A Better way of Training and Riding Horses: A refreshing way to understand horsemanship and equitation put simply.

Richard Chamberlin lives in the New Forest, England and first became interested in horses at the age of fourteen. He had been tasked to escort his sister to the local stables so she could ride at weekends. The gentleman who owned the establishment was of a very encouraging nature and planted the seed for a relationship with horses. This has lasted throughout Richards’s life. Having joined the Army in 1972, he was posted to units where people owned polo ponies and eventers, so when time allowed Richard was there. In 1981 he married Bobbie and moved to the New Forest where their shared passion for horses soon had them back in the saddle. After several years competing, Richard met Portuguese horses master Joao Oliveira the son of the legendary Nuno Oliveira. Richard started to understand how training was structured, how riding was from the mind and body, not the hands and heels. Richard went on to perform many entertaining displays throughout the UK. His prowess enabled him to meet and ride with many of the greatest masters of European horsemanship. Considerable time was spent discussing the finer points with these eminent horsemen, which allowed him to appreciate how they approached training, and there personal techniques. A passion for understanding, led to many hours studying the great literary works available. Appreciating the history and the development of horse training, has allowed him to assist many in how to approach better training. Being able to explain movement by its historical development, allows for a clearer guidance in training. Richard is renowned for his way of clearly explaining how training and riding works. A logical process, linked with a psychological approach, allows all to understand. His calm nature shows how thought is the most powerful tool for the rider and education is imperative, leading riders to see there is no magical processes or amazing new methods, and that basic tack is best, with no need for gadgetry. The master’s books were written for others of a similar disposition to follow; these works are hugely relevant to today’s riders, but some find too daunting to be easily followed. Today’s masters are writing works to help today’s modern horse and rider. Richards’s books are well structured, allowing easy understanding and structured so people can retain, or if necessary easily find the information needed. Richard has the idea that a book is better off in the tack room and used, than on the shelf at home gathering dust.