Intelligent Horsemanship Trainer – Gillian Bradley

Gillian Bradley aka. ‘Your Horse and Pony Matters’

Monmouth
Covering Monmouth, South Wales and surrounding areas
07904 186292 or gill@yourhorseandponymatters.co.uk
www.yourhorseandponymatters.co.uk

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About Gillian…

IH Trainer Gillian Bradley, based in Monmouth, specialises in calm, force free training for horses & ponies. Preventing & solving behavioural problems. Gillian works calmly with the psychology of the horse; utilising body language and gestures, for a safe, effective and rewarding training session. During the process of solving the problem, trust and understanding is developed, deepening horse-owner relationship.   

Some common concerns that Gillian addresses include: General ground manners, leading, loading, catching, foot handling problems, head shyness, spookiness, clipping and starting young horses.

🏆 Gillian participates in the ‘IH Awards’.

Find out more about Gillian’s work on her Website, Facebook or YouTube channel or why not check out Gillians online video course ‘Total Connection’ 

A Q&A with IH Trainer Gillian Bradley

(The Intelligent Horsemanship Magazine)

How long have you been involved with horses?

Since I was about 5 years old, horses have been my passion; I was never allowed my own but my best friend had two and we used to spend lots of time playing with them in the fields. It was many years later, after loaning an endurance horse, that I decided I was ready to buy my own youngster – I now have four horses!

When and why did you decide to qualify as an IH Trainer?

After reading IHRA Adam Goodfellow and Nicole Golding’s book, Whispering Back, I was inspired and enrolled on their 5-day clinic. This changed the course of my life; I went on to complete all of the IH courses and then completed my Stage 2 in November 2009.

At that point in my life I was busy as a full-time violinist with the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, looking after my own horses and studying for my IH Stage 2. Nonetheless, I thought a mixture of working with horses and going freelance as a violinist could work really well; it took time to fulfil my dream but I am now thoroughly enjoying the sometimes surreal mix of the two!

What is a typical day for you?

The day always starts and ends with my own horses and I schedule them somewhere in the middle too, for either me or my rider, Alex Austen, to see to. If I am not rehearsing for concerts then I will be out working with clients and their horses – sometimes, though, I could be training a tricky horse to have its feet handled or loading a horse in the days and then playing a concert in the evening, a switch which takes a bit of getting used to. All the other bits of time in between this are spent working on the HayLo feeder, which I designed.

What are the common challenges you face in your work?

Environment and the weather – trying to keep continuity and progress of training with youngsters can be tricky with our climate! Constantly evaluating sessions and trying to keep interest and progress for both the horse and the owner can also be challenging. Working in just a field can be quite restricting and requires imagination. I am lucky that I’ve always had lovely clients who are happy to work at the horse’s pace and don’t expect quick fixes, though.