I find Hoggy invaluable for two key things. Firstly, for working on my posture. He really pinpoints issues and areas of improvement around balance and position. Nicola then coaches me on what I need to change and as importantly, how to make those changes. On Hoggy, I find I can totally focus on trying to make these changes without having to think about riding my horse at the same time. I can practice and then, when I ride my horse, I can focus in on these corrections.

Secondly, I have sessions on Hoggy for working on specific aspects of riding. I have recently worked on half halts and also the aids for changes and tempis. Hoggy gives great feedback (and sometimes I have no idea that my body is doing what it’s doing!) and again, Nicola explains clearly exactly what to do to achieve a better result. Again I find when I get on my horse I have benefited from what I’ve learnt.

The exercises Nicola recommends as a result of what she sees in the Hoggy sessions really help and I use them before I ride. She also uses bands to improve posture – which we also transfer to when I am riding my horse. These are brilliant – they really do help me to correct my position. I have found them particularly useful to ensure I am evenly balanced and also for my hand position specifically.

I have been surprised at how effective the sessions are and what they identify. I have learnt a lot and this is now a regular part of my training.

Stephanie Fairbank