ARK Equestrian coaching

07/05/2025

26/12/2024

Today I got the privilege or turning out one of my best friends horse for the first time after 4 months extensive rehab. She got him in September 2024 directly from a race yard after a career ending injury. She did not when she woke up that morning have any intention of acquiring another horse. Let alone one that would take a lot of hard work with no guarantee of a happy ending or a ridden career. Because of the amazing person she is she said yes to what many would consider an unnecessary risk. Yes there are plenty of horses out there that need homes. Yes it is easy to get an uninjured race horse. She hadn’t even met him yet or seen a photo but she said yes. So she arranged transportation for the horse who’s injury we knew more about then anything else and he came to us on a box from Newmarket. Although we are both experienced in the industry neither of us had ever taken on a project quite like this. I promised from the beginning she 100% had my support in any way she needed it. Problems I envisioned were him developing stable vises, being dangerous to handle or muck out, re injury. None of those ended up being an issue fortunately however what I didn’t expect was the horse people. From the very beginning there were plenty of professionals involved. Multiple race vets, physiotherapists, nutritionist, ferrier, massage therapist ect… They all gave us a very similar rehab time line and plan. However the number of just horse people that felt their experience trumps any degree is incredible. Thankfully my friend stuck to her professional(s) advice although it’s been very difficult at times. Thanks to her hard work and doing what was best for him not what everyone else wanted. Her horse has started the most exciting day of the rest of his life, and been allowed to run and play in a giant grassy field with friends. Very likely for the first time since his racing career began at age 2. The past four months the most exciting part of his day has been horse walker, long reining and ground work. He’s certainly enjoyed them but nothing can replace being a horse and roaming free. It was definitely a nail biting moment for all of us involved turning him away today but we know our hard work paid off when he came in as sound as he went out. The hard work is far from over, and there are so many other systems in the horse that are compromised with long term box rest that we can focus more on now. But with continuous support from relevant professionals including myself he will have a long sound life, and the opportunity to turn his hoof to whatever he enjoys in his forever home with his human who saved him. Thank you to everyone involved it truly does take an amazing team of people friends and professionals but it’s made a world of difference to this little retired race horse.

12/12/2024

11/12/2024

Very beautiful stained glass piece my sister has made for me as a birthday present. My sister Nathalie designed my logo when I first started my business. My only request was that she try to incorporate my mare Dutch, whom I did everything from eventing to Canadian pony club with. Dutch is very much my heart horse. I am very lucky to still have her with us enjoying the retirement she deserves. However she will always be a major part of how I get to where I am todayand having her be a little piece of everything I do is very special.

03/12/2024

Last minute lessons available with me at Washington riding centre Thursday evening due to arena works being rescheduled. 😊

23/11/2024

‼️Lessons unfortunately cancelled for today at Washington riding centre.‼️ ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️
My Mini Cooper just isn’t built for this kind of weather. For anyone who has a freelance lesson booked with me tomorrow, I’ll be in touch in the morning if we will be going ahead or rescheduling. Be safe, and enjoy the snow! ⛄️

24/10/2024

Fergie learning the ropes of long reining. Fergie is a 6 year old ex-racer who was retired from a successful racing career due to a tendon injury. Although he’s getting used to a quieter lifestyle well he is healing he really benefits from a variety in his work to keep his brain busy. He’s currently only allowed to walk and go over poles but he’s got a lot of character and he’s learning to enjoy life in the slow lane. He had a lovely massage yesterday off Equi-Knots and I can really see a difference in how much more relaxed he is over his back.

18/08/2024

06/07/2024

Real riders ride in all weather! Katy and Loki taking advantage of a short break in the rain today to work on their circles.

07/06/2024

I’m very happy to announce a new sponsorship with one of my very distinguished RDA riders going forward who I would like to introduce. Tal and her mare Luna have built up an amazing partnership together, and I’m very excited to see how far they get together. .with._luna

Hi I’m Tal, I am a 19 year old disabled rider in North East England. I have been riding for 14 years, it is my passion, as well my future career path. I am currently studying my Level 3 Equine Care and Management at Collage and have previously successfully completed my level 2.

I competed in the RDA National Championships at Harpbury for the last two years, achieving 6th place the first year and 4th last year in the Grade 6 Walk, Trot, Canter open Section. I will once again compete in the Regional Championship National Qualifier in May 2024 and will hopefully progress to the Nationals in July 2024.

I met Ashlyn when she started as an RDA instructor at the RDA Centre where I had my riding lessons. We quickly became friends through our passion for anything and everything to do with horses. When I told Ashlyn I was wanting to purchase my own horse she gave up her time to help me look and try out horses that would meet my very specific need. Just before my birthday last year, when I was giving up hope, she found Luna. Luna is a 14.1hh 9-year-old Black Cob who is extremely eager to please, she is bright and eager to learn and has become a firm favourite with everyone who meets her due to her very laid back and loving personality. I am currently working on producing her up the levels in dressage as she was a happy hacker in her previous home. I plan to take her to local shows this year in the hope we will progress to start our British Dressage career soon. Ashlyn has helped me throughout the last six months, offering advice and support and enabling me to believe in myself and Luna. I am excited that she is my first sponsor and I hope our partnership will continue for many years to come.