This cross country training clinic is aimed at the real grass root rider. So if you are like me scared of a pole on the ground, new partnership, young horse or just fancy a jolly. This is for you! What makes Lyford Stud different from other courses if they have technical fences at a sensible heights. Which gives you the opportunity to train over Skinnys and corners that are small enough to get you and your horse confident before tackling them at a larger height. Carol Starkey will be our coach. And there will be 4 in a group and the session will last an hour.

Carol has been riding since before she could walk, receiving her first pony on her first birthday. During her childhood Carol competed in show jumping and after leaving school she went to work in a dressage and showing yard. Whilst there she trained with a junior and young event rider and trainer and at age 16 years Carol started eventing and went on to compete up to Intermediate level. She attended Warwickshire Agricultural College where she gained the National Equine Diploma (the highest equine qualification at the time). Before her third year at college Carol was keen to improve her show jumping phase in eventing and took the opportunity to go to Germany to train with top level show jumpers there. During her time in Germany Carol would bring on young horses jumping up to 130cm level and by the time Carol returned the UK she was bitten by the show jumping bug and her focus changed to pure show jumping.

Although Carol has been a dedicated show jumper for many years, having competed in BSJA competitions up to small grand prix level 140cm, with Scarlett's keen interest in eventing Carol has now taken up her eventing reins again. Teaching one of her show jumpers to event Carol has already gained one win and 2 second places in her first 3 events.