Welcome to Simply Horsemanship - Home of Joanne Forster

Introduction 

                                              

I began riding at 5 years old and that is when my journey began.

I have been involved with horses for nearly 30 years.  I have experience in a range of disciplines and have competed since the age of 9 years old in a range of activities including BSJA, Pony Club Team Events, Riding Club, Showing etc.

 

I am currently training towards becoming a Centered Riding Instructor and hope to achieve Centered Riding Instructor status in 2008.  Visit www.centeredriding.org for more details.  Sally Swift is the brainchild behind centered riding and sucessfully incorporates body awareness and Alexander technique along with visualisation techniques within her training. 

  • I teach lessons both in-hand and under saddle and focus my work around the correct movement of the horse whilst ensuring the horse's mental welfare is taken into account.  My lessons are fun and informative and whilst people have fun they also give their horses a good physical workout during the process.  Working a horse in-hand is a good way to notice if a horse is crooked, stiff or unable to use it's hindquarters correctly.  I do not use training aids in my training and sympathetically encourage horses to use their backs correctly whilst improving balance and suppleness.

  • I am a trained saddle fitter, fitting saddles that support and allow the horse to move comfortably and freely.  I specialise in fitting and retemplating Saddle Company saddles.  Saddle Company saddles are built upon a lightweight injection moulded tree which is manufactured to the highest standard and guaranteed to be symmetrical.  The Tree Tec Saddle Tree that the saddles are built upon are fully adjustable by 'Saddle Company' trained fitters like myself and carry a full 10 year guarantee against breakage. Visit www.thesaddlecompany.co.uk for more information.

  • I cater for all budgets and disciplines, working closely with event horses and dressage horses and also making sure your family cob and pony clubbing pony are  comfortable in their saddles.  NEW WEBSITE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION - COMING SOON - www.simplyhorsemanship-saddlesandservices.co.uk

  • I am a BALANCE international Saddling System 'Test Ride Facilitator' for more information about the BALANCE saddling system visit www.balanceinternational.com

  • I am a qualified Reiki Practitioner, Life Coach & Crystal Practitioner and carry full practitioners insurance.  I have over 15 years experience in coaching and training individuals and groups.

  • I teach horsemanship and riding, tailoring lessons to the individuals requirements.   I hold full instructors insurance with SEIB.

  • The Alternative Horsemanship movement is now huge in the UK with horsemen like Pat Parelli and Monty Roberts coming from the USA.  Simply Horsemanship Saddling Services Ltd supplies equipment in the UK from the world leading Natural Horsemanship Equipment manufacturers.  The equipment is available to buy from our on-line shop or simply contact us to make your purchase.

My skills and services include:

  • Riding Lessons using body awareness
  • Horsemanship Lessons
  • Problem Horse Assistance
  • Saddle Fitting
  • Life Coaching
  • Gem therapy for humans and animals
  • Reiki Healing for humans and animals
  • Natural Horsemanship Equipment supplies
  • Supplier of Griffin Nuumed Products
  • Supplier of Thorowgood Products
  • Supplier of Prolite Products

I hold certificates for:-

  • Alternative Horsemanship
  • BHS Stages
  • Saddle Fitting & Awareness
  • Reiki Practitioner
  • Crystal/Gem Healing Practitioner
  • Life Coaching
  • Coaching, Training & Teambuilding

I have also intensively studied the following:-

  • Equine Nuitrition
  • Equine Bio-mechanics
  • Centered Riding

I am a member of the following organisations:-

  • British Horse Society
  • British Riding Clubs
  • Classical Riding Club
  • Centered Riding
  • Reiki Federation

I am also Chairperson and one of the founders of Durham & District Riding Club - an affiliated British Riding Club dedicated to the welfare and balanced approach of horsemanship & riding.

  • I aim to become a Centered Riding Instructor in 2008.

  • I am listed with the Classical Riding Club trainers directory.

  • I believe that we never stop learning and that we all should retain an open mind throughout our lives.