Fiona Gair
My love for horses was apparent when I began riding once a week at a riding school around the age of 8 and that was it, I was never going to be without them as part of my life. I’ve now had numerous years experience caring for and riding horses. As a trainer I have helped numerous people achieve their ambitions. Whether it's been building a more confident partnership with their horse, the first prelim or qualifying for a national final!
With my early years concentrated on Eventing I understand the difficulties sometimes faced gaining the correct suppleness and relaxation in the dressage phase and enjoy using poles and grid work to improve strength and suppleness through the back in both event and dressage horses alike.
Having spent the more recent years focussed on dressage, training with some of our top international riders and trainers, I have produced my own horses from foals to Grand Prix and competing in many area festivals, regional and national championships on a variety of horses.
I have a wealth of experience and knowledge to help others, whatever their level, ability and ambition.
Polly Holbrook-Bull
Polly Holbrook-Bull BHSIIT UKCC2 has 21 years teaching experience mainly across Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset as well as teaching for a time in Oxfordshire.
She attained her A test through the Pony Club and then went on to work through her teaching exams with the BHS.
Polly has built up a reputation for building confidence in the horse and rider at whatever level they are working at.
She has a kind and supportive approach to her teaching and knows when to push her clients to achieve their goals.
Polly runs camps and clinics through out the year as well as teaching private lessons in Dressage, Showjumping and Cross country.
Andy Carter
Andy Carter BHS Senior Coach BHSII LEVEL3, brings great energy and positivity to his clinics which are inclusive and a great confidence boost.
Hi my name is Andy. I competed at advanced level Eventing in the 90s, including Bramham twice, I’ve spent a lot of time in the racing industry, riding in point points as well as backing young horses and working with difficult horses to help them fulfil their potential.
My goal is always to give a positive experience for Horse and Rider with the feeling of achievement.
Julia Cory
BHSII Senior Coach & BD Recognised Coach.
I have over 30 years of coaching experience in Wiltshire and Somerset although I actually started my teaching career in Berkshire.
I have competed in Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping but my real passion has always been dressage, particularly focusing on the riders position and horse's correct way of going.
Whether you are a beginner wishing to create a solid foundation or a more experienced rider aiming for improvement, I will help you get the best out of your horses and help you achieve your goals.
I have many years of experience teaching children of all ages having worked in the equestrian department at Stonar School and also pony clubs. I am the senior coach at The Wilton Pony Club where I teach rallies, camps and also train the dressage and eventing teams.
I love teaching. My main aim is to install confidence and hopefully inspire riders to be the best that they can be. Julia
Sophie Sacco
Based at Downlands as Manager, Sophie has developed an eye for helping horses and riders using pole exercises.
Having a quiet confidence around horses comes from years of practical hands on experience.
Sophie has been a groom and worked in the equine industry for 20 years, but she has also worked in a lot of customer facing roles which makes her an excellent communicator with a good balance of empathy and encouragement. She also has a keen eye for detail, which you will notice in her pole clinics.
With a love for learning, Sophie is keen to help others explore the information available from experts in the equestrian community and believes that success is born from collaboration.