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"We have only worked with Catherine for a short while but she has been an immense help to us already. Our new 8 year old gelding, Shadow, was so nervous and wouldnt be caught. Catherine demonstrated a unique blend of patience and kindness that was truly amazing to watch, and after three hours Shadow WANTED to be caught. Since that day, we have continued working with Catherine, and Shadow is so much more confident.
We cannot recommend Catherine enough - all our thanks to her!"

"I am a professional dog trainer and I use only positive methods, along with a sound knowledge of learning theory, with the dogs I train. I have been riding for 13 years but only now have I found a riding instructor with the same beliefs as me. I knew there was another, better way - I just didn't know what or how! The things I learn from Catherine are brand new to me but utterly logical (to my mind, if not to my body!). Its like learning to ride all over again - I will definately keep up these lessons. Thoroughly recommended."

"Meeting Catherine has given me hope that I am able and capable in working with my horse to become a partnership. I look forward to a long relationship with Catherine in order to make me and my horse happy, and have many days in safe and happy riding, as well as being able to compete when my mare is ready. For me Catherine has given me the light at the end of the tunnel, and I would highly recommend her."

"What a privilege it has been to take instruction from you, I can still hear your voice now, FEET! I have learnt so much in a short space of time, to understand that what I now know is only the tip of the proverbial berg. I will be back for more punishment as soon as I am able, and my wee girly has definately benefitted from what I have learnt from you, I hope one day you can come see her and have a go, she is the business!"

"Well what can I say that hasn't already been said! I have been riding since I was three and Catherine is definitely a unique and brilliant instructor. The horses at Tanglewood are fantastic and Catherine teaches you to work with them both in the saddle and from the ground. Its amazing how seeing things from the ground helps your understanding.

Not only do you learn to ride properly, you have a really good laugh and meet lots of great people. I had a good feeling about the school when I saw the advert ... definitely the right move!"

"This is long overdue-We are so lucky to have Catherine, she took my daughter on a few years ago and we've never looked back since! Her unique analogies, the advice and tuition she gives verbally and visually are priceless. To be part of that special magic, to see the love and respect between horse and rider before you is a wonderful experience...There is NO ONE better than Catherine, we regard her as a National Treasure, but Leah and I are also truly honoured to be able to say Catherine will always be a Special Friend! She is Highly Recommended. "

"Catherine has been far & away the best instructor I have ever come across! Unfortunately for me I only had a few weeks with her before I had to return home to Australia, but in that time I feel my riding improved drastically! Her lessons are hard work, but a lot of fun, and complicated exercises are explained in a manner that is suddenly easy to understand! Thanks, Catherine !! You have taught me a great deal that will stay with me, and I only hope to find an instructor here who is half as good !! "

"well I've finally found the site and now I've read some of these wonderful comments I might have to consider having a lesson or two myself!!!
And I'm sure my mare would love it too as she likes learning new things! It sounds as if you are doing a great job catherine well done. "

"I am a freelance instructor myself and have been riding since I was 7 years old, (I am now 39). But it wasn't until I read a book on classical riding a few years ago that I began to see the light! What I was reading made perfect sense finally! I then knew that I had to find myself a classical teacher. That's where Catherine came into my life. I found her website and was so impressed with what I read that I phoned her and asked for her help. She gave me a new beginning and inspired me to continue to move ever forward with my riding. Thank you, Catherine. "

At 20:59 3 April 2003
Sarah Foster said...

"Found the site at last!! I am becoming very aware of just how much there is to learn about riding in harmony with your horse, I find the lessons interesting, hugely useful and great fun,Catherine has a wonderful way of making you visualise and remember what you are learning.
As a rider who until recently only hacked out riding school horses, I have a great deal to un-learn and re- learn, which I know will take time and be frustrating at times, but I am beginning to appreciate how much more control I will have when I can ride in harmony with my horse! "

At 09:44 13 March 2003
Jenny Sharp said...

"At last I have found the instructor I have been searching for. After years of battling with my position by the end of my 1st lesson with Catherine I learn't how to control my wobbly hands and lower leg, sit on the horse correctly and use my seat effectively. The whole setup is excellent; good quality arena, tack and lovely horses who respond when you get it right. Catherine's lessons are rewarding, understandable, and very enjoyable, I can't wait for the next one. Very highly recommended."

At 13:08 2 February 2003
Stephanie Kill said...

"Catherine has done for me what no other instructor has been able to do - I finally feel as if I am learning to work in harmony with the horse and not just perching on top - I am also one of the most nervous riders going and she has really helped me a huge amount with gaining my confidence, never has she made me feel foolish for being nervous even at my age!"

At 19:08 29 January 2003
Dawn McKenzie-Walker said...

"I have only had one lesson with Catherine and found her to be fantastic. I had my lesson videotaped and I could hardly believe the difference in my position at the end of the session. Catherine's teaching is very clear and concise and I was very impressed with the way in which she handled my horse. Thank you Catherine."

At 11:42 17 January 2003
Helen Everest said...

"I've ridden for years but, in my first hour's lesson with Catherine, I felt I made a dramatic leap in understanding and application. Suddenly, you're working with the horse and it feels right. I've had many lessons, but no-one has demonstrated what to do like Catherine. It's exciting, rewarding and very enjoyable."

At 21:16 11 January 2003
Samantha Theobald said...

"Not only do I consider Catherine a fantastic instructor but also a friend. I can find no words to thank Catherine and Sally for all there hard work with myself and my 'problem' horse. My horse looks fantastic and I am beginning to enjoy my riding again. All the lessons are hard work (but also alot of fun). I would recommend Catherine and Tanglewood to any one interested in progressing with their riding. THANK YOU!!"

At 15:17 22 November 2002
Lisa Garnett said...

"Catherine's teaching is brilliant - clear, detailed, understandable (entertaining, although that's not really the point) ... and so obviously works. Physically, it can be demanding, but the lessons are so stimulating, you won't notice the pain until later. Probably the best aspect for me, though, is the way this approach opens up the communication between horse and rider. Challenging, fulfilling and rewarding."

At 15:54 9 September 2002
Damien Masterson said...

"I had numerous lessons with so many experienced instructors. However because I was not progressing and I knew I had to find a solution. After 1 lesson Catherine had explained to me what would normally take me 20 lessons to understand. Yes, she will take you back to basics but, have you ever really been there in the first place?!!!!! Absolutley Fantastic. Very Highly recommended."

At 22:08 7 August 2002
Bren Lambertz said...

"Where shall I start? Catherine is my third instructor in three years. I gave up on the first one and the second gave up on me. She said I would never be able to ride my horse from hell and I should sell him. Here I am, just over a year later, riding on hacks in the New Forest on my own horse. I have even been considering entering a show! After a serious accident I had lost my nerve. Catherine always makes things clear and has lots of faith in me so I always achieve a little bit more than I expected. I cannot recommend her enough. The woman is a genius!"

At 14:24 26 June 2002
Lee Dowley said...

"My legs feel like they have been taken off and put on back to front. Catherine is teaching me that the horse is the teacher - not me. Its amazing to understand after all these years WHY you do things instead of just doing them... Excellent lessons (although I feel like I have run a marathon when I get off!) down to earth and plenty to think about. Completely rethinking my riding and getting results already."

At 19:29 18 June 2002
Helen Spinks said...

"Cannot recommend too highly. The thing that makes lessons from Catherine so different to other trainers for me is that she can explain the pratical HOW to do stuff so well, unlike other teachers who just tell you what to do, not how to do it. I can achieve in a single lesson what it would take me weeks to work out how to do by myself (if I ever did). With the classical riding and Catherine's style of teaching the horse is also happy and goes well which is it's own reward. Well worth the effort - and every penny well spent."

At 16:22 13 June 2002
Kirstie Elmes And Mum Liz said...

"Catherine is a unique instructor it's hard work but addictive. All the hard work pays off - no pain no gain, thanks Catherine.
Highly Recommend"

At 11:45 23 May 2002
Lisa Drummy said...

"I've only had three lessons with Catherine so far and I'm addicted already! I've been "riding" for twenty years - well, I thought I had been, until I met Catherine! I've had to go right back to basics (even mounting and dismounting!!) but it isn't disheartening starting again because Catherine is an inspiration and I now have a huge desire to learn (and she also makes you use muscles you never thought you had - ouch!) I'm most impressed with Catherine's concern for the wellbeing of the horses - at the end of the day she wants you to ride in harmony with your horse!! ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!! I'd recommend her to anyone who loves horses and wants to ride properly!"