Hoplands / events in the South

J

jxd

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 July 2006
Messages
420
Visit site
Just wondering if anyone has any experience of the clinics at Hoplands EC, Hampshire or the trainers they use - was just having a look on their website; they are holding jumping clinics with Mary King, Cindy Sims, and Pat Burgess, and dressage with Robert Pickles.

I've had my new boy a week, and am aiming to do my first intro in July - maybe Brightling/Iping. Hes a 6yo, very straightforward and bold, but not much competition experience so expect he'll be a little green first few times out. I'm back at uni from this weekend for a month doing exams, but then shall be back beg. June and cracking on with him, but I'm struggling to find much unaffiliated things to go to. Thought these clinics might be good for us..

I'm in West Sussex - if anyone based round this way knows of good unaff. dressage/SJ venues/clinics, would be most greatful if you could point me in the right direction
grin.gif
 
Crofton Manor, Lavant House, Quob Stables. I don't know about the clinics at Hoplands, sorry. I recently did a Robert Pickles clinic at Mayhill through my Riding Club and he was fab!!
 
Pat and Robert are fab, never been taught by the others but those two are well worth going to and Hoplands is fab
smile.gif
 
Pat Burgess is a fab trainer, I've been to watch friends with her and learnt loads from watching so those on board must have learnt a lot more! Robert Pickles was good too when I went to watch him. Mary King is apparently very quiet and not really the world's best as a trainer, but really really knows her stuff and is good if you can extricate the information from her. Cindy Sims is apparently fairly good but not heard much about her really. I always (unless it's very wet and windy) find Hoplands a nice place to go to. Worth a visit to get yourself and your horse out and about and get to know eachother!
 
Ive had lessons from all of them. Mary King, although a great rider wasnt very inspirational as an instructor. Robert Pickles is fab. I have a lesson with him tomorrow and i have one every month. Pat Burgess is very good but does talk a lot! Everything she says makes complete sense but once youve heard it once, if you go to another lesson you have to listen to it all again! Cindy is also a great instructor, i was a working pupil with her and Betty Skelton many years ago. She is tough and to the point but knows her stuff. Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for all the input!
Am definitely thinking of booking myself in for a few lessons up there in June - although they're group lessons it does seem good value, seeing as it can cost £20+ just to hire a xc course. Might wait and see with Mary, as thats rather a lot more expensive - shall be interested to see how you find her Kayleigh!

Have seen Robert Stevens advertising jumping clinics in the local horsemart - hes BE accredited..has anyone had training with him before?
 
I think hoplands has great facilities and ive heard good things about the clinics - pretty much what others have said. Ive had a few SJ lessons with Sam Griffith whos based there and il be taking Archie to him over the summer for SJ lessons too.

What they plan to do to the place is going to be fantastic - i cant wait to see the results!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top