  There was a slight SatNav issue turning into the water on Harper leading to her riding a circle before the water which gave her a time penalty: this sadly dropped her from 1st to 3rd.  This was a real shame as she had done a lovely, lovely dressage test but it doesn't take away from it being two really good results for the two of them.

The day was then finished with a ride in the 100 for Foxy: she had a nice dressage with a rail down in the Show Jumping - we feel the stop she was given was perhaps a little unfair - and then she had a nice steady clear round XC.  Very pleased with her for her first step up to 100.

On Saturday Sarah had a little bit of a chance ride one someone else's horse which is being a little bit naughty: the horse did a nice dressage, Show Jumped well enough but sadly they had a parting of ways on the XC which we think may have been Sarah's first fall of the season...?  It did tell us a lot about the pony, giving information for Sarah and the owner to work away at.

On Sunday it was the unaffiliated day: our two lovely duns (Connie and Carly) were entered in the 90.  Connie was a little bit exuberant in her dressage test as she hasn't been to a party for a while: she doesn't live on the yard and, due to the hard ground, has not done much with her owner.  This overbrightness led to her having a rail down showjumping but had calmed down to run a lovely clear XC inside the time earning her a 5th.  Carly did a lovely dressage of 27.3 but took it slightly slower XC, earning her a couple of time penalties which dropped her down to 7th - still all very pleasing.  Sarah then had a spin round the 100 on the new pony called Alice this was very much a fact finding mission with no pressure.  She did a smart Dressage, Show Jumped tidily but had a few little green moments at the water on the XC course.  Actually, this was not bad at all as she has only been XC schooling once since her arrival a few weeks ago.  There was lots to like: she really grew in confidence and it was very pleasing how she finished off.  As always, she has homework to be do but nothing to be worried about.

We also had one of our liveries canter round her first ever 80 - a really good run round there and we look forward to seeing her out and about eventing again soon!

It was indisputably a very hot Aston le Walls!  When considering the weather: yes it was warm but the horses were all well and healthy and they never got hot on the lorry.  Actually, all the horses coped probably a lot better than some of the footfollowers, bystanders etc.  Little Carly even jogged all the way back from her run round the 90 XC feeling very merry and jolly.  It is pleasing to report that, currently and touching wood, all the horses actually all seem well and all seem to have come out of the event fit and healthy.  The ground there was fantastic: having surfaces for the first two phases is helpful and the event organisers had gone to a lot of effort with the XC tracks.  Sarah is really pleased: a very successful event all round, though it was a little bit exhausting working in that heat.  All the horses have trotted up sound since and looking forward to the rest of the month!

After a great run at Bramham with Roo (Chilli's Gem) at the beginning of June, Danesmoor Eventing chose to have a quieter June, spending time consolidating and building on the good foundations that had been put in place for all of the competition horses


So far this July, Harper and Carly have been down to Howick (Monmouthshire) to compete: Harper in the Intermediate Novice and Carly in the GoBE90.  Harper had a nice competition earning her a 5th place in the intermediate novice that showed the progress she has been making recently.  Carly finished 6th after a dressage of 29,  a pole down in the SJ and proceeded to have a lovely canter round the XC - all serving to show she is growing up sensibly.  It will be with very mixed feelings when she goes up for sale (in the very near future) as she has been a real pleasure to ride and handle in the time she has been on the yard.


Last week, three Novice horses went to Upton Horse Trials down the road.  All 3 showed their talent and jumped double clear; all 3 then proceeded to finish in the top 10 with a 2nd for Pickle, a 6th for Harper and a 7th for Dougie.

Next in the Eventing calendar for Danesmoor will be Aston le Walls followed by a little trip dangerously far North to Burgham towards the end of the season.

Happening alongside the competitions there are a couple of new youngsters on the yard (to be introduced properly shortly - watch this space) and, as always, the yard is busy with schooling liveries.  Sarah has taught at 2 camps recently: one last weekend at Aston le Walls which was well attended and proved to be productive for all; and also at the Eastern Region Youth Camp at Ely.  Sarah has now been selected as the Youth Coach for the Eastern Region and is enjoying getting to know the up and coming riders in that area.

There are more camps coming up, both at Ely in August and Aston in September - please look out for more information!

Working with Alison Kenward we are very excited to be launching a 4 week series of lesson plans to Inspire and Motivate.  Each week you will be provided with lesson plans, floor plans and a video of the exercises. There will also be a weekly Zoom discussion group. 
£15 / week
£50 for all 4 weeks (8 sessions)

email [email protected] for more details

Monday 2nd Nov - All day
Managing the inbalanced rider with Andy Thomas
Edgcote
Click here
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Wednesday 4th Nov - Pm
Pilates, Poles and Ponies
Edgcote
Click here
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Sunday 8th Nov - All Day
Combined Training Clinic with Alison Kenward and Sarah Gairdner
Edgcote
Click here
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Wednesday 18th Nov - Pm
Pilates, Poles and Ponies
Edgcote
Click here
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Saturday 21st Nov - All Day
Clinic
Firs Farm, Caxton
Click here
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Wednesday 2nd Dec - Pm
Pilates, Poles and Ponies
Edgcote
Click here
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Sunday 6th Dec - All Day
Combined Training Clinic with Alison Kenward and Sarah Gairdner
Edgcote
Click here
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Sunday 13th Dec - All day
Clinic
Firs Farm, Caxton
Click here
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Wednesday 16th Dec - Pm
Pilates, Poles and Ponies
Edgcote
Click here
​
​All clinics are subject to alterations in order to comply with the latest COVID19 restrictions.  Where possible, coaching will continue on a one-to-one basis etc.  We are currently working on virtually facilitated coaching – please keep an eye online.

Sarah will also be running some Zoom sessions through the winter. Dates and Topics are still being finalised so please get in touch if you have a topic you would like covered. Topics so far include planning 2012 and goal setting, mental preparation, introduction to eventing........

We are planning several camps both at Aston le Walls and Ely Eventing Centre.
The first camp at Aston is February 20th & 21st. Keep an eye on our page for more details or drop Sarah an email on [email protected]

It’s been a short but busy season with the young horses all having some very good outings: have a look below to see how some of them have done.

We are very excited that Cute has scanned in foal to Future Hepsilon, so fingers crossed for an exciting edition to the team next year. Sadly as we used frozen Pimms didn’t take so we will try again next year.

​The hunters are now all in work and the hunting season is upon us the again lets hope play doesn’t get stopped this winter. 
We have plenty of horses to showjump through the winters so the yard will stay busy and a few youngsters waiting in the wings. 

Nigel Taylor’s Musterd has also had a good season stepping up to Novice, this has been very much a fact finding year with him and we now have lots of winter homework and exciting plans for next year. 

Helen Rothery’s Iona, was very consistent at 100 level picking up several top 10 places. She has really grown and strengthened up this year and is now on a well deserved holiday. 

Merrilyn Berry’s Dougie also ran very consistently at 100 finishing the season with a good placing at 1.05 and a cracking run around his first Novice finishing just outside the ribbons. 

Tina Ure’s Harper has just show jumped this summer picking up some decent prize money. We will continue to clock up her double clears for 2nd rounds next year. She has also run around a few training events and is proving to be bold XC, so watch this space. 

We are currently looking for someone to join our team full time.  The Job will include all aspects of yard work, riding (depending on the candidate).  Some experience required although we would consider an apprentice or a working pupil.  There is on site, shared accommodation available and potential to bring own horse.  Contact Sarah on 07967365062 for more information.

What can I say…… so much has changed. We enjoyed getting to a couple of events before the lockdown hit, but alas no more.

I thrive form being out and about in the lorry and I am now finding it difficult being confined to barracks - it’s a strange and difficult time for everybody in so many respects. Several of the horses have been turned out to enjoy a spring holiday but we have kept a few in work; those horses in rehab and youngsters can enjoy this time to go back and work on the basics. With the clocks changing and the ground finally drying out, we have been lucky enough to be able to turn most of the horses out at night and whilst they are still working, we have let them down a bit as they don’t need to be so fit. All this has enabled me to keep my full time staff employed and in turn has allowed me time to catch up on CPD etc as well come up with some new ideas. I’m currently working with Alison Kenward to deliver some online coaching and we are teaming up to deliver content for the BHS challenge awards. (See clinics below).

We are also trying to have a bit of a spring clean in the yard and you never know we might even end up painting some jumps!  Just before this all kicked off we teamed up with Kublox to sponsor our poles and Pilates clinics - please see below for more information on this fantastic product. This new company makes the foam blocks for raising poles here in the UK and their uses are many - take a look futher down the page!
 
Just one other thing……I’m really hoping that if nothing else comes out of this, it makes us all look at supporting British food and industry. Please when ever you can buy local and support British

​For obvious reason we are not publishing any clinic dates until we have an idea of how things evolve. For the same reason Sarah is currently unable to teach privately. If however you are still keeping your horse ticking over and you would like to send some video of your riding for analysis or would like some ideas for lesson plans to keep you inspired please get in touch.

Sarah Gairdner and Alison Kenward have been working together to deliver Combined Training Day Camps and now bring you an online training programme to help you get ready to enjoy your horse once lockdown is over. 
Each week Sarah and Alison will lead a workshop created with the adult amateur in mind. Whether you love jumping and hate dressage or vice versa you will enjoy these out of the saddle sessions. As an added extra Riders, can work through the BHS Challenge Awards to broaden their knowledge of horse care and riding. The online course will conclude with a special one day camp at Danesmoor Eventing once the lockdown is lifted.

Please email [email protected] or [email protected] for more details.

​(All questions have a tenuous link to horses...!)

1. Can you name the three small bone in the ear?
2. Which blue blooded mother and daughter have both competed in the Olympics?
3. Which 5* has a racket sport named after it and why?
4. What is the origin of the idiom “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink” and what does it mean?
5. The pony Drizzle has served Prince Charles, Prince William and Duke of Sussex in which sport?
6. In Notting Hill, Will Thacker said he worked for which magazine during a press conference?
7. Which common household item is also known as a winterdyke?
8. Who wrote Black Beauty?
9. Which Derby winner was kidnapped in 1983 from his stable in Ireland?
10. Which Grand National winner (1967) was ridden by a jockey from Edgcote?

Continuing our series of profiles for the horses on our yard with...:

Horse: Daisy May VIII
Nickname: Daisy
Age: 8 yo
Gender: mare
Breeding: Daisy is owned and bred by Jacky Owen. She is the 3rd generation that Jacky has bred and is out of a Startlight XXIX who is by Primitive Star, she  was competed for Jacky by Kitty King. Daisy’s sire is Royaldik.  
 
The good: She is very quick thinking and tries super hard to please and has a great work ethic.
 
The Bad: Cant think of anything, just wish she was a couple of inch’s taller
 
The Ugly: Daisy has always had great manners but in her debut for a modelling career for Resp clothing she was less than amused and bounced a lot. When hacking back from the gallops she finally ejected Sarah for the first time ever and all Sarah could think was ‘I cant get the clothes dirty as we still have more pictures to take!’
 
Hope for the future: Daisy arrived in the spring as a rising 6 yo and spent a lot of that year at home building the foundations. She ran on a ticket a few times in the Autumn with mostly top 10 placings and also had an introduction to hounds. Last season she progressed to running at Novice in the summer again with good placings and a 2nd resulting in a NRF qualification at Lt Downham.  This season she was going to be aiming at consolidating at 2* level.

February has been busy with lots of dressage and showjumping, despite being ill Dougie and Cute both qualified for the BD combined training championships in March.  We have also had numerous placings in both disciplines for Iona, Dougie, Cute, Daisy and Delilah.  Blue, owned by Sarah’s capable apprentice Ella, has also been in the BS ribbons.

Sarah’s has reached the halfway point of her BS Level 3 UKCC (coaching qualification) and is thoroughly enjoying discussing and implanting best practice with fellow coaches.

It’s the small things that can make the most difference and despite the challenging weather the yard is now benefiting from HorseRail fencing around all the turnout paddocks.

​The eventing season is due to kick off with Poplar Park, Suffolk, closely followed by Swalcliffe Park on 14th March where Iona will have a canter round the 90 class.

​This April Sarah is looking forward to running a mix and match support and training clinic to help guide first time eventers or those moving up a level.  This will offer training at Edgcote as well as course walks and warm-up support at the Aston-le-Walls event.  This is not necessarily just for those entered to compete at this event: those looking to enter an equivalent event later in the year would also find this beneficial.

Each month we would like to introduce a horse on our yard so you can get to know us all better—so we thought we would start with our poster boy: Kenlis Lad.
 
Horse: Kenlis Lad
Nick name: Kenny (think South Park)
Age: 12
Gender: Gelding
By: Luidam out of a master hunt mare
The Good: Has yet to see a fence and jump it where effort is required.
The Bad: we found out why the breeders called him ‘little ninja’ - his reputation means there aren’t too many people willing to hack him out! 
The Ugly: ditching Sarah on the way to the XC start at Aldon International and her needing to see the doctor and a quick change of clothes due to a waterfall nosebleed
Quirks: he regularly lets himself out if you don’t bungee his stable shut!!  You may also have seen his eye watching you round the school...
Hope for the future: Kenny will not be eventing anymore after an injury at Ballindenisk International but look out for him at BS and BD shows near you.

8th March (Sunday)
All Day
Combined Training Workshop
Edgcote
Book here
______________________________________________________
9th March (Monday)
All Day
Andy Thomas  - managing the imbalanced rider
Edgcote
Email Sarah: [email protected]
______________________________________________________
11th March (Wednesday)
Afternoon/Evening
Ponies, Poles and Pilates
Edgcote
Book here
______________________________________________________
15th March (Sunday)
All Day
BE Clinic
Firs Farm, Cambridge
Book here
_____________________________________________________
22nd March (Sunday)
All Day
Arena XC - rhythm and related distances
Edgcote
Book here
_____________________________________________________
29th March (Sunday)
All Day
Aspley Guise Riding Club - Gallop Training
Edgcote Gallops
Book here
_____________________________________________________
3th - 4th April (Fri/Sat)
All Day
Mix and match camp with event support
Training at Edgcote; Event at Aston-le-Walls
Email Sarah: [email protected]
____________________________________________________
15th April (Wednesday)
Afternoon
Ponies, Poles and Pilates
Edgcote
Book here
____________________________________________________
18th - 19th April (Sat/Sun)
All Day
Eventing Camp
Ely Eventing Centre
Fully Booked

All events can also be found on the Danesmoor Eventing facebook page, https://www.horse-events.co.uk or the British Eventing website.

NEW IN - RESP Active Clothing and Danesmoor Evening Partnership
 
We are pleased to announce that you can now purchase RESP Active clothing with the Danesmoor Eventing logo on it.  Head to our shop on facebook to find their wonderful sweat wicking t-shirt, breathable jumper and vented jacket.  All of the items are both functional and elegant, designed perfectly to give a smooth shilloette and to keep your body temperature well regulated, thus improving your performance and keeping your mind on your riding task.  They will also be available through our website soon.

RESP Active Clothing
and
Danesmoor Eventing Partnership
 
Pleased to announce that you can now purchase RESP Active clothing with the Danesmoor Eventing logo on it.  Head to our shop on facebook to find their wonderful sweat wicking t-shirt, breathable jumper and vented jacket.  All of the items are both functional and elegant, designed perfectly to give a smooth shilloette and to keep your body temperature well regulated, thus improving your performance and keeping your mind on your riding task.  They will also be available through our website soon.
 

Coaching

Throughout this year I’ve been investing in CPD with the brilliant Centre10 course and the next level with UKCC. I am also a BHS accredited coach which means I have up to date 1st Aid, insurance, Child Protection certificate and am CRB checked. Due to this continued investment in my coaching skills and qualifications in the new year I will be increasing the price of my lessons and clinics.
 
Coaching Packages
 
1. 2020 - New Year Goal Setting and season planning
This includes 4 coaching session on the topic of your choice and an unmounted hour working on goal setting and plans for getting the best out of 2020. (This can be held at a venue other than Edgcote, though the hire price will be at the rider’s cost.)
£150
  
2. Competition fitness in 2020
This a useful package whatever your discipline or level.
It includes 1 coaching session, 2 gallop sessions and an unmounted fitness planning session. 
£100 includes gallop hire. 
 
3. Where to go: Moving forward with your horse
Struggling to know what to work on next or needing some guidance on how to structure your riding?  Then why not spend 2 unmounted goal and season planning sessions with Sarah.
£60
 
Also available for individual coaching ridden or unmounted.  Please get in touch for more details or to discuss your requirements.

19th January (Sunday)
1pm
Rhythm and Related Distances
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
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25th January (Saturday)
All Day
Combined Training Clinic
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26th January (Sunday)
All Day
Pre-season Fitness Training
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27th January (Monday)
All Day
Arena Eventing Clinic
Aston-le-Walls
Click here
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30th January (Thursday)
All Day
Managing the Unbalanced Rider with Andy Thomas
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Please contact Sarah directly to book
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1st/2nd February
(Sat/Sun)
TBC
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10th February (Monday)
Morning
Arena  Eventing Clinic
Aston-le-Walls
Click here
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12th February (Wednesday)
Aftnernoon/evening
Poles, Pilates and Ponies
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
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16th February (Sunday)
Afternoon
Arena XC—Skinnies, Angles and Lines
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
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23rd February (Sunday)
All Day
BE Arena XC Clinic—Getting Ready to Event
Firs Farm, Caxton, Cambridgeshire. CB23 3PJ
Click here

Vacancies at Danesmoor Eventing
We are currently looking for someone to join our team full time.  The Job will include all aspects of yard work and riding (depending on the candidate).  Some experience required although we would consider an apprentice or a working pupil.
There is on-site, shared accommodation available and potential to bring own horse.
Contact Sarah on 07967365062 for more information.

New Year Giveaways
  
This New Year we are offering the following to one lucky winner to help them start 2020 on a high:

•  a RESP hydration bottle
• a protexin voucher
• an embroidered hat to keep your ears toasty this festive season
• A lesson voucher

  
To be in with a chance of winning, you will need to

• sign up to our mailing list (go to our facebook page on a computer or laptop, click on "sign up" down the lefthand side of the page; or send your email address to [email protected])
• like the Danesmoor Eventing facebook page
• like the page of the giveaway products

 
Winner will be selected at random on Christmas Eve...

Good luck!

NEWS

Throughout this year I’ve been investing in CPD with the brilliant Centre10 course and the next level with UKCC. I am also a BHS accredited coach which means I have up to date 1st Aid, insurance, Child Protection certificate and am CRB checked. Due to this continued investment in my coaching skills and qualifications in the new year I will be increasing the price of my lessons and clinics with a private lesson going up to £40. 
 
I've grouped together some session ideas to make Coaching Packages (that will make excellent Christmas presents!):

1. 2020 - New Year Goal Setting and season planning
This includes 4 coaching session on the topic of your choice and an unmounted hour working on goal setting and plans for getting the best out of 2020. (This can be held at a venue other than Edgcote, though the hire price will be at the rider’s cost and travel expenses might be added.)
£160
 
 2. Competition fitness in 2020
This a useful package whatever your discipline or level.
It includes 1 coaching session, 2 gallop sessions and an unmounted fitness planning session. 
£115 includes gallop hire. 
 
3. Where to go: Moving forward with your horse
Struggling to know what to work on next or needing some guidance on how to structure your riding?  Then why not spend 2 unmounted goal and season planning sessions with Sarah.
£60
 

Got an idea for a package?  Get in touch!

 EVENTS, CLINICS, CAMPS AND TALKS
 
29th December (Sunday)
All day
Combined Training Clinic
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
____________________________________________________
30th December (Monday)
All Day
Getting Ready to Event - Prepare for 2020
Firs Farm, Caxton, Cambridgeshire. CB23 3PJ
Click here
____________________________________________________
8th January (Wednesday)
7pm
Bringing you’re A-Game to Competition - The Warm Up
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
___________________________________________________
9th January (Thursday)
3pm
Poles, Pilates and Ponies
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
____________________________________________________
12th January (Sunday)
9am
Getting Ready to Event  -
Prepare for 2020
Firs Farm, Caxton, Cambridgeshire. CB23 3PJ
Click here
__________________________________________________
19th January (Sunday)
1pm
Rhythm and Related Distances
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
_________________________________________________
25th January (Saturday)
All Day
Combined Training Clinic
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
_________________________________________________
26th January (Sunday)
All Day
Pre-season Fitness Training
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Click here
_________________________________________________
30th January (Thursday)
All Day
Managing the Unbalanced Rider with Andy Thomas
Wardington Gate Farm, Edgcote
Please contact Sarah directly to book

Coming soon….
 
Recently I have been working with the wonderful Carlene Goff of RESPACTIVE clothing to come up with a Danesmoor branded clothing range.  Watch this space for a breathable, water resistant coat, polo shirt and jumper….