Did you know International Polo is coming to London this week!

Did you know International Polo is coming to London this week...?

Book your tickets via http://www.theo2polo.com/  and support equestrianism in the capital.  The Have A Go Polo and 'Cycle Polo' sounds somewhat unique... the only question is, what to wear for a glamorous event, surrounded by polo players, champagne and celebrities, shopping and sweaty horses.....!

HOOF supports Legal Advice Seminar for LONDON HORSE NETWORK

HOOF, the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic Legacy Project is supporting a free Health and Safety and Employment Law seminar for the London Horse Network.

The London Horse Network which consists of riding school managers, livery yard owners and freelance and retained instructors and grooms will benefit from the workshop being held at the Hilton Olympia Hotel on Monday 28th February.

“These subjects may seem rather dry on paper but have sparked some serious debate during previous London Horse Network meetings”, explained Volunteer Chair of the London Horse Network, Jodie Maile, adding, “We are very grateful to HOOF Ride London for offering to support a day where the Network can learn from the experts.”

The British Grooms Association, recently appointed as a member body of the BEF, will be introducing its role within the industry and presenting the ‘Equine Employer’s Handbook’, produced by the BGA to the audience.

Regarded as a ‘must have’ for all equestrian establishments, 30 copies of the £39.95 Equine Employer’s Handbook are generously being donated to the Network by HOOF Ride London.

Career Grooms, sponsors of the BGA will also conduct a workshop to aid understanding of the problems and solutions when recruiting, training and retaining staff, and Nicole Seaman LLP, an Employment Law solicitor from Warner Goodman will be on hand to answer any specific questions from the London Horse Network.

London Representative of the BEF, David Gadsby said, “Between HOOF and the London Horse Network, we have a comprehensive line up of professionals that will aim to introduce their expertise, answer specific questions on the day and indicate various channels through which Network members can access continued support.”

The day will also include a workshop with Ray Hipkin CMIOSH, MEWI.

Health and Safety Officer for British Eventing, Ray manages safety issues at Blenheim, Bramham and Weston Park International Horse Trials, he is also Chairman of the National Farm Attractions Network and an independent advisor on Health and Safety Issues to a wide range of commercial clients.

Jodie concludes, “It’ll be great to have an industry expert on hand who understands the challenges faced in equestrianism especially the demands placed on centres and instructors when dealing with young, old, nervous and otherwise vulnerable, disadvantaged or disabled people in a high risk environment.”

To find out more about the London Horse Network or to register a question for the experts to answer, email jodievm@aol.com . For more details on the BEF Olympic Legacy Project, HOOF Ride London, visit www.hoof-in-town.com.

The LHN Health & Safety and Employment Law Seminar, 10am-3pm, Monday 28th February 2011, Hilton Olympia Hotel, London. Contact jodievm@aol.com for more details.

Inspirational speakers give the London Horse Network coaching insights

A training forum supported by the British Equestrian Federation’s HOOF Ride London Olympic Legacy project, gave the London Horse Network an opportunity to understand the complex and powerful role of the riding instructor as coach, trainer and mentor.


Andrew MacFarlane offered a unique view, having experience of many different teaching styles as he learns to ride himself and in his experiences as a coach, particularly when using horses at liberty to encourage team building, harmony and leadership in the corporate workplace through his company Lead Change.

Inviting participants who ranged from newly qualified instructors to equestrian centre managers to first identify the perceptions and pressures, motivations and challenges faced by riders of all levels and to identifying their different learning styles, Andrew then moved on to applying this understanding to help coaches become more effective.

After considering the psychological aspects behind coaching, Minette Rice Edwards, trainer at the ABRS-approved Ham House Stables, Richmond, offered an insight into coaching from a more physiological standpoint.

Taking the seat, the torso, alignment, feel and awareness as five indicators in riding effectively, she also ran through a physical ‘imagery’ checklist to encourage a balanced position.

The combination of these two excellent speakers, identifying how the coach can influence the rider and how the rider can influence the horse, was inspiring.

Although the main feature of the day kindly hosted by Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre, volunteer chair of the London Horse Network, Jodie Maile, also used the occasion to canvas opinion from members as to their priorities for the Network and encouraged feedback as to how the Network could come together to improve training provision and standards.

Vice-Chairman of the Greater London region of the British Horse Society, Janet Coe, outlined the anticipated provision of amateur and professional training awards to be made available from the British Horse Society to riders at London equestrian centres.

Jodie Maile, who took over the chair in the summer of 2010 said, “It was great to have the BHS able to give the London Centres the heads up on these awards and an example of how these Network meetings can get people together. Already existing members who have found freelance instructors to hay suppliers through the network and it is exciting to see the Network develop to suit the aims of those involved.”

In line with the concerns raised during this latest workshop with regard to employment law, health and safety and child protection considerations, HOOF Ride London has also offered to help support a legal workshop.

London Representative of the BEF, David Gadsby explained, “The Network is very much run by its members, for its members and it was great that Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre volunteered to act as host for the training day”, adding, “Supporting the London Horse Network fits well with our Olympic legacy project aims, HOOF Ride London, as the tools and skills developed by the Network members today can be shared among them and spread.”

If you are a rider, horse owner, trainer, equestrian centre or other equestrian enthusiast and would like to join the London Horse Network, or offer your expertise towards developing equestrianism in London, please contact Jodie Maile on jodievm@aol.co.uk or 07815670035.