Perdido W at the GBPRE Show Hartpury 2026

~ claire ballardie

Here is a short diary about our 2026 show experience at the GBPRE Show at Hartpury 2026.

 

Well, we have been to this show for a few years now, and have our routine for settling in. The knack is to load the lorry in the right order for arrival, so wheel barrow, bedding and hay are the last on, and first off. I have become quick at setting uo my ‘lorry camp’, with camp bed in the horse compartment, and sundowner at the ready once all is set up!

Thursday is settling in day for both me and Perdido after the journey.

Friday

Today was dressage day, with three classes. Being familiar with the arenas, and the stables really helped us to be calm and really enjoy the classes. The process of and warm-up amongst other riders can be daunting, but we mostly focus on relaxation, walking on a long rein, saving our energy for the actual test. This prevents us getting too tired, running out of steam in the test. (this is more for my benefit, as Perdido loves showing off, and announces his presence in the ring by neighing to anyone who will listen!

My husband, Dougald arrived in the afternoon, and we shared a lovely evening with friends at the show, sharing our experiences through the day. My last class was at 9pm, so I was pretty hungry afterwards.

I was so pleased that our results were better than last year. I get a sense of satisfaction from improving,  and Perdido showing a better level of training, despite our scores not being sufficient to be in the prizes.

Saturday

Today was ANCCE showing day, with judges from Spain assessing registered horses in the classes. Perdido was in the 7+ years old stallions, ably handled by Rosie. I had to admit defeat with the running up, and settled for leading Perdido around the arena. Rosie did the technical bits of standing him properly for inspection, and running with him.

In the evening, we did our Alta Esquela test, classical riding in Spanish costume, which is my favourite. Over the last 3 years, we have been the only one in the class, but our scores have improved significantly this year. We have now won 3 medals, one each year, qualifying us for the SICAB show in Spain, thought I think we have a way to go to be of the standard to hike over to Seville!

 

The Grand Parade is the final class, which Perdido loves. Much neighing with showing off is his cup of tea, or rather sangria! I managed to down the cup of sherry offered to riders this time without spilling dowm my front.

Sunday

Sunday morning was the functionality dressage test, the second part of the ANCCE class. I felt a bit tired, so kept the warm-up short, mainly walking. Perdido was on form, again much neighing in the test! I think he was still on a high from yesterday’s parade classs, so i hae to keep the showing off under wrap to keep him caml through the test. Again, I was pleased with our improvement from last year, though we were placed last in the classs.

So, why do we compete? Well, for me it is a way to judge our progress at home in other venues, at different shows, a test of how far Perdido and I have come both in technique, and in confidence in each other. I’d say it is about having a succesful outing, from travelling, packing and unpacking the lorry, managing the logistics of carting everything around, and meeting up with lovely people, old friends, and new lorry park buddies!

 

Equestrian Psychotherapy

~ claire ballardie

Equestrian Psychotherapy

 With many years of experience as both a rider and coach, and as a  psychotherapist  with an equestrian background, I combine many years of experience into my unique approach to help you to get the best out of your relationship with your horse.

When you worry, your nervous system goes into survival mode, looking out for danger. Your horse reacts to your adrenalin levels, and becomes fearful, mistrustful. You are no longer his ‘safe person’. Panicking can lead to poor decision making. I can help you to  prioritise a sense of calm, before making choices.

Some of the issues we can work with:

  • Loss of confidence
  • Lack of trust in your horse
  • Performance anxiety at competitions
  • Residual fear  from riding incidents
  • Post traumatic stress (PTSD) from frightening experiences
  • Grief from the loss of a beloved horse (or human)
  • Lack of self-worth, self-doubt

and more ……………

How can equestrian psychotherapy help?

As a rider, most are aware of learning the physical side to riding, such as your riding position, and the aids. Also, keeping yourself and your horse physically fit and well adds to the enjoyment of being able to achieve your goals. You might aim for a competition, or to be able to hack safely.

Equally as important is being aware of your thoughts and emotional responses to your horse. We will work with getting to know how your nervous system works, alonside your horse’s.

If your horse is spooky, or you feel he does not understand you, I can help you to take a look at what is going on for you emotionally which may be affecting your horse too.

You may face choices about your horse, or your riding career. talking through your options in sessions can give you a clearer picture about your decisions.

My aim is help you to take the stress and worry out of ‘what if’ scenarios which turn up in your mind, thinking logically rather than responding emotionally. learn how to Be aware of your emotional response – your feelings/mood when you are with your horse, or thinking about things in the night. What stresses you? What makes you feel relaxed?

Building a better relationship with your horse is about how you work as a team. Sessions will include ‘talking therapy‘ without the horse, to gain self-awareness  and to explore emotional issues going on for you. We will also work with your body to help you to relax and remain calm with your horse, to improve how you function together.

What happens in sessions?

I aim to help you to work through problems before putting them into practice with your horse. If we are working on-line, we can discuss a short video of you and your horse in action together. We can schedule an initial session to see how best I can be of help. A minimum of 4-6 sessions are recommended to get a good understanding of what is going on for you.

I work with adults (over 18 years) on a one-to-one basis. Sessions can be in person at my therapy centre (without your horse)  or on-line using Zoom. Ridden sessions can be also be done virtually using Zoom.

Prices 

 The Psychology of Horsemanship Webinar  is available from the shop page.

You may find my latest book, The Psychology of Horsemanship supportive in your quest to improve your understanding of your horse.

Claire Lilley Ebooks

~ claire ballardie

 

Did you know Claire Lilley books are available as Ebooks? Follow the links below to the publisher, Crowood Press.

The Psychology of Horsemanship

 

 

Lungeing, Long-Reining and In-Hand Schooling

 

200+ School Exercises with Poles

 

100 School Exercises for Teaching Riding

COMING SOON! THE SCALES OF TRAINING WORKBOOK as an EBOOK!

Meanwhile, here is the paperback version:

Scales of Training Workbook for Dressage and Jumping

 

 

The Window of Tolerance – Horse and Rider

~ claire ballardie

The Window of Tolerance – Horse and Rider

Have you ever wondered what’s behind a successful horse and rider partnership? Why are they so in sync, confident, capable of mastering any challenge that arises?

The mystery lies in expanding your, and your horse’s, window of tolerance.

What is the window of tolerance?

It is your comfort zone. Where you feel calm, confident, and in control of your emotional and physical state. You are nor scared. You can breathe, trust in your ability, trust your horse.

For your horse, it is his safety zone- he is wothout fear, calm, trusting in you, and his world.

How does it work?

Say you are riding towards a jump. On the approach you feel scared, your heart rate goes through the roof, you can’t concentrate, so you hang on, and leave it up to your horse, hoping he will get you over it. So what does he do? He refuses. he feels scared and runs away.

You panic, you feel afraid, and vow that jumping is not for you. Your window of tolerance is slammed firmly shut. Your horse’s too. You are left feeling disappointed in yourself, and feel you have failed your horse. Your fear tolerance level is zero.

So how do you expand your window of tolerance?

Breathe. Yes, I know it sounds simple, but there’s more to the effect of conscious breathing. Your nervous system has two parts: the adrenalin activated side which gears you into action, (feeling nervous or excited) and the calming part, for rest, recovery, safety.

The same goes for your horse. He either feels scared, or safe. His nervous system will pick up from yours whether the world is safe or not. So the remedy starts with you. You need to be your horse’s’safe person’ horse for him to trust you.

Going back to the jumping example, if your horse pricks his ears, hesitates in his stride, he is asking you ‘is this safe?’

If you answer is”Oh that’s too big, we’ll never get over that!’ you are compounding his fear, so he refuses.

On the other hand, if you answer him with,’we’ve got this, come on!’ and are confident, he will trust you.

Building your safety zone

Learn. Build your expertise and knowledge. Belief in yourself. Trust your physical ability and be aware of your emotions. Trust your horse. Nervousness will pass. It is this recovery that builds your ‘window of tolerance’. It is the belief that you will land safely over the fence, and carry on to the next.

Building the Partnership with your horse

Practice finding the flow between feeling a bit scared (challenged), and back to calm. This flow expands as you get to know what you are capable of.

You can choose to return to your comfort zone at any time by closing your ‘window of tolerance’ when you need to. This choice gives you recovery time, control, calmness, time to reflect on your achivements, be proud of yourself and your horse.

For more information, see the links below:

The Psychology of Horsemanship Book by Claire Lilley

The Psychology of Horsemanship Webinar with Claire Lilley