Ashen Equestrian Centre

02/06/2026

Do you find yourself doing that same thing over and over again?
Do you continually start things but never actually finish them?
Do you day dream without taking action?
Are you aware of the reasons why?
Have you ever taken the time to explore the reasons?
If not, make it your intention to start today.
As you begin to explore the patterns of behaviours in your life you will often find recurring themes running through them.
For full Blog click here - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/20-recurring.../

19/05/2026

Part 19 - Internal Dialogue (see link for full blog, the below is just an extract)
"If I notice that this happening I tell myself, “We will have this conversation later.” Then, at a more appropriate time and when I have the brain-space, I will make a choice as to whether I ignore, reframe positively, or address the issues my inner-voice raised. In so doing I am better able to deal with the issues that need addressing and better able to get perspective on those that don’t really matter, and I intrude less often on the time I spend with my horses."
https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/19-self-talk.../

11/05/2026

Blog, Part 18 "Deletions, Distortions and Generalisations"
Three of the “filters” that information passes through before becoming our thoughts and feelings or our “internal state”
For full blog use this link - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/18-deletions.../

06/05/2026

Dismounted Clinic Sunday 10th May
"Lateral Work Demystified"
Ashen Equestrian Centre, CO10 8JU
(ONLY A FEW SPACES REMAINING!)
The aims of lateral work might be to improve balance, suppleness and communication between horse and rider.
However, misunderstandings can lead to strong, inelegant riding.
To achieve its aims lateral work must be taught to and understood by horse and rider in a logical and progressive way.
This clinic is designed to provide clarity
What is leg yield, shoulder-in, renvers, travers and half-pass?
When should I introduce my horse to each exercise?
How do I teach the exercises to my horse and avoid the pitfalls?
Why are these exercises important for me and my horse?
What are the essential prerequisites and building blocks to help me and my horse succeed and enjoy lateral work?
Whether you and your horse are new to or experienced with lateral work the format of this clinic will help you and your horse become more connected and balanced.
Combining demos, on-foot exercises and Q&A sessions we will explore and demystify so that you leave with a deeper understanding to develop the skills and help your horse lighten its forehand, improve its balance, impulsion and cadence and bring variety and fun to your sessions.
With Core Condition for Horses, Biomechanics and Classical Riding Coach Becky Chapman.
Details and booking here - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/lateral-work-clinic/

04/05/2026

“Whether first or last rider of the day Becky’s energy and quality of delivery stayed at the same high level – quite inspirational.”
W.S
“Our learning and progression, and your encouragement and enthusiasm never end – thank you.”
O.S
“One clinic with Becky has provided me with a greater understanding and more learning than all the years of lessons before combined.”
S.M
May Clinics are FULLY BOOKED
June, July and August dates and details here - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/clinics-with-becky.../

02/05/2026

"The techniques that I will be sharing with you in forthcoming blogs are those that I have applied effectively for myself and have delivered on numerous Confident Rider and Dismounted Workshops over the last two decades."
Part 17 - Confidence, full blog here - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/16-confidence/

24/04/2026

"Lateral Work Demystified Clinic" Sun 10th May.
Ashen Equestrian Centre CO10 8JU
ONLY 4 SPACES REMAINING. (See link for more details / to book places from £30 for Members to £35 for non-members)
Feedback from April's Lateral Work Clinic -
"Fab Clinic, thank you!"
"I particularly enjoyed the pelvic dexterity exercise"
"The discussions and demonstrations were brilliant"
"It was very helpful to walk through the exercises as a horse"
"My biggest learning was the different positions of lateral work"
"It was brilliant, I'm much clearer on the meanings and ex*****on"
"The group exercises pretending to be a horse were the most enjoyable part"
"My biggest take away was understanding the differences in each movement".
"Thankyou so so much for such a brilliant informative fun productive day"
"I am so appreciative of your kindness, encouragement, support, expertise. Absolutely loved every minute"

Whether you and your horse are new to or experienced with lateral work the format of this clinic will help you and your horse become more connected and balanced.

20/04/2026

16. Facilitating Change - here's the link to full blog - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/15-facilitating-change/
"By moving from The Easy and into Learning Zone on a regular basis you will surprise yourself at how much you are capable of achieving and how much pleasure there is in growing and developing."

The Easy Zone is the familiar, it’s what we know, where we are comfortable and where we feel safe. When you’re in your Easy Zone you’re on auto-pilot, there are no surprises, and you are competent and confident in the things that you do.

10/04/2026

Feedback from April's Lateral Work Clinic -
"Fab Clinic, thank you!"
"I particularly enjoyed the pelvic dexterity exercise"
"The discussions and demonstrations were brilliant"
"It was very helpful to walk through the exercises as a horse"
"My biggest learning was the different positions of lateral work"
"It was brilliant, I'm much clearer on the meanings and ex*****on"
"The group exercises pretending to be a horse were the most enjoyable part"
"My biggest take away was understanding the differences in each movement".
"Thankyou so so much for such a brilliant informative fun productive day"
"I am so appreciative of your kindness, encouragement, support, expertise. Absolutely loved every minute"
Next Clinic Sunday May 10th - LIMITED SPACES REMAINING
Details and booking here - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/lateral-work-clinic/

08/04/2026

Part 15. Becoming Part of the Solution.
When working with our horses there are various "tool kits" we can pull resources from.
Our "first tool kit" is our body, its position, alignment and balance and how it affects the horse. (Our mindset comes into this too and is a subject I will return to in later blogs.)
Our "second tool kit" are exercises (polework, grids, lateral work etc) utilised to improve the horse's way of going.
My view is that the aim of any "second tool kit" exercise, whether it be to to improve the horse's core strength, impulsion, suppleness, straightness or to lighten the forehand must ALSO create more availability, rideability and harmony.
When a "second tool kit" exercise creates more tension, confusion and requires "stronger riding" the choice of exercise, the timing of its introduction or its ex*****on wasn't right and needs to be amended.
Full blog here - https://ashenequestriancentre.co.uk/14-becoming-part-of-the-solution/