_MizElz_
Well-Known Member
Does anyone know anything about Robert Stevens, and would you recommend him for tuition (low level, unaffiliated, still gaining confidence etc)? He's based in Minety, Wiltshire. Thanks!
Robert Stevens Eventing
- Thread starter _MizElz_
- Start date
Rowreach
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I've done a few clinics with him and one private session on a young horse. We've known him for ages - I wouldn't personally think he is particularly good for confidence building. He is better with people who are already pretty confident and want to push themselves and their horses. The clinics were great fun but very technical, and whilst I enjoyed them, a friend on a fairly difficult horse found him unreceptive to her opinions of the horse (she's a pretty good rider) so she didn't get much out of it. He's expensive for one-to-one tuition as well, and I didn't get much out of my private lesson with him. I can think of other people I'd go to rather than him tbh
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_MizElz_
Well-Known Member
I've done a few clinics with him and one private session on a young horse. We've known him for ages - I wouldn't personally think he is particularly good for confidence building. He is better with people who are already pretty confident and want to push themselves and their horses. The clinics were great fun but very technical, and whilst I enjoyed them, a friend on a fairly difficult horse found him unreceptive to her opinions of the horse (she's a pretty good rider) so she didn't get much out of it. He's expensive for one-to-one tuition as well, and I didn't get much out of my private lesson with him. I can think of other people I'd go to rather than him tbh
Thank you very much - that's really helpful! I'm very shaky in terms of having lessons at all - I can just about cope with a group situation, but dread the thought of a one to one lesson. I would not cope at all well with anyone slagging Ellie off or professing to know her better than I do - I've had her 11 years now and if anyone knows her best, it's me! And what we need is gentle building up - I think one dodgy moment would set me right back, and I probably wouldn't ever jump again. I need someone to be gentle with me! So it sounds like he probably wouldn't suit. Thank you so much - who else (around the same area) would you recommend? x
Rowreach
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Do you particularly want to go to an eventer or would any confidence building jumping person do? I would know more people in the Hants/Sussex area - I'll have a think about Wilts
_MizElz_
Well-Known Member
Do you particularly want to go to an eventer or would any confidence building jumping person do? I would know more people in the Hants/Sussex area - I'll have a think about Wilts
To be honest, I'm not really sure. I doubt very much we'll ever get back into pure SJ again (if we did, I'd probably go back to my old SJ instructor who I used to train with - he's absolutely fab!) But I'd quite like some XC tuition now, as that's what Elz and I seem most comfortable with. We went to a clinic last year with Vicki Mace at Wickstead and she was amazing, but I don't think she does many actual clinics - and I'd prefer to ride in a group than one to one. So I'm just having a bit of a nosey really, to see who's about! At the same time, I'm trying to figure out whether it would be wise or not to take Ellie showjumping next weekend just to see whether I can survive it or not without dying of nerves...as that will be a good way to find out whether it's actually worth finding an instructor!
Thank you for your help - much appreciated!
teapot
Well-Known Member
I think Chloe (ChloeGHE) has lessons with him so she might be worth a pm?
Rowreach
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The person I would really really recommend in your area is Andrew Bennie (google him it's andrewbennieeventing or something) but he has just had a slight mishap and will be in plaster for a while, so might not be teaching for a bit He is a fab rider and the sweetest nicest person, and great at teaching individuals on individual horses. He would be worth going to even if you do have to wait for him to recover!
He is a fab rider and the sweetest nicest person, and great at teaching individuals on individual horses. He would be worth going to even if you do have to wait for him to recover!
_MizElz_
Well-Known Member
The person I would really really recommend in your area is Andrew Bennie (google him it's andrewbennieeventing or something) but he has just had a slight mishap and will be in plaster for a while, so might not be teaching for a bit
I used to have flatwork lessons with Andrew, way back when he was based at the Old Dairy Saddlery! Good thinking - I will look and see where he is now! Cheers
Teapot - cheers for that; I may send her a PM later! Thank you
flyingfeet
Well-Known Member
I think Rob was the nail in the coffin for me - he pushed me over 1.20m / 1.30m jumps and pushed me to the point where I cracked and gave up showjumping altogether.
Whilst I like instructors that push and challenge you, this wasn't what I needed to continue my BSJA career
Whilst I like instructors that push and challenge you, this wasn't what I needed to continue my BSJA career
SueO
New User
I have known Rob for 7 years. During this time I have trained with him on a variety of horses, both mares and geldings, on the flat and jumping. I have to say that he has helped me more than any other instructor I have known. He is very skilful when it comes to assessing both horse and rider and is very good on the rider's position which is an ongoing challenge! His lessons are both fun and hard work, and while he is not frightened to push you to achieve more, he knows when to call a halt! His weekend 'camps' are huge fun and we all egg each other on to achieve more at a variety of levels. I would not hesitate to recommend him as a trainer.