Although I’d been riding for many years, my skills had stagnated. I figured a week of intense instruction would identify my issues, and get me back on the right path.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by Jan and began the 35 kilometre ride from Napier to the farm, which is situated on 1,000 acres right in the middle of nowhere, New Zealand. The scenery was breathtaking; lushly green, with more sheep per square acre than anywhere I have ever been. The scenery was incredible, just a lush swathof rolling green meeting blue sky. One could blindly point a camera in any direction and be treated to an image of postcard quality.

My last ride around the course, with solid position, great approaches, striding and corrections, left me with a huge grin on my face and a feeling of accomplishment. As I rode up to Greg with a smile on my face, I said "I think that is probably a good place to finish. He agreed!

Perhaps the best way to describe Greg’s teaching approach is that he is very analytical about a series of problems. I was an absolute mess – numerous mistakes, issues, problems etc.

On arriving at the farm, we met Kim and Greg, and were immediately made to feel like welcome guests. We felt as though we were life-long friends. The rooms were spacious and the house, beautiful. It was so very casual, and Kim and Greg made us feel like family. It is the usual rule that, among strangers, one does not debate politics, sex or Religion.

Greg’s expectation was that you weren’t going to immediately go away a better rider, but you would

Greg's first bit of dinner conversation was to start a heated discussion on American and world politics. It was fantastic, and I was really impressed. He is a sharp guy and not afraid to initiate a thought-provoking and interesting conversation.

We were put to work immediately that afternoon, with Greg taking us out to jump a few courses in order to assess our competency. ‘Hmmm. Your leg position and seat are atrocious,’ he declared in a matter-of-fact tone. ‘Drop your stirrups’. After watching me ride, he declared, ‘I usually like the way people ride without stirrups, and your position, weak as it was, is much better without’. And so it began!

Greg split me off from the other two guests, who had vastly more experience than I, and spent the next several days working with me on my position. He was perhaps the most patient teacher I have ever had.

go away armed with new knowledge; new tools as it were. A rider could then incorporate this into one’s training at home.

A testament to the effectiveness of this trip came when I got on my horse this week. My horse is a very green thoroughbred. I had been having issues with keeping him in a frame, balance, smooth canter departures, cantering circles, turns, and jumping was a dicey deal with him.

Because my position and balance were so vastly improved, my horse’s performance reflected this. I had control! He would come back to me, collect, when asked. He jumped and well, and my position over jumps was solid, controlled, such that the horse would not fall on the forehand and run off with me after a line. It was such a great reward. I am looking forward to booking this trip again sometime next year.