I have always loved animals but was not lucky enough to grow up in a ‘horsey’ home.

After thinking about learning to ride for a long time (15 years) I started lessons. Unfortunately the horse that I was learning on was not a match for me and after a couple of nasty falls my confidence was shaken and I again postponed my dream of learning to ride.

After a couple of months I decided to give it another go and that is when I found Karen. I did not realise just how nervous I had become of sitting on a horse until my first lesson. Karen was wonderful. She really slowed things down for me which was exactly what I needed. She has shown me that riding isn’t just about looking good and going fast on a horse, it is about finding a connection with the horse and working together, and that when you find this “magic happens”.

I now look forward every week to a lesson or workshop with Karen and all the great people that ride at Mohegan. Although I can still get very nervous, I have learnt the techniques to calm myself and my horse so I can push through the nerves and enjoy riding which is what I wanted all along.

For the non horse owner such as myself (oneday!) Karen provides lovely horses to learn on. Being a heavier rider I was told by quite a few places before finding Karen that their horses would not be suitable, this has definitely not been the case at Mohegan. I have ridden a variety of horses there and even developed a favourite, the gorgeous Pebbles. Karen also teaches lessons about all aspects of horse ownership which includes a lot of groundwork which I actually enjoy as much as the riding. I feel that when I do finally buy a horse of my own I will be much better equipped to handle this.

It is hard to put into words all the great things about riding at Mohegan. The atmosphere is definitely a positive one with riders of all levels riding together and encouraging each other to push themselves and their horses under guidance with a massive emphasis on safety.

I would encourage anyone reading this who is wanting to learn to ride to DO IT, life’s too short to not be living your dreams. Thanks for everything Karen and much love to everyone at Mohegan xxx.