Diane Followell

About Me

My early experience of handling and riding many different horses gave me a good background for my equestrian vocation which began when I left school.  Qualifying for the B.H.S.A.I and B.H.S.I.I. examinations whilst working in renowned UK riding schools with wonderful teachers such as Harry Douglas, I gained invaluable experience teaching riders of all ages and abilities across all disciplines. During this time I trained a novice horse over show jumps and cross county fences, and we were placed third at our first hunter trial (left)

In the early 1980’s I was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to study with the great Nuno Oliveira at his  stables just outside Lisbon, Portugal. During the 3 years I spent there I had regular tuition from Mr Oliveira, and riding under his watchful eye, gained an insight into the ideas and philosophy behind the methods he used.

 When I wasn't riding, much of my time involved simply watching him schooling his own horses. I spent many hours each day studying the techniques Mr Oliveira so subtly applied, watching him teach his young horses and perfecting the work of his older mounts.

 The experience of riding horses trained beyond grand prix level has never left me and to this day my desire is to continue to understand horses, the impact riders have on them and to improve my knowledge of classical dressage.

                

I had many long and interesting conversations with the master, and on one occasion we discussed my future. He was very enthusiastic when I suggested that I would like to be a trainer, saying that he thought I would make a great trainer. From that day my future direction was set.

On returning to England, I have continued to broaden my understanding of classical riding.  I continue to study the teaching ideals of today’s respected classical trainers in order to develop  further knowledge, whilst always referring back to the teachings of Nuno Oliveira that so inspired me.