Diane Followell

Under my guidance, my students spend a great deal of time developing the true basic elements of dressage This is because it is clear that without these fundamental principles being correctly created and understood, any more advanced work is always incorrect. Only once horse and rider are established in this basic work do we move onto those advanced movements which are within the horses capabilities.

I encourage clients to discuss their lesson both during and at any time after the lesson. This provides for continuity in training and greater understanding of the processes for the rider.
  

My teaching methods are applicable to all types of horses due to my experience and training with Mr Oliveira. Lessons are tailored to each horse and rider’s strengths and weaknesses.

Training horses with difficult conformation (below)

The horses I now train have been previously ridden in a variety of different disciplines, which has created challenges in the way that the horse now works. Without exception, a creative classical approach has benefitted these horses in accepting the rider’s aids and producing consistent, solid, dressage work.

Understanding and carefully working within each horse’s capacity, I work closely with the rider to develop each horse to their maximum physical and mental ability.

Retraining theses horses takes a lot of time and patience, but this process is very rewarding for everyone involved when a horse begins to trust their rider and work confidently with them.