Jodie Sheriff - UKCC Coach

Jodie Sheriff - UKCC Coach Specialising in training both the mind & body of the horse for pleasure, competition & longevity. Natural Horsemanship. Groundwork. UKCC BS accredited Coach.

UKCC Level 2 Coach. Jodie believe's that flatwork is the backbone to success. She has a passion for teaching the true basics for both horse and rider in Dressage and Showjumping. Helping riders gain confidence, knowledge and reach their Goals.

01/06/2026

Goldie update 💖- She’s having so much fun learning the start of liberty, but even more importantly, she’s having fun connecting with me and choosing to start conversations she genuinely wants to be part of.

20/04/2026

Dates for your diary 🤩

🌼Thursdays & Fridays at Winteringham

🌸Saturday 16th May Croft Farm Livery & Events

🌸Sunday 14th June Croft Farm Livery & Events

🌸Saturday 11th July Croft Farm Livery & Events

🌸Saturday 15th August Croft Farm Livery & Events

🌸Saturday 12th September Croft Farm Livery & Events

🎃Saturday 10th October Croft Farm Livery & Events

🍂Saturday 14th November Croft Farm Livery & Events

🎄Sunday 27th December Croft Farm Livery & Events

08/04/2026

“Just get on and ride” is not always the answer.

I’m going to say something that seems to offend people far more than it should…

Not every horse needs to be ridden. And more importantly, not every horse is ready to be ridden.

I’m seeing far too many situations where the answer is still “just get on and ride,” even when the horse is clearly lacking strength, unable to lift through the back, or showing behavioural signs that something isn’t right. Riding is being treated as the solution, when in many cases it simply isn’t.

If a horse cannot organise its body without a rider, what exactly do we think happens when we add weight on top? The compensation doesn’t disappear, it gets reinforced. The tension doesn’t resolve, it either gets masked or it escalates.

This is often where people start to notice problems under saddle. The canter feels difficult, the horse feels heavy, there’s resistance, or behaviour begins to show up more clearly. But these aren’t isolated issues. They’re signs that the horse doesn’t yet have the strength or coordination to carry what’s being asked of it.

Strength, coordination, and correct function have to come first. And yes, a huge amount of that can be developed from the ground. That doesn’t make it less valuable, and it certainly doesn’t make it wrong. In many cases, it’s the most appropriate place to start.

What I find frustrating is not that people choose to ride, but that others feel the need to question or criticise those who don’t. If someone chooses to take the time to build their horse properly, to listen, and to develop strength before adding load, why is that controversial?

You don’t need to justify groundwork. You don’t need to rush back into the saddle. And you certainly don’t need to follow advice that ignores what the horse in front of you is telling you.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about what we want to do. It’s about what the horse is actually capable of doing comfortably, correctly, and without compensation.





The importance of groundwork in developing a strong, healthy topline 💪It’s not just about riding — what we do from the g...
25/03/2026

The importance of groundwork in developing a strong, healthy topline 💪
It’s not just about riding — what we do from the ground matters just as much.
Building strength the right way.

06/02/2026

I fear as an industry we’ve gotten in the habit of mistaking signs of stress, fear, anxiety and tension and turned them into redeeming qualities of performance horses who “love their jobs”.

Learning to recognize behaviors in horses that are indicative of imbalances both physically and emotionally is key.

If what we crave is longevity, soundness, ethical performance and welfare, then it’s time to take a closer look at things the industry told us to perceive as normal, positive and appropriate.

We need to ask the right questions..
Are there hot horses? Or is is a dysregulated nervous system?
Are there hot horses? Or is is it fear?
Are there hot horses? Or is is they way they were trained?
Are there hot horses? Or is is anxiety?
Are there hot horses? Or is is the horse not having the right tools to cope?

25/01/2026

Teaching them that sound and touch (the vibration of the clippers) is ok and to draw towards and make contact with the clipper.

This way they learn to become confident with an object the moves and makes noise leaning forwards which builds confidence rather than leaning backwards in posture giving them a feeling of insecurity which will progress to leaning or step away from you. Using my amazing clippers 😊

09/01/2026

New dates below. Happy to adapt the sessions at Winteringham Polework, Groundwork or Jumping please let me know when booking in 😊

03/01/2026

❄️ Cold Weather = Higher Risk of Impaction Colic ❄️

As temperatures drop, the risk of impaction colic in horses increases. Winter management plays a big role in keeping equine digestive systems healthy—here’s what every horse owner should know 👇

⸝

🐴 What is Impaction Colic?

Impaction colic occurs when dry, firm feed material becomes stuck in the horse’s intestine, usually in the large colon. This blockage slows or stops normal gut movement, causing pain and potentially serious complications if not treated promptly.

⸝

🚨 Signs of Impaction Colic

Signs can range from mild to severe and may include:
• Reduced or absent manure production
• Dry, hard f***s
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or depression
• Pawing, stretching, or looking at the flank
• Lying down more than usual or difficulty getting comfortable

Always contact your veterinarian if colic is suspected.

⸝

🧊 Why Does Cold, Freezing Weather Increase the Risk?

Cold conditions contribute to impaction colic for several reasons:
• Reduced water intake: Horses often drink less when water is cold or frozen
• Drier diets: Increased reliance on hay with less moisture than pasture
• Decreased gut motility: Less movement and colder temperatures can slow digestion
• Frozen or limited water sources: Even short periods without adequate water can lead to dehydration

Dehydration + dry feed = higher risk of intestinal blockage.

⸝

✅ How to Help Prevent Impaction Colic
• Ensure constant access to fresh, unfrozen water (ideally lukewarm in winter)
• Monitor daily water intake and manure output
• Soak hay or feeds if recommended by your vet
• Encourage regular movement and turnout
• Make dietary changes gradually
• Schedule routine dental care and parasite management

Cold weather doesn’t have to mean colic risk—with good management and close observation, you can help keep your horse healthy all winter long 💙🐎

31/12/2025

Wishing all my wonderful customers a very Happy New Year—may it be filled with great rides, happy horses, and plenty of progress!

Address

Silver Street
Winteringham
DN159ND

Telephone

+44 7958 072349

Website

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