Sorting out the snaffles from the happy mouths today in the Tack Room is our new Director of Training and Fast Talker Nikki Herbert.

The Burghley Branch was the first that I taught at in Area 6 and both my sons were members, I organised the PC score collection for The Burghley 3DE for many years and as my husband, Philip is Clerk of the course for Burghley Horse Trials we have a strong family connection to Burghley.  I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOYAL TO Burghley but stopped being chief instructor when I became National Chairman of Training as I had less time. As 'National Director of Training' I do teach branches all over this country and abroad, however our family has such close ties to Burghley through Philips job that we couldn't get married until after Burghley in 1982 and both boys were planned to arrive after Burghley with October and September birthdays that it seems fitting that I should spent more time back with the Burghley branch.
 

I initially agreed to help as an advisor however I really enjoy teaching young enthusiastic people and helping them to enjoy their riding more is my number one priority so I will be pleased to help the Burghley branch members whenever I can.

Pony Club is a very social club aimed at giving the children fun whilst learning.  Do we therefore run the risk of taking the instruction too seriously?

Things are only enjoyable if they are fun and you feel you are improving your skills and the ability of your horse or pony so yes instruction is seriously fun!

Yes I suppose I do!  We discovered the Pony Club when I was about 9yrs old when we went to a show and found you had to be a member to enter as it was a Pony Club Show so my Mother joined me ,entered the classes and returned with a badge and tie. That was the Enfield Chase Branch when I kept my pony at Arkley Riding Stables in Hertfordshire. Later on we moved to Patchetts Green Riding School and I changed to the South Herts Branch as there was no centre membership available then.

Yes I used to compete in Gymkanas on my 13.2hh called Lucky. We were always second because my best friend's pony was faster and she always won, her pony was called Topaz. Later on I did Area Pony Club teams in Hampshire as a member of the Hambledon Hunt North Branch. We jumped a double clear at the area show jumping but there was no individual class and the team didn't qualify for the championships.  I also did area horse trials each year but although we jumped well the dressage was always above the bit so we never qualified!

After I was married I brought on young horses and competed in British Eventing Horse Trials then specialised in dressage with a mare called Red Grouse as it was easier to fit the competitions in around school runs and a young family. She competed to Advanced Prix St Georges level.
 

Guy is my youngest son, his elder brother Martin was a keen Burghley member attending mini camp with his pony Zeberdee and passing his D Test while Guy just carried the water buckets aged 3.  I am still Guys groom, coach (you cannot teach your own!) wardrobe manager and sponsor!  I am very critical of him which is hard for him as I expected him to inherit Half a century of experience along with his genes!  Totally unreasonable of me but one learns from experience and he does a good job of putting up with me. Of course we both want the best outcome for each other and the horses and it can be frustrating when things don't go as well as hoped for however horses and riding are very character building and one learns to appreciate the high days!

The Manual is the responsibility of the Pony Club Training Committee of which I have been Chairman since leaving the Burghley in 1996.  I have been responsible for the publications and keeping them up to date as well as producing new titles during this time.  It is recognised worldwide and used as a training tool by the Mounted Police and Kings Troop. Your 1976 copy would still have valuable information in it but the current 13th edition would have more in it! Many of my horses are pictured in the 12th edition and Guy is on the front cover riding Crispy Croissant who won at the PC Championships ridden by his girlfriend Harriet Allen (Cottesmore Branch) a year later.

I'm sure there are lots of excellent horse people I have yet to meet but I do admire the classically correct riders. I used to work for the Bronze medalist show jumper Peter Robeson who lives near Newport Pagnell, he has the most balanced jumping seat and beautiful hands. Also the event riders who have been so successful on many different horses but who always put the welfare of the horse first. MANY OF THEM WERE PONY CLUB MEMBERS!

I enjoy the local shows because I can see my pupils in action and enjoy their success or help with problems and meet freinds but of course the big 3DEs are fun and the shops are great.

Mares or geldings?

I have probabaly had most success with chestnut mares! But as a rule I would  go for a bay gelding. At the moment I have a liver chestnut gelding and a bay gelding.

I love Thelwell it makes me laugh over and over again! I do read H&H every week or  at least look at the pictures.

I tend to read several at once! Dressage  Tips by Matin Plewa and Wolfgang and Petra Holzel and Agincourt by Juliet Barker. Now reading Into Temptation by Penny Vincenzi. It takes ages because I fall asleep after one page!!

Comedy

Clarins Hand and Nail cream

After crushed foot and broken ankle followed by same foot broken by horse jumping on it, fairly flat.

Dining out is great but better value and more to drink at home!

Love steak and salmon especially smoked.

Love Jamie Oliver's fantastic fish pie

Favourite smell?

Fuchsias and jasmine or leather

Favourite CD in your car stereo?

'Deal or No Deal' or 'The Weakest Link'

Watch both

Coffee or cornish

Event horses are very expensive!

Always dogs but due to mice now have 4 cats and 3 dogs

Have to cook, hate weeding love planting. Love good food and entertaining just never have enough time to organise it.

Holiday???  Love to discover new places taught the Pony Club in Hungary last Autumn and in South Africa last year. Holidays spent in Crete.

Libra/Virgo