Each month we talk to a local or visiting riding coach and instructor. This month we talk to Fintray-based Jennifer Johnston-Harman
Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a BHSI and currently en route to gaining UKCC3 dressage specific. I have developed a part of our family farm into a small, friendly livery yard. I have competed up to Advanced level Eventing and up to Inter 2 Dressage on horses I have produced from foals. I have brought on horses to compete at every level at the National Dressage Championships over the years and hold Scottish National titles at Novice, Elementary, Medium, Advanced Medium, PSG and Inter 1 levels.
How long have you been teaching and how did you get into teaching? A long time. I started training while still in my teens and as a result of being invited to help out with Bennachie Pony Club teams I discovered that I loved it.
What do you most enjoy about teaching? It brings me huge joy to help a rider understand how to find an easier and more harmonious way to produce more from their horses. If my riders go home happy then I go home happy.
What are your top three pieces of advice for your pupils? Where there’s a will, there’s a way; hard work pays off; and anything is possible.
Do you use any methods when teaching? I am a bit pedantic about straightness, softness and reactions. I love thinking outside the square and customising an exercise that helps each particular horse and rider.
What are your future plans? To carry on doing what I love doing. I have a beautiful new indoor school at my yard now to enable schooling in all weather and anyone is welcome to come and improve and make plans for their future.