Horses have been an important part of my life since the early 2000s. I've been training in Estonia, Denmark, England and Norway, mainly preparing young dressage and jumping horses. Since 2011 I've been mostly focusing on training other riders. Although I'm more into dressage, I just like the horses to be rideable, so jumpers can also benefit from my lessons.
In 2013 I received my first certification as an Assistant Coach, in 2017 I was awarded the certification of Junior Coach by the Estonian Olympic Committee and the Estonian Equestrian Federation.
If you're looking for someone to support your training, I might be able to help you.
Read on to see what I can offer and get in contact for a friendly, no obligations discussion about you and your horse's requirements.
SHORT PROFILE
Some of the places where I've gained my experience as a rider:
In addition to that I've taken lots of courses and seminars throughout the years and the hours spent teaching have taught not only the students but myself as well.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
I tend to think that sometimes 'slow' is actually 'fast' and if you build up the training of the horse step by step and spend good time on the basics you will get less problems in the future. I like to quote Dr Reiner Klimke who said, when riding a test, if you can ride the center line, make the halt, go through the first corner and receive 10 marks for these exercises you will most probably win the class. And these things are really the basics. Simple but yet so difficult. I believe a good rider has to be thorough in his work, it's important to find the reasons when something goes wrong. I really hope that with the experience I have gained in different countries I am able to help you and your horse reach the next level in training.
SERVICES
RIDING LESSONS
It is really incredible how much your performance can improve when you have someone to help you from the ground. I enjoy teaching riders on lower levels of dressage up to Medium class, but I definitely believe jumping riders can benefit from my help as well as flatwork is an important part of jumpers' training. It is my aim to always create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere when I teach and I do believe in taking things step by step. You need to learn the letters before you can read, they say.
RIDING
Sometimes I see my students struggle and then I try to get in the saddle and help a bit. It gives motivation to see from the side that the horse is actually able to perform better, if it clearly understands what is asked from it. That gives the necessary courage to get up there again and try for yourself. Creating respect is a big part of riding, and it goes both ways - the rider also has to learn to respect the horse. When I ride, I seek for those moments when I feel that the horse starts to enjoy its work, the moments when work becomes play. In addition to helping my students when they struggle with some exercises, if my schedule allows, I also try to help when they struggle with time - when they cannot make it to the yard and the horse needs to be exercised.
VIDEO TRAINING
I often hear from people that they are having difficulties finding a trainer who is willing to travel to them, as they live far from the cities. For that, I believe video training can help. You will film 10-15 minutes of your training, send it to me, and I will reply with some feedback and suggestions. And then after a while we could do a follow-up video to see how things have improved. If you have a friend who is willing to hold a camera, and a good Internet connection, we can also do a live online-session via Skype or Messenger.