Heather Lewis

About me

My main strengths as a coach are developing rider confidence and a strong partnership between horse and rider. I am patient, adaptable in my teaching, and tailor the pace of progression to suit each combination. Creating harmony is central to my coaching, and I gain huge satisfaction from seeing riders have those “penny drop” moments — whether it’s a simple improvement in balance from correcting leg position, or achieving the correct feel and positioning in movements such as shoulder-in.

I place a strong emphasis on client support and goal setting. New clients complete a registration form with a goal-setting section, which we review regularly (e.g. every 3 or 6 months). I also offer written training plans with clear steps and checklists.  As a BD judge, I am well placed to support test riding, including reviewing test sheets and videos to provide detailed feedback that feeds into future training. Clients are welcome to phone or message for advice between lessons.

My coaching philosophy focuses on rider confidence and harmonious progression that suits both horse and rider. Using the scales of training as the foundation, I set smaller milestones to ensure riders feel consistent progress, particularly where confidence takes time to build. Alongside one-to-one coaching, I also run clinics for riding clubs, offering pole work, fun fitness sessions, prix caprilli, and equi-disco formation riding.

My training approach is horse-and-rider centred, with a strong emphasis on advocating for the horse. The scales of training underpin all my work, regardless of discipline or level. This method has helped many riders achieve their goals — from novice combinations seeing rapid improvements in partnership, to more experienced riders refining harmony and fluency to improve dressage results and progress to the next level.

Rates start from £40 per hour or £35 for 45 minutes. Travel is included up to 20 miles, with additional mileage charged thereafter. I do not travel more than 25 miles.