Hayfield

Hayfield trained horses have competed successfully up to and including national level and we continue to produce horses for general riding, for dressage, show jumping, eventing, for the show ring and for polo.

Our main line of business is not so much  training horses, but assisting our riding clients to improve their horses own performance.

Hayfield methods follow the principals of classical training used in such excellent performances as that exhibited by the Lipizzaner in this picture.   He and his 18 friends recently visited Hayfield – To see them all just click on the Picture gallery Link

Training Riders
Hayfield is an instructor training centre where the instructors and coaches enjoy training riders at every level.  The following lines explain why we feel that what we do is even more important in our modern society.

In an age of computers and abstract realities we understand that our love of the horse (or Ponies) ties us to a more solid and older order of life skills and values.

The following are the words and the teachings of the equestrian grand masters passed down to us from an earlier age which we at Hayfield still follow:
As you read them it is worth reflecting on the values of these qualities in modern life, our relationships, and in modern business management.

Riding requires:

• Respect for, and the love of (the horse)
• Trust – Loyalty – and Friendship
• An incorruptible commitment to the caring (for the horse)
• A desire to understand better (the horse)
• A commitment to systematic progressive training (to improve the horse)
• The development of a harmonious partnership
• The development of self awareness and focus on personal self improvement.

Rider’s tasks are:

• To be the leader of the partnership.
• To have clarity of purpose.
• To know that “the buck stops here”.
• To work within the horses and their own capabilities.
• To praise often, correct the horse promptly and to punish rarely.
• To be thoughtful, patient and kind in all interactions.
• In managing the horse (or pony) we must remembered that –
• Management is always solely responsible for finding good solutions to all problems.

Although we tend to showcase our highest achievers we are equally as proud of those who make even the smallest achievements and Equiworld Club is devoted to each rider’s individual development.

Several of our riding school horses have been given to us because they were badly behaved or badly trained in the first place and although we cannot successfully correct every one we are pleased that we have helped many of them find a better future, either with their owners or in a new home, and in some cases that home has become Hayfield.

We also provide a service for new horse owners aimed at giving them help and guidance in the early months they share with what is to them a new horse.  It is a very important time for both in the new combination as they develop a relationship with each other. We feel that investing in proactive training is always the most cost effective way to progress.

Hayfield provides opportunity for all of the schoolchildren in Aberdeen and the Shire from primary age upwards to become involved with riding and horses at a considerably discounted rate.
As a grass roots initiative the “Active Schools” initiative creates an opening opportunity leading into equestrian sport.  In addition although we understand that not all those who participate in the “Active schools” initiative will continue to ride beyond the programme, those who do will have found a sport to enjoy for the rest of their life.

For others the “Active Schools” Programme may lead to a chance to engage in a course of work experience at Hayfield which in turn may encourage them to becoming involved in joining the career pathway.  That in turn will provide a training opportunity towards recognised qualifications and employment.

Whether for the rider or for the horse there is no better stimulus to improve performance than the training and preparation which must go before entering competitions.  Competition is the proving ground of training and each competition proves the coach or the riders training to be satisfactory, successful or in some cases that a revision of their methods, aims and goals is required.

At Hayfield the usual order of entering competitions from grassroots up is:

• Teaching pony club games (first), dressage (second) and finally jumping in class.

• Competing in small internal Hayfield Competitions and leagues.

• Hayfield winners competing in inter riding schools competitions.

• Entry into Pony Club competitions on and off the premises.

• Competing at the Scottish Inter Schools competition each spring.

• Adults follow much the same programme as above (with a few exceptions).

• Small competitions at neighbouring Equestrian centres close to Hayfield.

• Riding Club competitions leading to regional finals and National Championships.

• Inter University competitions starting at Hayfield, running throughout Scotland and culminating with the UK Inter University National Championships.

• Riding Club (and Pony Club) comps include (Games, PC) Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country and Eventing.

Hayfield’s riding club is unique in that it provides opportunity for people who cannot afford to own a horse to compete up to national level.  Hayfield provides the horses, the coaching, the organisation and the transport to events around the country to qualify for local, regional and national competitions.

Started in 2010 the teams are supported partly by Equiworld and partly by sponsorship and financial support from local Aberdeen businesses.  It is now possible for a young rider to start riding with the “Active Schools” programme and if they have the skills and downright dedication, to be in a team competing on equal terms with Clubs which service more affluent horse owners.  Here for the first time in our history equal opportunity and total social inclusion is being brought to the fore in the UK equestrian competition arena.

Hayfield is dedicated to the development and promotion of good coaching.  Our coaching system is one of cascade learning where the very best of coaches teach at the top and good practice is promoted to the bottom to the least experienced.  This provides an ideal nursery for aspiring young coaches who have the opportunity of an easy start helping more experienced coaches under supervision.

Hayfield is now at the forefront of the delivery of the UK coaching certificates and all Hayfield instructors are using UKCC coaching methods in the delivery of their training.

The courses and qualifications are ideal for those who are interested in becoming instructor’s assistants or indeed qualified instructors and coaches who in turn teach coaches.

Level One is a pleasant soft entry level although it does require study and practice over time.  Level Two is ideal for coaches who take coaching seriously and Level Three suits those coaches who already have considerable experience.  Link to UKCC.

Hayfield has for more than 30 years produced many fine instructors who have successfully completed the British Horse Societies (BHS) instructor’s examinations as we still do.  Many of our members are involved in training for and intend to take the BHS stages 1 -3 which lead up to the instructors qualifications.  At the present time there is no external funding available for those who wish to become full time students but those with independent means may apply.

If you wish to come to Hayfield for career training – Opportunities to enter a full time practical training programme to gain professional qualifications do present themselves from time to time but due to a lack of government funding students who apply will require to be funded by parents or some other external source.  (If your parents run their own company we are happy to invoice for a training course “as required”).
Those who have access to funding should apply in writing and if accepted will be required to attend for an interview followed by an initial trial period.  Equiworld / Hayfield members may apply in writing or by e-mail for Equiworld grant aid funding.