Geoff Billington

[ann-jen]

A local venue to me is having a clinic with Geoff next month and I am trying to decide whether to go.
I used to do a bit of BSJA with my mare until she injured her back. Its a long story that I won't go into but it caused a lot of bad behaviour, and caused us both to lose confidance. Anyway after a 2 year break, we are jumping again thanks to the help of my brilliant instructor. We are currently only competing at 75-85cm level unaffiliated and I'm not sure the clinic will cater for people who are only jumping at this level and I don't want to go and overface myself and set us back. However both of us are more than capable of jumping bigger so on the other hand maybe I need someone to push me???
Anyway has anyone had a lesson with Geoff and if so how did you find it? Was it useful? What level were you riding at?
It's not very often that we get a "big name" rider come to our area so it seems like an opportunity not to miss, so please help me decide.

 

[Llwyncwn]

Cant answer you as far as lessons are concerned but, I did go to a demo a few years back where Geoff brought 5 horses from novice to Grade A. He is very funny and a real showman. He also brought along his recently retired 'It's Otto' and took him over a few small fences and we were all allowed to meet him afterwards. I was surprised at how small Otto was too.

Why dont you give the organisers a ring and find out a bit more about the type of training he will be doing. You dont have to overface yourself - just go along and enjoy. Like you say, opportunities like this dont come around very often.

Let us know if you decide to go and good luck

 

[ann-jen]

Thanks L, will do

 

[sueandtoto]

I would defo go!! we saw him at 'your horse live' and he was really funny

 

[beatrice]

I'm thinking about taking my girly to the same clinic, but i'm also dubious as to whether they will cater for my level........i havn't had my girl that long and after a 3yr break from horses my confidence seems to have disappeared.
I'm happily jumping course of about 75 at home and grids of 1m5 (i won't jump that unless in a grid!!!)
So if you ring up and get any information, is there any chance you could pass what they say onto me?

 

[ann-jen]

You and me should try to be in the same group as I'm merrily jumping 1m in a grid but wouldn't want to jump round a course of them! I'm still only confidant up to about 85cm - 90 at a push!
I might give Dan a ring through the week to ask her about the clinic or poss might make enquiries at their show next week. I will defo let you know if I find anything out.
Maybe I'll see you there.

 

[happihorse]

I'm sure that if you explained your situation to Geoff when you went in for the training session he would make sure that you were happing doing what he suggested.

 

[beatrice]

Would quite happily be in the same group as you as it seems like we are jumping at about the same level!

I will do some investigations this week and if i find anything out i will let you know! I have already tried there website but it didn't really give any information!!

Do you know what the venue is like as ive never been?

 

[wizzi901]

I have a lesson with him on Tuesday this week, PM me and I will let you know how i get on. Basically 7 year old horse who has not done a lot but has good breeding and "potential"! If I can do it anyone can!! Its very low key to be honest and lots of pole work etc, its not high at all, more technical!

 

[ann-jen]

Yes, I've been to Holmside Hall a few times - twice to do dressage and twice to do show-jumping. They have 2 arenas - 1 indoor and 1 out. The surface is fine in both - got a bit deep in places SJ but nothing bad. The only bad thing is on a sunny day its like an oven indoors so better hope for a cloudy one! The SJ courses themselves were well put together and the distances all correct (they have a bsja course builder as a livery). I'm going to watch the BSJA there on Sunday for a bit of inspiration and also to have a look at the British Novice course to see if I think I could manage it next time

and I'm definitely going to their unaffiliated jumping on the 30th. When I go on Sunday I'll speak to them about the clinic and let you know.

 

[beatrice]

I didn't realise you meant the Holmeside hall clinic.........theres one at Blue Sky (which i have never been to!) the end of this month which is the one i thought you meant!!!
Makes no difference to me as i will go to either.

I have been to Holmeside hall to do dressage........thought it was a nice venue but my girl hating warming up outside and then doing her test inside, plus she found the cafe type bit along the side very scary!!!!

I was going to do the SJing there on the 30th but where i keep my horse is a Chasers venue and they have moved there UK Riders and Relax SJing qualifier to the 30th so i'm going to have a go at that first.........the classes start at 50cm so theres really no excuse why i can't do it and my instructor would shoot me if i didn't start competing my girl SJing!!! She wants me to do the 95 but i think i may just get her to do that class!!!