Natalie the Coach

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Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a BHSAI qualified instructor, and I’ve been teaching horse riding for 25 years. Throughout my career I’ve had the pleasure of helping riders of all ages, abilities and ambitions grow in skill, confidence and understanding.

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My journey began with the Nottinghamshire Mounted Police, where I worked as a groom and completed my BHS teaching qualification. From there, I became a freelance instructor in the Nottingham area before moving to Manchester to manage a riding school. It was during this time that I truly discovered my passion and ability to teach grassroots riders, and I loved watching them grow and develop week by week. Life then took me to the Isle of Man, where I managed another busy yard and riding school before returning to freelance teaching, supporting clients on their own horses across the island.

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Ten years ago, I moved to Lincolnshire and founded Toll Bar Equestrian. Running a riding school has been incredibly rewarding, but also extremely busy. Over time, I came to realise that what I enjoy most—and where I feel I make the greatest difference—is in the teaching itself. Helping a rider evolve, spotting the smallest details that can transform their position, and guiding someone to that “lightbulb moment” when everything falls into place…..  That has always been the part of my job I love the most.  That’s why I’ve chosen to step back from the day-to-day management of the riding school and focus more on what truly inspires me: teaching.  RideSmart Simulator gives me the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.

 

Working with Lloyd, our Racewood simulator has opened up a unique and rewarding style of coaching. I’ve helped riders returning after injury, people who struggle with mounting or dismounting, riders with back or joint issues moving safely back to real horses, those wanting to refine their technique, and even a stuntman working on balance and core control. Seeing people progress in such a safe, supportive environment has been incredibly fulfilling.​

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Lloyd the Riding Simulator

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​There are many benefits for riding a simulator. Whether you are a complete beginner lacking confidence or an established rider with a desire to improve your riding, a simulator can be a valuable tool for your learning.

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Lloyd is a realistic, full size, 15 hands horse that can be controlled by the rider using the pressure sensors in his body and head or can be remotely controlled by the instructor on the ground.

 

With the right coaching, Lloyd will help you learn the skills needed to improve your balance, feel and ultimately become more secure in the saddle.  This in turn makes the aids you use on your horse much clearer.

 

Other benefits for having lessons on Lloyd-

• Work with me to perfect your body position, posture and contacts in a safe, predictable environment with mirrors to monitor yourself in action.

• Encourages riders to relax the spine and pelvis, develop good posture and allows riders to experience a horse’s movement without the worry of falling off or the need to keep the horse going forward.

• Works alongside regular lessons to gain a different perspective and develop more feel.

• An excellent way to learn the basics before riding a real horse.

• Provides a predictable platform to try new techniques in walk, trot and canter and practice transitions from one gait to another.

• Increase confidence in any areas that may need working on.

• Target and work on specific muscle groups to improve rider fitness and strength.

• Helps nervous riders gain or regain confidence on a horse

• Recover from injury using safe, measured steps.

 

Lloyd and myself have already helped many riders overcome challenges, regain confidence and make measurable improvements.

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Simulator + Horse Double Sessions

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One of my favourite sessions.  First we start on the simulator, then take what you’ve learned straight into our 20x40 arena, either on one of our ponies or on your own horse. It’s one of the most supportive, effective and confidence-building ways to make lasting improvements.

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Group Sessions & Riding Clubs Welcome

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I can organise tailored sessions for multiple riders, making it an educational and enjoyable experience for everyone.

I also  work with:

• Riding clubs

• Groups of friends

• Pony Club groups

• Teams

• Instructor training groups

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