An equestrian college is hosting an evening of workshops to help riders boost their competition success this summer, using techniques employed by elite athletes.
A Team GBR psychologist and a Team GBR physiotherapist will be taking the interactive sessions at the University of Northampton, raising funds to support one of Britain’s equestrian teams in the process.
Sports psychologist Nichola Kentzer and chartered physiotherapist Daisy Collins are pairing up for the workshops, where they will educate riders on managing their emotions and dealing with their environment.
Participants will also learn how exercises such as pilates can aid competitors’ control, stability and movement.
The sessions are taking place to help support Team GBR’s pony carriage driving squad ahead of the Pony World Championships in Minden, Germany (15-20 August).
Tickets for the evening cost £25 and include refreshments, with all proceeds being donated to the squad.
Continued below…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Both Daisy and Nichola are members of the driving team’s support crew and are keen to promote the discipline, as well as get some backing for the team.
Nichola said: “British equestrians gave a sterling performance at the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic games, winning a total of nine gold medals.
“However, non-Olympic disciplines do not receive any funding so we are asking fellow British equestrians to steer our pony driving team towards medals at the forthcoming World Championships.
“Coming along to our open evening will also help better prepare minds and bodies for their own sporting triumphs.”
Representing Britain at this year’s championships will be single pony drivers Robert Buck and Rosanna Walters-Symons; pony pairs driver Tara Wilkinson and pony fours competitors Sara Howe and Roger Campbell.
The workshops will take place at the Holdenby’s Park Campus on August 1. Those who are interested can book tickets via UoN’s online shop.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
