Featured Experiences
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Top riders do not always make good teachers — but Debbie is both.
She is friendly, passionate and caring, helping riders develop a deep understanding of classical principles and a harmonious partnership with their horses.
Debbie sincerely believes every horse can progress with patience and correct training. Without her guidance and patience, I might have given up long ago.
”— Fiona England
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I was recommended to try Debbie to help with my difficult Arabian horse. I had reached a low point after trying many instructors with no progress, even though I knew my horse had potential.
From the first lesson onwards we improved beyond recognition. Debbie helped us build trust and become a real partnership — something I hadn't achieved with other instructors. She has a wonderful eye and treats every horse and rider as individuals.
Through Debbie's teaching I've now been able to compete successfully in dressage — something I never expected. My sensitive horse bonded with her immediately and now looks forward to lessons.
Debbie has transformed both of us.
”— Sue Ryan
“Debbie helped me find true harmony with my horse — something I never thought possible.”
What Riders Say
She is totally professional in all aspects of her work and is highly respected. Furthermore, she has immeasurable knowledge and understanding of horses and is always available if you need advice.
Although I have only known her for a year, I recognise something in her which is very special. Her rapport with horses is amazing and they readily respond to her innate quiet authority: force and domination are not her style. She rides with such acute sensitivity and empathy that she can detect the slightest unsoundness: accordingly, I trust her utterly with my horse, whom she both schools and competes for me, and he is singularly devoted to her.
— Alice Rugheimer
I've owned my beautiful Arab gelding Santi all his life. He hasn't been the easiest of horses and is definitely the most complicated Arab I've ever owned.
I first saw Debbie ride at the TTT Summer Gala and she made everything look effortless. Over the next few months I watched her ride and teach, and her lessons always focused on balance, position and harmony. I desperately needed help with my young Arab, and I knew she was the person to ask.
Debbie has a wonderful ability to ‘read' the horse, helping rider and horse communicate and work through their differences with softness and understanding. Santi and I definitely needed her help.
Under Debbie's instruction Santi and I have developed a wonderful partnership built on balance and harmony. We don't compete anymore, but we enjoy our training sessions so much.
Santi and I would like to say a big thank you, Debbie. Because of your knowledge, skill and advice we enjoy our training and ride in balance.
— Alison Deacon & Santi
I trained with Debbie for nearly three years. While I had learned many techniques from instructors in Germany, I appreciated how Debbie brought everything together.
She is a sensitive instructor who uses all senses — seeing, feeling and listening — when working with horse and rider.
Debbie's approach, rooted in classical dressage, demonstrates true horsemanship and enables both horse and rider to reach their highest potential as a team.
— Anja Fragodt
Maybe you will find the way with Debbie's help. She has been teaching for over 20 years and is an experienced rider and trainer. Her combined knowledge of body awareness skills and Classical Dressage training enables riders to get their horses working correctly and, most importantly, produces comfortable horses who are happy to work. Any shape, size or model, she has no prejudice and finds the best in them all.
"Debbie's compassion and empathy for all horses shines through in her teaching and brings real results. My horse is an ex- racehorse and with Debbie's support and encouragement we have learnt a correct way of going, grown in confidence and are having fun in our riding again" - Lyn Danaher
Debbie freelances mainly in Surrey teaching people on their own horses. She also gives lessons on a riding simulator to riders of all levels.
"My lesson on the simulator was far more beneficial than I thought possible. Debbie's knowledge of Alexander Technique brings more depth and understanding to the lesson. I was really amazed at the changes that I've made in just one session and it's made a big difference to my horse for the better. I can't wait for my next one!
— Caroline Hill (Hoofbeat)
For someone who fumbled through flatwork, Debbie quickly realised my horse had natural ability and balance. It became a matter of bringing the two of us together. My warmblood had talent, but he was paired with a rider who had very little — yet was keen to learn.
Debbie has inspired me to achieve far more than I thought possible. She shows tremendous patience and has a deep understanding of the horse. Her explanations are clear and she simplifies concepts so the rider can truly understand them.
Our lessons have brought my horse and me much closer, with far clearer communication — exactly what is needed to achieve anything of purpose.
Thank you, Debbie, for all of your hard work and patience. We are now a strong partnership going forward.
— Gaynor Sleight
I have known Debbie as a trainer and friend for many years. Every lesson guides and supports me toward becoming the rider I want to be.
I learn something new each session, and her insight from the ground is invaluable. Debbie would be the first person I'd recommend to anyone wanting the best for their relationship with their horse.
She trains without force, with encouragement and understanding. Thanks to her, I now truly understand what it means to ‘connect with your horse' in both mind and body.
Thank you, Debbie!
— Katy & Norman
Debbie's help with Frank and me has been invaluable — I only wish I had found her sooner.
She is patient and supportive, using sympathetic techniques that help Frank and me truly understand each other. She took us back to basics and focused on my position, and everything suddenly made sense.
Debbie doesn't use gadgets or force, and she quickly taught me that I don't need them. Frank is now a much happier, more responsive horse, and I feel far more in tune with him.
Debbie leaves me buzzing after each lesson — I can't wait for the next one. Frank loves her too… especially the Polos!
— Liane Jarman & Frank
I have a 10-year-old mare with a fused joint due to a spavin. I needed an instructor who could help me make the most of her ability while respecting her limitations.
Debbie has improved both my riding and my mare's movement. She teaches sympathetically and helps me improve my horse's balance.
I love that Debbie teaches without force or gadgets — just correct posture and harmony. My mare has gone from tense and reluctant to relaxed and happy.
— Rachel Watts & Primmy
Gloria and I searched for a regular teacher for 10 years — until we found Debbie.
We first met as liveries many years earlier, but when I saw her riding and teaching at the TTT, I knew I wanted her to teach me. Debbie teaches on classical lines and Gloria responds beautifully.
Debbie has helped me understand how much my horse can teach me if I observe and adjust myself. Her advice on nutrition and saddle fit made a huge difference.
Even my daughter loves being taught by Debbie, saying: “Debbie teaches the rider and the horse together.”
— Sue Dennis & Gloria
The difference Debbie has made to my horse and my riding in just a couple of months has been amazing.
My 19-year-old schoolmaster was stiff, uncomfortable and nearing early retirement. Now he is supple, muscled and moving freely. My riding has improved dramatically — I only wish I had discovered Debbie sooner.
Debbie identified saddle issues missed by previous saddlers and helped me make changes that transformed both my horse and my position. She sees and feels things others missed.
Lessons are now fun again for both of us. Debbie puts the horse's welfare at the centre of her teaching.
Thank you so much, Debbie.
— Sue Mobbs
“Her insight, patience and classical approach transformed my riding and my horse.”