Testimonials
R o s c a H o r s e m a n s h i p
Testimonials
R o s c a H o r s e m a n s h i p
Testimonials
In November 2016 Derbyshire Wildlife Trust bought 3 wild Konik ponies straight from the fens of Cambridgeshire to use as lawnmowers on some of their wetland nature reserves. These horses were born into a wild, unhandled herd that have to be tranquillised with a dart gun to be caught. Whilst generally a quiet, placid breed, these horses had virtually no human contact before arriving in Derbyshire and certainly no rapport or intention of 'normal' interaction with people. Despite my best efforts both the mares remained aloof and unpredictable to handle. Whilst their main role is to help DWT manage nature reserves through their grazing, for their safety and well-being and for those of us that have to handle and move them it is important we could catch or move them safely. Ross came to meet them and within minutes had gained their interest and trust. Within 2 sessions he was able to headcollar and lead the older mare. Her default position of quietly taking herself off to the edge of the group to avoid interaction was soon overcome by a gentle confidence and the kind, respectful relationship she realised she could have with people. The younger mare was more resistant, her nervousness manifesting itself as aggression and flash mood changes but Ross's calm and quiet manner never altered, he gently showed her the boundaries whilst being quick to pick up on the positive signs. A few months on and we have loving, relaxed horses that lead easily, self-load, stand quietly for the farrier and actively seek people out for love and affection. Watching Ross work has always been so interesting and inspirational, I (and the horses!) have enjoyed and learnt something new every session and his positive and can-do loving attitude has made learning such fun that we all look forward to the next time! If you want to communicate, connect and have a true partnership with your horse then Ross can help you.
Kate Lemon, Reserves Manager, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
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I have been working with Ross for nearly 3 years now and I cannot recommend him more highly! He’s worked with all three of my horses who are all very different but his approach is always kind, gentle and insightful. I trust Ross 100% in his judgement and I’m thrilled he now is doing body work!! My arthritic cob has benefited massively from only 2 body work sessions. Ross is exceptionally knowledgeable and completely in tune with horses needs. He breaks down problems into easy to work solutions and is always there to answer any of my questions. Not only is Ross an exceptional horse trainer but also a patient, funny and kind guy to have around so it makes any training session a joy no matter the problem or very often the weather!! Thank you Ross!
Francesca Allsopp-Pick, Derbyshire
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Ross was amazing. I had been looking for a suitable bitless for my rescue horse, who had been out in a severe bit at a very early age and had scaring in the mouth. I had tried several solutions but none really worked for me. Ross came to see us. He brought a lot of equipment with him for me to try and advised on how to use and move forward. I would highly recommend him
Sally-Anne Mulliner, Staffordshire
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Ross is so gentle, supportive, knowledgeable, inspirational - he sees you and your horse and works with that to create the most amazing progress that you never thought would be possible
Sally Walker, Derbyshire
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When I first met Ross my horse, Murphy, and I were having a battle. He would plant all four feet and refuse to move, he would pull back and shoot off. Working with Ross we soon established clear boundaries and were much more comfortable with each other. Soon we had a greater bond and I learnt to trust my instincts with Murphy too. I now have a clear and consistent approach to everything I do with Murphy which means that all the hassle has gone. I then called on Ross's services again when I was struggling to get Murphy to load even though he travelled well. Again Ross was fantastic, giving us a clear and simple strategy to ensure that everything goes smoothly. I have recommended him to everyone I know and would recommend him to anyone wanting to establish a strong bond with their horse or wanting help with a particular problem. Ross is a super horseman and a great teacher and any session is informative and fun. Murphy and I are now a team!
Sarah Hammond, Warwickshire
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Ross is such a wonderful guy. He’s a fantastic listener and horseman. We had such a beautiful photo shoot together and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the photos. Ross captured my bond with my ponies exactly as I wanted and made me feel completely at ease. My very nervous gelding immediately went to Ross for a sniff and investigate which speaks volumes about his gentle and kind energy. He helped me tame my unruly foal haha and I very much look forward to him helping me move forward with my little herd in years to come.
Jeni Pearson, Staffordshire
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Had my first clinic with my 3 year old today & we started quite flighty & on edge, towards the end he really relaxed and even started to fall asleep😂 We learnt so much about groundwork & what to do & not to do, sully began learning about personal space & we figured out why he’s becoming nippy when trotting up in hand, looking forward to the next one!
Leah Kirkpatrick, Nottinghamshire
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I’ve had horses for over 26 years, but after I got my new horse, Duke, the pervious August, I knew I needed help. He would run off from me when I went to get him in, he was extremally jumpy out on hacks, he got very stressed and was full of anxiety especially when taking him away from his friend. This was all too much for even my experience to deal with, and after seeing his posts on Facebook, I knew Ross was the person I needed to call. When Ross first came out he noticed Duke was in a lot of pain in his back and advised me to get him looked at before we proceeded. I followed his advice and used one of the specialists he recommended and was shocked to find out just how much pain my poor boy was in. Once this was sorted, Ross came back and we got to work. In just a few short months (March to July) Ross has helped me transform Duke from an anxious, stressed horse who on occasion would be dangerous to handle, to the best horse you could possibly want. Ross’s approach is so natural and he teaches you a completely different way of looking at a situation. This guy is incredible! If you are having problems with your horse, pick up the phone and call Ross.
Lyn Chapman, Derbyshire
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I reached out to Ross after my youngster was diagnosed with PSSM1 and I needed experienced eyes on the ground to assess his many subtle behaviours. I suspected these were indicating Chino was in an unacceptable amount of pain or discomfort. I wanted someone who understood what he was trying to tell me and from what I'd seen of Ross's work I knew he could help. Ross was very supportive and agreed with me and also pointed out some physical issues which I was unable to see from the saddle. It was a huge relief for me although equally sad as I made the decision it was unfair to Chino to prolong what has possibly been a pretty miserable short existence. I hope Chino can gallop pain free wherever he is now. Thanks again Ross.
Jessica Grainger, Staffordshire
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After months of trying to get my boy to load without success I called Ross to help me.. what an amazing guy Ross is.. so patient and extremely professional.. After a few attempts he got my boy to load.. Such an amazing guy and I can not recommend Ross highly enough.. Definitely using Ross again.. thanks Ross
Claire-Louise Bentley, Nottinghamshire
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He is so kind, patient+ consistent horseman ive ever met he has worked wonders on my 2 appaloosa colts - they are lovely boys but i just havnt had time to do anything with them - he is turning them into happy well mannered boys + as for daisy she was lightly back a few years ago but hes working his magic on her + she is doing fantastic ross is first class + he such a hoot to be with i would recommend him to anyone + would be more than happy to talk to anyone about what he has done for me + my horses
Jane Calladine, Derbyshire
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I was over the moon with the service Ross provided for us, his calm and un rushed approach ensured that my horse was really calm and happy travelling to his new home. He'd always proven difficult to load, and in an emotional situation like that day, it would have definitely ended differently without his help. I'll always be grateful that he made the effort to travel to us to help.
Beth Hogan, South Wales
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Having been out of horses for 40 years decided to try again a year later with the help of Ross I'm actually very proud of myself getting a very good bond with my horse and am now riding quite confidently thank you Ross x
Shirley Durow, Derbyshire
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I met Ross when I bought my horse, as he was training a whole herd of breeding horses to be sold on as ridden horses. What struck me from the first phone call was that he was looking for the right home for each and every horse and that he wouldn't compromise on that. He clearly put the horses' welfare and long term happiness first. Ross was absolutely straightforward with me and it was a refreshing change as a buyer, to meet an agent with integrity. He even accompanied my horse on the journey over to me because she was a nervous traveller and he wanted to make sure she was ok. Over the process of buying my horse Star, I have got to know Ross and I have seen how he has single-handedly trained nearly 20 horses to be ridden and handled within 6 months, with very few resources at his disposal. His methods are gentle and he creates fantastic relationships with the horses he works with. Ross is very skilled at working with different horse personalities - he treats them all as individuals and gets the best out of them by understanding how they tick. My horse, in particular, was a challenge as she has been mistreated in the past and had been labelled 'uncatchable' and 'unrideable' but when I met her she had clearly developed the capacity to trust people again, thanks to Ross. Needless to say, she comes straight to me in the field! He has kept in touch with me to get updates on her progress and is always there if I need ideas with my girl. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him and to hire him as a horse trainer, if I needed one.
Dr Anna Walton, Buckinghamshire
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I started working with Ross in the summer of 2016 following a recommendation from my equine masseur. I was having issues with loading my Arab mare and Ross gave me the confidence to be more aware of my body position and being positive. Following a major accident in September 2016 where I fell off when my mare bolted, Ross supported us to begin our journey of re- connecting and learning to trust each other again. I was already barefoot, treeless and bitless however Ross supported me to change my saddle ( which was throwing me forward ) and to change my bridle ( from a bitless with too much metal to a rope head collar). We began fortnightly lessons in November 2016 and after 6 months I was back doing pleasure endurance rides. On 10th September this year I rode on my own at an endurance event which for me and my mare was a massive achievement as it was the anniversary of my accident. I continue to have fortnightly lessons to develop my relationship with my horse , maintain my confidence and keep focused on my goal to compete at an endurance event on my own in 2018. Ross’s approach gives you the confidence to believe in yourself and your relationship with your horse. I am still barefoot, treeless and riding in a rope head collar. I often get strange looks that I interpret as ‘ have you forgotten your bridle?’ You don’t need a piece of metal in a horses mouth to ride. You need a relationship of mutual trust which comes from spending time with your horse and an instructor who understands both you and your horse.
Jan Pierce, Derbyshire
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After having a break from loading on the trailer and going out and about, Lacey decided it wasn’t for her anymore and just refused to walk in the trailer, Ross came out to see the problems we were having and after him watching me trying to load her, he explained what was happening and why, showed me how and what to do both physically and mentally as I was, not knowingly, giving out responses to make her question stepping on the ramp. We have been out many times since and I feel confident loading.
Kay Hitchcock, Derbyshire
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