Fix up, look sharp: training opportunities you would be mad to miss out on
Winter is the perfect time to polish up your equestrian skills so take a look at this range of training opportunities on offer
Assisted gridwork
Date: 25 November
Venue: Dorset Showground, Gillingham
Details: “Train with a UKCC Level 2 coach with a maximum of four people per group on an all-weather surface. Perfect for novice horses and riders, confidence building, winter fitness or just trying something different. All levels welcome.”
Indoor arena cross-country clinic
Date: 2 December
Venue: Darknoll Farm, Blandford Forum
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Details: “This clinic will give you the opportunity to practise and gain experience over both arena and simulated cross-country fences within a safe environment. The fences will replicate those you would expect to find on a cross-country course, are of both fixed and variable height starting from 50cm and can be raised up to 95cm. It will include ‘skinnies’, ‘ditches’, ‘water’ and hedges. Moira Bonner is a great instructor, persuading even the most nervous of riders, so if it is a while since you last jumped, or have lost confidence and want to have a go, this is for you.”
Polework clinic
Date: 2 December
Venue: Woodruffe Stables, Epsom
Details: “Pole exercises are great for strengthening and as a training aid to improve both flatwork and jumping. This clinic uses a series of exercises to suit each group of horses and riders and gives a new insight into their riding and plenty of ideas to take away with you and work on at home.”
Arena cross-country clinic
Date: 2 December
Venue: Downe Farm Event Centre, Tiverton
Details: “Train with four-star event rider Tim Cheffings in groups of four with height options varying between 70cm and 90cm.”
Dressage clinic
Date: 4 December
Venue: Mullacott Event Centre, Ilfracombe
Details: “Individual and group lessons with John Chubb.”
Your Horsemanship
Date: 7 December
Venue: Godhurst, Surrey
Details: “Jason Webb opens his doors for the afternoon to run “Jason’s Surgery” consisting of a series of one-to-one coaching sessions. Participants booking a time slot with Jason can cover anything from ground to ridden work and overcoming problems during their training session. Exclusive to this Jason’s surgery afternoon is a large reduction on Jason’s usual price. Therefore Jason’s surgery is a great chance to gain some help and benefit from a discount at the same time! Please note Jason is happy to teach at home or to travel to you should you be unable to take advantage of Jason’s surgery afternoon.”
Visit equo.co.uk for full competition and training listings
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Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.