Celebrating with Northlands Stables Kenya

Challenge Awards Northlands Stables Kenya

Five riders from the Northlands Stables near Nairobi are enjoying developing their riding and horse care skills with Coach Alison Kenward BHS APC. Alison began working with the coaching team at Northlands in 2023 after an initial meeting online to learn about the horses and how they are managed in Kenya. The facilities and dedication of the team impressed Alison.

Alison told the team about the Challenge Awards as they could be studied by staff and riders at the centre. Coaches, Debbie and Mike were keen to develop their coaching practice and to become familiar with the BHS approach. Coralie, Olivia and Malan signed up to join them. Each rider chose their own “pathway”.

Alison explains “What an opportunity for me to meet and coach riders in Kenya. The quality of tech that we use makes it feel as though I’m in the arena with them. The horses recognise my voice and seem to listen too. They love it when I am praise them and I feel like I know them as well as their riders. I really enjoy my weekly “visits” to Kenya. At the presentation I dialled in and celebrated the riders achieving Bronze and Silver Awards. Since then, they have started working towards their next awards.”

Debbie Diesbecq Centre Manager explained “Equestrian sports is in a transitional stage, where science and experience is teaching us new and better ways to ride, train and care for our animals. Under Alisons guidance, the instructors at Northlands, are participating in the BHS challenge series to better understand development and look for ways to improve our teaching technique in line with international standards.

Taking part in the challenge series with Alison has been instrumental in aligning my riding, teaching and general horse care with new and improved practises. Alison is brilliant at breaking down all the aids in a way that makes complete sense and as a result they have become a natural part of riding and training. We look forward to growing and developing as we continue along this journey.”

Coach Mike Tibetts partnered RJ “We have a good bond; I love riding him. Taking the challenge awards with Alison has helped me gain more experience and RJ has grown in confidence especially enjoying his lateral work and jumping.”

Malan Chopra “I really felt like my horse and I developed a deeper connection through the work we did. It really helped us understand each other and our needs. I think Alison is an amazing trainer and I really enjoyed myself.”

Olivia “Neymar and I have a good time when we are riding, we love to jump and go for hacks. Alison is such a nice trainer and I love her lessons.”

Coralie Tucker-Moon “I recently completed the British Horse-Riding Society's Silver Riding Flat Award. This was an award that deepened my understanding of myself as a rider and, more importantly, how my horse can respond to my actions.

Alison was an outstanding coach. She was consistent, kind, and patient, but also displayed extensive knowledge of riding and caring for a horse.

The whole experience has really given me confidence in the saddle and refined my riding techniques, but it also fostered a deeper understanding of Neymar (my horse).

For those seeking a formal yet impactful equestrian program, the Silver Riding Flat Award led by the exceptional Alison is a commendable choice.”

 British Horse Magazine featured the celebration in a recent edition of British Horse Magazine.

 Thanks to Sam Tucker-Moon, Debbie Diesbecq and Alex Bryan Photography for permission to use the photos.