I have been involved with horses all my life, mainly focussed on eventing. Growing up through Pony Club, I then spent time in New Zealand and Australia working with horses before spending a summer with Lockie Richards FBHS in upstate New York. His approach to horses (and his pupils), with affinity, patience and consistency has been the benchmark that I have tried to emulate in my riding over the years.
After a complete hiatus from horses, during which I worked abroad for The HALO Trust, I started getting involved in horses again. Before I knew it, I was riding and competing again. Having had a break from horses, I have renewed enthusiasm and inspiration, which feeds into my teaching and riding.
Competing
I was lucky to event during the 90’s when the three-day events were focused on the 4-phase cross country.
I rode at 3-star level (now 4 star) on my horse Secret Papers. He was an amazing cross country horse but he wasn’t so keen on dressage, despite that, he finished 11th at Luhmuhlen CCI*** in 2000.
Now qualified for 4 star, I was focussed on Badminton in 2001 until the ‘Foot and Mouth’ outbreak put paid to that hope. The next year we entered Badminton, only to be balloted out with 50 other hopeful competitors. I stopped competing at the end of 2003 when the FEI changed the three-day format.
Photo left - Secret Papers 11th at Luhmuhlen. Photos below - competing Secret Papers at Blenheim.
Coaching
I am a BHSI (Stage 5 Performance Coach) and a BE Level 3 Coach. In addition to my teaching, I have horses in for backing and schooling, alongside riding my own horses at both British Eventing and BSJA competitions.
I enjoy coaching and have a wide range of clients - many of whom are already experienced competitors, but also those just setting out on their eventing journey as well as those looking to hone their skills and performance across all three disciplines.
I coach at home, where we have a large arena and a set of Beck+Heun showjumps, and I am also happy to travel to clients.
I focus on building lasting partnerships between horse and rider, based on empathy, trust and confidence, as well as growing technical skills and experience.
“We have much to learn from horses, they show us that simplicity of process combined with empathy, patience and consistency creates the most special bond of understanding, connection and trust”
RICHARD EVANS
Testimonials
"Before meeting Richard I was encountering many challenges with my quirky mare. We were struggling with calmness and consistency in our work and there was something missing in our relationship.
Richard has empathy and endless patience, whilst being consistent and supportive. This has helped me to develop my riding skills and establish our partnership, thus allowing us to grow in confidence together, resulting in some wonderful outings and achieving goals that I never imagined were attainable."
Kirsty Gwynne
"Richard is a fantastic instructor. He’s been a huge help to both me and Fred, my Connemara. He gets that I am a perfectionist and has helped me to understand that this takes time.
With his support and coaching, we’re making progress at our own pace. Thanks to Richard, I’m finally at a place where I feel like I’m starting to improve and trust Fred. Every lesson leaves me feeling stronger and more confident."
Verity Tomson