Karen Nicholas

About me

I have over 40years coaching experience both in the UK and Australia, where I was chief instructor of a large equestrian centre. My equine background includes Pony Club as a child and then progression to affiliated competition as an adult in Dressage up to PSG, Show Jumping up to Foxhunter and Eventing up to Advanced. I also have experience in showing. I have competed my own horses and horses for owners. I am listed as a British Eventing Level 3 Coach and I am a Level 3 Coach with The Howden Way Training Academy, as well as a TAP coach. 
 
I have coached PC teams in all disciplines through to championships including FEI pony's, Juniors and YR through to 5*, Nations Cup and WEG U25s. I was chief instructor of Clifton-on-Teme Pony club for 20 years. I have coached dressage riders through to Nationals up to PSG, show jumpers and ROR. I am a past winner of The Pat Smallwood Instructor of the year award. I specialise in work with event riders through all 3 disciplines, but am happy to help any level of rider. 
 
My main strengths as a coach are developing horse and rider partnerships to the best of their ability, and I thoroughly enjoy the journey I go on with my clients as they progress. I provide excellent client service, I am always at the end of the phone offering advice and support. My coaching philosophy focuses on building rider confidence and belief - a skill can be taught, but it's all about mindset. My coaching is supported by my strong understanding of how people learn and absorb knowledge. My approach to horse training is best described as ‘Listen to your horse, Less is more, Take time and follow a Logical progress.’ 
 
I have been lucky enough to learn from some incredible people; Sandra Pearson-Adams (FBHS), Ian Silitch (American Show Jump trainer), Leslie Law (Olympic Gold medalist), Stephan Kieswetter (German Academy Trainer). As well as learning from some of the greats of the past in training sessions; The Baron Von Blixen Finecke / Nuno Oliviero. These names may mean nothing to people of today, but they were the masters of today's training methods. I try to incorporate all I have learned and my experience past and present into my coaching methods, it's a 3 way conversation between us (horse / rider /coach).
 
My charges vary on distance and facility hire for clinics. Private lessons are £50 for 45 min. Shared lessons of (2) £40pp for an hr. Travelling only if a day or half day of coaching can be arranged within 2hrs of HR7 4NQ from my location.