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Can One Simulator Help Make Riding More Accessible for All?

5/13/2026

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It can seem unlikely that one simulator could support such a wide range of riders. It’s a question we’re often asked by riding schools and equestrian centres: can the same machine work for young, nervous or disabled riders, while also offering enough precision for experienced competitors working on laterals and transitions?

Why does it matter?
Although the number of riding schools in the UK has declined in recent years, demand for lessons remains strong. That places a growing expectation on riding school ponies, which are expensive to buy, maintain and match appropriately to riders of different abilities.

When a school invests in new training equipment, it needs to be practical, versatile and useful across a broad range of riders and lesson types.

So, how would a simulator help?
A simulator offers a controlled environment for learning and practice. Unlike a real horse, the movement and pace are predictable, allowing coaches to stay beside the rider throughout the session and operate the machine as needed. Emergency stop controls also provide an added layer of reassurance.
For beginners, nervous riders or those returning to riding, this can help build confidence and allow them to focus on balance, position and coordination without additional unpredictability, not to mention just understand the movement and feel of a horse.

But what about experienced riders?
More advanced riders often use simulators differently. Dressage and Eventing models can support repetitive practice of transitions, laterals and rider position, helping riders isolate and work on specific technical areas.
Rather than replacing ridden work, simulators can provide another training tool alongside work with horses particularly for focused repetition, biomechanics and rider awareness. They can go beyond the rider and extend the benefits to coaching too - enabling coaches to learn new ways to teach and recognise weaker areas in their riders - by being closer and being able to focus solely on the rider.

Removing the waiting lists
For riding schools looking to grow sustainably, inclusivity is becoming just as important as capacity. A simulator can help centres support a wider range of riders; complete beginners and nervous adults to disabled riders and those returning to the sport - without placing additional pressure on school horses.
It also creates opportunities to engage riders who may otherwise remain on waiting lists, offering introductory sessions, confidence-building lessons or supplementary training while horse availability is limited. For many centres, that means being able to welcome more people into riding, make better use of coaching time and create additional revenue streams alongside traditional lessons.
Ultimately, it’s not about replacing horses, but about giving riding schools another tool to make riding more accessible, flexible and sustainable for a broader community of riders.

If you're a riding school looking to invest in equipment for your staff and riders, why not book a demo session with a coach at our studio in Cheshire.

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"we've had a fantastic start..." Lexi day from the south of england vaulting squad shares their successful start to the season so far

4/27/2026

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I just wanted to share an update on our season so far, as we’ve had a fantastic start and it really has been hugely supported by having the Racewood Vaulting Simulator to train on over the winter.

A Shaky Start
With the weather being so poor and our lorry out of action the vaulter's have had very little horse training, so being able to keep consistency, strength and confidence on the Racewood has made such a difference. We genuinely feel very lucky to have had that opportunity, and it’s clearly showing in our results.

Success at the Local Competitions
We started at a local competition with my younger walk vaulters. They also hadn’t had much horse time at all, so we went just for the experience but they came home with squad 1st, plus two individual 1sts, a 2nd, a 3rd and a 4th in some very big classes which was so amazing.
I then went to France with two of my older vaulters, where Janina finished 2nd and Dan 3rdso two podium finishes there was incredible! We’ve just returned from the Scotland CVI, where three of my older vaulters placed 1st, 3rd and 3rd in the CVI, and all three also won their national classes. To have another competition with all podium finishes was unexpected but just brilliant.

European Championships Selection
We’re off to Belgium in May, and then we wait to see if Jess and Janina are selected for the European Championships. They’ve both achieved the required scores and are looking very strong, so we are keeping our fingers crossed they have done enough!

Opportunities to make Vaulting Accessible to others
We have several demos and Pony Club rallies booked in for the summer, and we’re really excited to be able to take the Racewood out with us to share our sport and introduce more people to vaulting.
The consistency and quality of training we’ve been able to maintain thanks to the Racewood Vaulting Simulator has played a huge part in all of this. We really do feel it’s been a key factor in our progress this season.

Thank you so much Lexi - can't wait to see how the team get on!!!

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What matters more, todays results or the future of the sport tomorrow?

4/14/2026

Winning captures headlines and trophies make money. But without growth, care and a steady stream of new people discovering and falling in love with the sport, those moments would fade. And longevity doesn’t happen by chance, it's built deliberately, through the way we nurture both performance and participation. So both are key to the longevity of a sport.

Welfare
For sport to truly progress, it must look beyond results alone. Welfare sits at the heart of that responsibility. In equestrian sport especially, success depends not just on human performance, but on the wellbeing of the horses. Understanding how to care, train and support them properly is not optional - it's essential. Equally, athletes must be equipped to look after their own physical and mental performance, building resilience that sustains them over time.

Engagement
Growth also depends on connection. A sport that cannot engage new audiences cannot survive. Inspiring children, welcoming newcomers and making the sport accessible and exciting are just as important as producing elite competitors. Today’s spectators are tomorrow’s participants, supporters and ambassadors.

Our role
Some of our most recent projects and commissions have been more about engagement and promotion, not just performance and technique - and this is really exciting for us. We are really proud to play a role in that bigger picture. Developing a tool that educates riders in horse welfare and while also creating accessible ways for people to connect with the sport - we hope that we are helping to build something that lasts - not just momentary success, but a sustainable, thriving future.

Photo credit: New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

What 2 Days at the National Equine show teaches us about engagement, accessibility and equestrian simulators

3/2/2026

Nicky Caden, Emma Stamenkovic and Dan Hill at the National Equine Show

Emma Stamenkovic coaching on the Dressage Simulator at the National Equine Show

We’ve just wrapped up another brilliant two days at the National Equine Show, where our Dressage and Eventing Simulators - proudly sponsored by Zoetis and Polyjumps - were booked solid from start to finish.
Across both days, every available session was taken.
What made it particularly powerful was the breadth of riders stepping onto the simulators. From complete beginners to 5* event athletes, the feedback was strikingly consistent: immersive, technically precise and far more impactful than expected.
And the queues didn't stop.
Engagement Is One Thing — Accessibility Is AnotherYes, the level of interest was exceptional. But what stood out even more was how accessible the experience felt.
Riders of every standard were able to receive elite-level insight in a completely safe and controlled environment. From grassroots participants to high-performance competitors, there’s a clear appetite for objective feedback and measurable progress.
Two Key Reflections for Equestrian Businesses Considering Simulator IntegrationFor coaches, training centres, retailers or commercial venues exploring simulators as part of their offering, here’s what we observed:
1. Rider Expectations Have ShiftedSimulator-based coaching is no longer seen as experimental or niche. It’s becoming part of the standard expectation.
Many riders came specifically looking for us. They weren’t curious about whether the technology “worked” - they assumed it would. What they wanted was a meaningful, high-quality coaching session.
That mindset shift is significant.
2. The Question Isn’t “Is There Demand?”Demand is established. We now operate a booking system at events simply to manage capacity. The simulator area drew a continuous crowd, spectators stayed to watch full sessions, and riders returned later with friends.
The more relevant question may now be:
Do we have the infrastructure to meet the demand?

We’re incredibly proud to be developing a tool that supports coaches and riders while also helping to widen participation, improve accessibility and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the sport, safely, professionally, and in an engaging way.
A huge thank you to Dan, our Install Manager, to coaches Nicky and Emma, to the National Equine Show for hosting us, and of course to Polyjumps and Zoetis for their sponsorship.

In Focus, the vision impairment and complex needs charity celebrate 10 years with their horse simulator winston

1/30/2026

Since his arrival in 2015, Winston the Racewood Simulator has been helping young people with disabilities to enjoy the emotional, therapeutic and physical benefits of horse riding in a safe and fun way. Find out more about the In Focus group here. Happy 10th Birthday Winston!

What Should Rider Weight Look Like on Saddle Sensors?

12/3/2025

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Guest post by Jen Symms (Pegasus Physiotherapy)

feedback on the rider's weight distribution in the saddle

fitting the saddle on top of the sensors to capture data on the rider's position in the saddle

Sometimes the best insights come from the people who use our simulators every day. Hearing real-world perspectives helps us see to uncover new ideas too. Jen's guest blog brings exactly that: an outside viewpoint that adds depth, honesty and a unique take on our software - in particular, she talks about how our saddle sensors capture data on the rider's position in the saddle - and what this should or should not look like.

Saddle sensors, as seen on the Racewood interactive simulators, are a brilliant way of making the invisible visible. They show how a rider’s weight moves across the saddle (and more importantly on the horse’s back), giving us objective data about seat, symmetry, and balance. But it’s important to remember that there are two parts to the picture:

Static balance – where the red dot sits when the rider is at rest. Is it central? Is it aligned with the 12–6 line? This gives us an initial idea of symmetry and posture.
Dynamic balance – what the rider does when the horse moves. This is far more important. Do they follow the gait rhythm? Is their weight equal left to right? Or are they achieving “balance” asymmetrically through gripping, twisting, or dropping one side?

You can have a perfect, smooth curve on the screen, but when you actually watch the rider, you may see they are making many micro-adjustments to create that pattern. More experienced riders understand that they need to move with the horse and will use subtle shifts and strategies to keep equal weight on both seat bones. That’s why sensor data should always be combined with observation: the trace shows what, but only watching the rider reveals how.

Static vs. dynamic balance
The red dot (a feature of the software that shows the rider's position in the saddle) at halt is more useful than many riders and coaches realise. A stationary red dot shows whether the rider is sitting centrally, but it also reveals how well they can stabilise the pelvis while isolating other body parts.

- Can they apply a leg aid without tipping forward or shifting to one side?
- Can they rotate or adjust the pelvis without the dot drifting?
- Can they sit with and without reins while keeping the dot in the same position?

If a rider cannot control the red dot when static, they will almost certainly struggle once the pelvis also has to move dynamically with the horse. At halt, the red dot is especially valuable for helping a rider understand how their pelvic movements affect the horse’s back and balance. It allows us to quantify how well they can tilt forward/back, side to side, or rotate symmetrically.

This is particularly important on simulators, where riders often struggle to “ride” the mechanical horse in the same way they would a real one. The simulator requires precise aids- pressing the correct sensor “buttons” or shifting weight just enough- to trigger a leg yield, for example. On a real horse, the rider might get away with less accuracy because the horse interprets their intent. The simulator is not so forgiving; it demands precision. That makes it an excellent tool for testing whether riders can stabilise and isolate movements before adding motion.
Once the horse (or simulator) moves, the question becomes: can the rider still keep balance equal while following the gait? Or does their red dot creep forward, sideways, or jaggedly as the horse moves and they start to add in aids?

Rider movement is necessary to look still
Each gait has its own unique pattern of weight shift, and skilled riders adapt their pelvis to match.
Walk
At walk, the horse’s back and ribcage roll side to side, while the hindlimbs also push the rider’s pelvis gently forward. On sensors, this creates a lateral left–right pattern, with a forward–back element that produces the classic figure of 8 or infinity sign. On simulators, where propulsion is absent, the side-to-side is exaggerated.
Trot
At trot, because diagonals strike together, there is less side-to-side roll. The trace is smaller but still rhythmical. Rising trot produces clear unloading and reloading phases; sitting trot shows steadier oscillations. Sensors are particularly useful here to show how well the rider reloads the saddle in the sitting phase rather than “hovering” or slamming back down.
Canter
In canter, weight stays more central, matching the rolling three-beat rhythm. But the pelvis still needs to follow each hindlimb’s thrust. If a rider struggles more on one rein than the other, canter on the simulator often highlights the biggest asymmetries, with the red dot drifting most noticeably.
Research shows experienced riders often control this forward movement of the horse in all gaits with a slight backward tilt of the pelvis, while novices tend to be pushed into a forward tilt- so assessing the vertical movement of the red dot can also be really helpful in assessing forward and back movement in different gaits.

Light seat and rising trot
Saddle sensors also give valuable insights outside of sitting work.
Light seat: Here, the rider deliberately takes weight off the back of the saddle into the stirrups. The red dot should move closer to the stirrup bars - this is correct. But if the rider is unbalanced, the dot often creeps too far forward. This helps coaches assess whether the rider is tipping forward, bracing in the stirrups, or struggling to stabilise through the core. Used with mirrors, this feedback can build a more secure light seat.
Rising trot: The trace shows whether the rider reloads the saddle smoothly in the sitting phase. Skilled riders lower with control, producing a consistent, even pressure peak. Novices often hover above the saddle or drop heavily back in, which shows clearly on the trace.

Why a still red dot is not the goal
If the red dot hardly moves, it usually means the rider is gripping or bracing to “stay still.” This creates stiffness in the rider and blocks the horse’s back. Research confirms that elite riders show smooth, rhythmical pressure changes that match the gait, while novices produce jagged, erratic, or overly flat traces.
The goal is not to freeze the pelvis, but to develop dynamic balance: equal weight left and right, stride by stride.

What the red dot can (and can’t) tell us
Saddle sensors provide data, but they don’t tell the whole story.
A smooth curve may suggest good following, but might mask excessive micro-adjustments.
A jagged line or uneven peaks point to asymmetry, stiffness, or lack of control.
A consistently off-centre dot may indicate crookedness, mobility restriction, or saddle fit issues.
Front–back placement varies with build and saddle, but ideally should remain close to the middle or the 12–6 line. Too far forward = ahead of the horse’s centre of gravity; too far back = loading a weaker region of the spine.
Where the red dot sits vertically will depend on the saddle design, the rider’s body weight and proportions, and how weight is distributed in the saddle. So if the dot is not perfectly in the bullseye, that is not necessarily wrong- the key is that the rider is sitting centrally and in good alignment.
This is why the rider must always be observed alongside the trace. The sensors show what is happening, but the coach determines why.

Novice vs. expert riders
Studies on both horses and simulators show clear differences between novice and expert riders:
Novices often aim for stillness, resulting in stiffness, blocking, or jagged pressure patterns. Some try to pre-empt the horse’s movement rather than following it.
Experts accept movement and adapt stride by stride, producing smooth, symmetrical traces.
Simulator studies show that experienced riders display more refined trunk–pelvis coordination strategies, while novices rely on unstable or stiff movement patterns.

Auto-training and progress tracking
One of the great benefits of saddle sensors is their role in the software's auto-training program. Riders can use them to track progress over time:
Is the red dot more centred after weeks of practice?
Are left–right oscillations becoming more equal?
Is rising trot seat loading more controlled?
Is light seat balance more consistent without creeping forward?
This allows riders to train with feedback between lessons. The key is interpretation: the data is a guide, but the coach helps make sense of it and links it back to rider biomechanics etc.

Why this matters
If a rider cannot follow the horse’s basic movement at walk and trot, they will struggle to apply deliberate, precise weight aids in more advanced work. Saddle sensors provide clear, objective feedback to highlight these fundamentals, helping both rider and coach understand what is really happening.
The message is simple: don’t chase a motionless red dot. Use the data to build awareness, refine coordination, and track progress. True harmony looks like fluid, symmetrical, gait-matched movement- not stillness. Pegasus Physiotherapy.

References
Byström, A., et al. (2009). Kinematics of saddle and rider in collected and extended trot. Equine Veterinary Journal.
Byström, A., et al. (2015). Influence of rider on horse locomotion. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica.
Byström, A., et al. (2019). Horse–rider interaction in passage. Comparative Exercise Physiology.
Clark, A., et al. (2022). Experienced vs. novice riders on a riding simulator: trunk kinematics and saddle forces in rising trot. Comparative Exercise Physiology.
De Cocq, P., et al. (2009). Vertical forces on the horse’s back in sitting and rising trot. Equine Veterinary Journal.
Lagarde, J., et al. (2005). Coordination dynamics of the horse–rider system. Journal of Motor Behavior.
MacKechnie-Guire, R. (Centaur Biomechanics). Research on rider asymmetry, saddle pressure, and horse locomotion.
Peham, C., et al. (2010). Forces acting on the horse’s back and rider seat in different trot positions. Equine Veterinary Journal.
Uldahl, M., et al. (2021). Off-horse pelvic mobility relates to riding harmony. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
Wilkins, R., et al. (2020). Static pelvic posture vs. dynamic pelvic tilt in riding simulators. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.
Wilkins, R., et al. (2022). Trunk–pelvis movement strategies on a riding simulator. Comparative Exercise Physiology.

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How rider-Physio Jen Symms of Pegasus Physiotherapy is Using Our Simulator to Transform Rehab, Confidence and Performance in her riders.

11/24/2025

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Rehabilitation isn’t just about healing the body, it’s about rebuilding confidence, overcoming mental barriers and giving riders the feedback they need to return to the saddle stronger than before. Some physiotherapists are turning to our simulators as a powerful addition to their toolkit. Our technology is showing what might otherwise have been missed and helping riders feel what they need to feel before stepping back into the arena.

Jen was our guest on our most recent Webinar. She talked us through how and why she uses a Racewood Simulator for rider assessments and consultations.

"I rarely see riders on horses initially anymore. The simulator gives me the objective data I need from the sensors - not just what I think I see."
Traditionally, physios rely on observation and manual testing. Valuable, but possibly subjective. Our simulators change this by offering real-time data. Physiotherapists can:

Track movement quality and consistency
Spot compensations that riders and coaches might not pick up at first
See how fatigue impacts form
Measure progress across sessions
Compare pre- and post-injury outputs

This level of insight allows Jen to make more confident decisions, adjust programming faster and giving her riders visual proof of their progress - something that can significantly impact motivation and trust in the process.

"Sometimes it starts in the mind"
Even when the body is capable, the mind can hold an rider back. For riders recovering from injury, small wins aren't "small" at all. They're what keep you moving forward.

When you see a pathway to improvement, rather than simply feeling disheartened by not being able to do something it has a profound phycological impact; a huge part of getting back into the saddle. Inside the simulator, physios can create scenarios that:

Replicate specific situations
Challenge problem movements
Create controlled exposure to feared actions
Build confidence step by step

Because the simulator is safe, predictable and adaptable, riders can attempt movements they might avoid on a real horse. When they succeed, the mental barriers begin to fall away.

"Horse Riding is unlike any other sport"
Most people are expected to just get on without learning balance, posture or coordination first.

By focusing on controlled, foundational work first, apart from removing strain form the horse, I can -
Improve long-term outcomes
Make the return-to-saddle phase faster and safer
Reduce fear and hesitation
Give riders objective proof they’re ready
The basics aren’t just the first step, they are the step that determines the success of every stage that comes after.

Our simulators are empowering rider-physios. By combining clinical expertise with precise data, immersive environments and controlled progression, physios like Jen can deliver more effective, holistic rehab experiences.
At every stage, from early movement, confidence building, mental resilience, accountability and return-to-the-saddle, the Racewood Simulators are helping riders get back to sport safer, stronger and sooner.

Why not check out what Jen offers here and find out about pricing and lead times for our different models here.

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Your Questions Answered: Highlights from Our Racewood INTRODUCTORY Webinar

9/8/2025

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Mary and Lottie from the sales and marketing team at Racewood

Mary Brogelli and Lottie Edwards from the sales and marketing team at Racewood

Last week, our team hosted a live webinar to answer some of the most common questions we receive from people considering an investment in a Racewood Simulator.

During the session, we explored the three core principles behind our simulators - accessibility, technique, and welfare—and shared examples of how they’re being used across a variety of settings, including educational institutions, independent businesses, equestrian centres, and rehabilitation or therapeutic environments.

Here’s a round-up of the key questions asked by our guests:

Q. Can the simulators be mobile?
Our simulators are designed to be installed directly to the floor for stability. However, if you plan to take your simulator to an event, we can supply a stabilising bar for certain models as a temporary solution. Some customers have also successfully installed simulators into mobile trailers, though this isn’t something we manage ourselves. If this is of interest, we’re happy to provide guidance and recommendations before you get started.

Q. What is the recommended run time for the simulators?
Our simulators are built for continuous use, offering safe and effective training all day long. The core benefit is that they reduce strain on real horses, making extended training sessions possible without compromise.

Q. Can one simulator cover all disciplines? Not exactly. Different disciplines require different designs and mechanisms, which is why we offer a range of models—Racing, Vaulting, Polo, Trot Racing, and General Riding.
Our most versatile option is the Eventing Simulator, which supports a wide variety of disciplines including basic arena work, Grand Prix Dressage, Show Jumping, and Cross Country. It also includes different programs to suit varying levels of ability.

Q. What is the potential ROI?This depends on your industry, location, and personal expertise. Many of our customers charge anywhere between £40–£150 per hour for coaching sessions, and because the simulators can operate all day, the potential for revenue is significant.
We typically recommend charging at least £1 per minute. Some customers even hire their simulators to external coaches, though we suggest ensuring those coaches are Racewood-accredited beforehand.
It’s also worth noting that riders are willing to travel for quality simulator coaching. We’ve even known clients to take transatlantic flights to work with specialist coaches on our simulators—proof of the demand and opportunity available.

Q. What business support do you provide and do you offer financing? While we don’t offer formal business plans, we can supply case studies, testimonials, and supporting materials to help with your proposals. We don’t provide financing directly—given our international customer base—but we can share details of independent financing companies (though we have no affiliation and recommend conducting your own due diligence).
On the support side, we’re always happy to help. We can list your business on our website with a backlink and provide exposure through our social media channels. And of course, we’re here to answer any questions you may have.

Q. What should the room set up look like? Our simulators have been installed in a wide variety of environments—classrooms, barns, museums, shops, and more. The main factors to consider are:

Flooring
Space and ceiling height
Electrical supply
Access for installation

We also have a detailed setup document available—just ask if you’d like a copy.

If you would like to be on our email list for the next webinar, or you'd find a one-to-one call helpful please just let us know and we'll make it happen! DROP UP AS EMAIL HERE.

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"The simulator played a critical role in my rehabilitation" A Case study: Morten Williams, RDA Coach

8/30/2024

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Morten Williams is an RDA coach who, having recently undergone his own rehabilitation journey, knows first hand the best practises on the simulator. He took the time to tell us a little more about his own recovery and how he helps others.

Q1. How did you get into RDA coaching?
My background has always been equine orientated; I’m a freelance equine groom and Riding for Disabled Group coach who’s absolutely passionate about equitation, the countryside, farming, the great outdoors and I’m at my happiest when I’m out and about in the countryside in a pair of wellies. I’ve worked for a wide range of riding schools, livery yards, equine welfare centres and Riding for the Disabled organisations.

Q2. When did you first start coaching with the simulators? Who is your typical client?
I started coaching with the simulator when I joined a Riding for the Disabled Centre. Once I embarked on the Coaching Pathway and became an RDA coach, I was trained in how to use the riding simulator. My typical riders for the simulator (being a Riding for the Disabled yard) are those with a wide-ranging mix of abilities, from different backgrounds and all walks of life. The mechanical horse provides a safe, controlled and stable experience for them. It is so much easier when it comes to mounting and dismounting. The combination of the simulator and it’s RDA software provides an excellent, all-round interactive experience.

Q.3 What do you personally like about coaching on a simulator?
The fact you can stand next to the rider and walk around whilst they are riding and really see the biomechanics at play; something you can’t do if coaching in a school. When fettling the rider’s position, you can see the adjustments in real-time on the display using all the sensors the simulator has, which is also another great training aid.

Q4. You recently suffered and injury yourself, can you tell us a bit about that and how you approach your own rehabilitation on the simulator?
12 years ago a had a riding accident, which subsequently damaged my medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). A few years ago, whilst at work, my MPFL ligament fully ripped in half. The results of which made the patella highly unstable was liable to frequent patellar subluxations and dislocations. This year in May, I underwent medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction surgery to correct the injury.
My approach to my rehabilitation on the simulator is “a little and often”. Smaller yet repetitive stages are far better than longer, infrequent sessions. The simulator has played a critical role in my rehabilitation and from the first session I could tell what a different the operation had made to my knee. Physio (whilst extremely important) was not showing huge amounts of tangible progress, yet sitting in the saddle of the simulator I could see straight away that there was a drastic improvement. Rising trot and sitting trot without stirrups is the perfect way to build up the muscle tone and strength that I had lost pre and post op - the simulator is a safer way of rehabilitation for me than the unpredictability of a real horse.

Thanks Morten - good luck with the rest of your recovery!

If you would like to find an RDA group in your area who offer simulator coaching, take a look at our customer list on the website, or drop us an email [email protected]

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My simulator journey - a case study with Lucy mcwilliam

7/8/2024

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Lucy McWilliam has been a customer of Racewood since 2008, when she purchased her first Riding Simulator. This year, with the support and encouragement of one of her clients, she was able to upgrade to a fully interactive Dressage Simulator. We chatted to Lucy about being a riding coach, incorporating the simulator into her methods and why it wasn't always plain sailing...

Q1. What drove you to begin training with a simulator? What was it you felt you could do to make a difference?

I first came across the Simulators when a yard I had worked at approached me and asked if I would like to use ‘Frank’ to teach the more novice clients. Frank was one of the older models with a wooden head. I worked very closely with a client who was recovering from major surgery and her physio had suggested she try riding. Looking for a safe alternative she looked at the simulators. The changes I was able to make to not only her position/ mobility but also her confidence were amazing. She was very persistent that I should invest of a simulator of my own. Having worked with horses since I left school I was becoming disheartened with the equine industry and I saw the simulator as a chance to be able to make a real change to how people approached riding. The simulators allowed an element of proof that real horses don’t. In other words they aren’t as forgiving as a real horse. The rider has a real chance to see what it is they are actually asking from the horse. From here it is possible to break down many of the more traditional ways of teaching riding in a way that means people can understand whats being asked of them, why and what that means to a horse. I made a deal with my client that if she rode a real horse again I would take the plunge and buy my first simulator. Barney arrived in 2008.

Q.2 What challenges did you face at first, and how did you overcome them?
It wasn’t all plan sailing, whilst I and clients that I have worked with could see the benefits of the simulator there was still a lack of understanding about what the benefits were and why you would use one. I faced criticism mostly from other instructors who failed to see how I could know how someone rode without ever seeing them on a real horse. I approached a big organisation to get their approval but they said they didn’t recognise the simulators. Funnily enough they use them themselves now. I took Barney to Your Horse Live and didn’t switch him off both of the days we were there so I knew the demand was there. In fact in my experience the people who speak negatively about the simulators have mostly never even been on one. Gradually and with amazing support from my clients I began to build a reputation and haven’t looked back since.

Q.3 What sets your business/offering apart from others?
My business is about nurturing the relationship between horse and rider and making it possible for anyone to have a go. For me when a client comes in it’s not just about what they look like but how they absorb the movement, How someone reacts to an instruction, the relationship with their horse and how we can bring all this together to create a theory of riding that works for them and their horse. I’m not try to teach my style of riding rather raising awareness of what a client is doing in the saddle, the effect this has on the horse and creating a tool kit they can use when riding alone. The simulator is a perfect partner for this allowing mistakes without judgement and building confidence through understanding. I wouldn’t say I specialise in anything in particular other than loving horses and understanding how much really goes into just riding.

Q.4 Can you tell us a little more about how and why you upgraded your model?
2024 and Roo arrives. I sold Barney and was going to have a break but on my break I realised I missed it too much. I started using Llyod a simulator at a yard local to me. Once again after much encouragement from clients I upgraded to Roo the dressage simulator. It’s been interesting using a simulator with a screen this time around having never had one with Barney. It takes me back to the feeling that the simulators provide the element of proof only this time not only is the simulator helping to protect the horse but it also protects me as an instructor. The simulators are incredible but what they can’t do is tell you how to fix it. That’s my job and sometimes hearing that you may be the problem or that you aren’t as straight as you thought can be tricky for riders to accept. The simulator becomes a different horse many times in one lesson with the data on the screen reflecting the changes I am making . It allows me as an instructor to raise a riders awareness of what they, not me or their horse is actually doing. Roo has been a great new addition but Barney will always hold a place in my heart 😄

Q5. What can riders typically expect from a session with you?
I always find it hard to say what you can expect when visiting me and Roo. It’s so different for everyone. I teach what’s in front of me in that moment in time. Very similar to how a horse responds to the rider.

Q6. Can you describe your current set up? How often are you teaching and what sort of clients are you seeing?
I’m currently at Wymondham Windmill which is a lovely site. We have a variety of shops a great tea room. It’s easy to come for your lesson and then spend the morning pottering around. I currently work 5 days a week fitting teaching in around my son’s school hours and a full day on the weekend. I teach a huge variety of riders. Dressage riders, eventers, dressage judges. Happy hackers, people using it for rehabing and people just wanting to be better riders for their horses.
The variety suits me I believe anyone from any background should be able to access riding and feel welcomed and comfortable when doing it.

Thanks Lucy!! If you would like to book in with Lucy, you can track her down via her website. If you would like to discuss purchasing your own simulator, get in touch at [email protected]

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