BHS approved Livery Yard.

Coaching and Training

Sonya did her formal training, BHS exams and National Diploma in Business and Finance for Agricultural Administration at Sparsholt College in Hampshire 1989 – 1992

She has worked for the World’s best including two years spent with Michael Whitaker as an International groom and rider, schooling all of the horses on the flat. She also spent 6 months in Ireland working on a bloodstock yard including riding racehorses on the Currugh gallops and backing and schooling youngsters, 6 months training and competing on Lars Hedin's horses and a further six months training with Fred Welch. Other experience with horses has included working in racing and hunting yards.

Sonya competed her own string of Show Jumpers including youngsters that she backed and took through BSJA Novice to Open 1.30m level.

She also competed some of these in showing at County level with wins in Working Hunter /Sports Horse classes and affiliated Dressage to Medium level with the training of John Lassetter at Goodwood.

2005 to 2008 Sonya was also a keen athlete and ran for Portsmouth Athletic Club as well as competing in Modern Pentathlon (Show Jumping, Fencing, Shooting, Swimming and Running).

Injury and surgery ended this and hence forth began a greater focus on coaching. She then completed her AI (20 years after starting it!) and passed the UKCC Level 2 Coaching Certificate.

Sonya now competes in affiliated dressage with success up to Prix St George. She now trains with the TTT trust in Surrey. She does still jump but the arrival of her daughter in September 2009 has meant a break from the competitive arena and further training towards coaching qualifications. She is currently on the BSJA UKCC Level 3 Coaching course.

• A highly experienced Horse Woman from foals to Grand Prix Show Jumpers and Dressage Horses
• BHS AI & UKCC level 2. Currently on UKCC BSJA Level 3 course
• Knowledge of preparation and care of horses competing internationally
• Experience in the needs of the equine and human athlete
• Classically trained
• Registered Para rider so an understanding of riding with a disability
• A highly motivated coach with a great energy and integrity
• Dedicated to empowering people to achieve their personal, training or competition goals
• A love of horses

Even tasks I was able to perform brilliantly and effortlessly would sometimes be hampered by nerves and a fear of making mistakes or not performing well. I am an extremely confident person so believe me anybody can suffer in this way.

These shortcomings however are probably no bad thing. It has meant I have strived to study my subject hard. Understand the theory of why and how from the centuries old teachings of Classical Riding Masters and their modern day counterparts.

I am also keen to find ways of improving confidence and handling nerves under pressure incorporating modern psychological techniques. What makes the Elite so good at what they do?

 This combined with my natural affinity with people and horses makes me an excellent coach.

 I truly understand what it is like to struggle and find every explanation until the one that gives me that light bulb moment mentally, or the sensation when you just feel it has connected with the horse”

Sonya Brotherton