Witney Pony Partners is a Pony Share Scheme and Ethical Horsemanship Centre based in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside on the edge of the Cotswolds. 

 

Run by Liz James 

We are a member of The Association of British Riding Schools and Defra licenced with a 5* rating.

All lessons are conducted strictly in accordance with the government's current Covid-19 Policies and procedures.

 

Introduction to our philosophy

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Equines are routinely subjected to the use of dominance, force and intimidation in order for humans to achieve progress in their handling and riding. Just go to any tack shop and look at the range of bits, whips and other gadgets for control on sale.  It is normal for children to be taught to kick, pull and whip their pony in order to get it to do what they want.

A horse can feel when a mosquito lands on it so why do we need to resort to these methods?  Why does it ignore us when we ask it to do something? I believe there are four reasons why a horse doesn’t do what is asked of it.

• Fear or discomfort

• Misunderstanding

• Lack of trust

• Lack of attention

Witney Pony Partners was started with the aim of introducing children and adults to equines in an ethical environment.  Also to offer an alternative experience for those who already ride, but were looking something more natural. The methods we use are based on horse psychology - working with the horse to create mutual respect, communication and understanding.  Our students always have the same horse or pony for their lessons, as building a relationship is the key to success.

It is the relationship, trust and communication between horse and human  which creates an accomplished rider.

We specialise in teaching liberty and free-riding - using the least amount of pressure to train our ponies.  

Freelance and video coaching is also available with your own horse and we have an ethical horse-owners club, clicker club and Horse whispering for kids club which meet monthly.

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