Woodlands Training Sarah Simpson British Eventing Accredited Trainer BHSI

12/10/2026

“Modern Saddlery” Training for higher level BHS & PC Assessments 2hrs Online 28th October 7pm Counts 2pts CPD, EVERYONE welcome. What are people talking about & wearing? What is causing welfare concerns? How have saddles, bridles, girths & boots evolved as a result of research? What are your views on birch, polyurethane & carbon fibre trees? What would be your choice of panel? Are training aids useful or detrimental? How many studs would you use? An information packed evening that will be of interest to all, essential for those training for qualifications, £23 to book click www.woodlandstraining.co.uk & go to online training. This session will be recorded & can be sent on the following day if you are unable to attend live. There will be a linked session the following week 4th November covering Bits & Bitting. If you scroll to January 1, 2027 you will see a list of recorded presentations that can be purchased at any time of year for training & revision & they still count as CPD, this is called “on demand CPD”, if recordings are required request a “click & pay” link. For more information, contact Sarah 07979 806705

12/10/2026

When temperatures inside boots or bandages hits 39-40 degrees, the collagen fibers in the tendons start to breakdown and die, making the choice of protective boots critical. Bandages offer no support, going cross country it is protection that's needed, boots need to be made of materials that do not increase the temperature, have some ventilation and having gone through water are non absorbent and remain lightweight, this is key to preventing fatigue and tendon damage during performance.

11/10/2026

A difficult reality check for equestrians everywhere.

An excerpt from our recent lecture on saddlery. This breakdown exposes how common training aids, specifically draw reins, can cross the line into horse abuse when misused. From the visible tension in the horse's eye and jaw to the restricted breathing and physical distress, it's a stark reminder of the impact our equipment choices have on horses. Education is the first step toward better horse welfare.

09/10/2026

XC Training 17th October @ Woodlands Training, Worksop S81 8DB with Sarah Simpson BHSI British Eventing Accredited Coach. The focus will be on “skinnies”, straightforward skinnies, angled skinnies, offset skinnies, arrowheads, corner skinnies, skinnies on related distances, skinnies on a curved line, skinnies after ditches & banks, small groups carefully organised to develop confidence in every horse rider combination. 90min sessions, £45, starting 9am with Novice & Nervous, everything in miniature (under 75cm), followed by, up to 80cm, then, over 80cm.  Emphasis on balance, rhythm quality of the canter & accuracy of the lines.
Call or text Sarah to book, 07979 806705 stating preferred group, times confirmed the day before. BHS Stg 3 Coach candidates welcome, ideal opportunity for skills record sign off.

05/10/2026

Do you need CPD? 6 points “On Demand CPD” is just a few clicks & recordings can be with you in a few hours. Click https://bookwhen.com/woodlands-training/e/ev-s60b0-20270101140000 to see the range of lectures available. Why not have “Fittening Competition Horses” 4hrs 4 CPD points (£26), & “Feeding Competition Horses” 2hrs 2 CPD points (£23), or choose from the range of other lectures. There are presentations covering coaching dressage, showjumping & cross country, coaching theory, business management & stable management. £23 each (Fittening £26). When you have watched them you complete the BHS Feedback Form provided & you will be accredited with your CPD points. To request a “click & pay” link, email [email protected] & say which you lectures you would like. Further info contact Sarah on 07979 806705

05/10/2026

Meet the nuchal ligament: the most important part of horses’ topline you’ve probably never heard of.

The nuchal ligament, which runs from the top of the skull down the neck to the withers, is responsible for holding the weight of the horse’s head (which comprises about 10% of their total bodyweight!). It plays a role in almost every movement a horse makes, from storing a significant portion of the energy they need to move to stretching to help them lift their backs.

When I attended the Equine Brain and Body Symposium with Dr. Stephen Peters and Jillian Kreinbring over the summer, I learned a LOT about the nuchal ligament… and I’m obsessed.

Think about it: if this ligament is so important and responsible for so many functions, what happens when it’s not doing what it’s supposed to?

If horses are ridden regularly with over-flexed polls or with their necks otherwise restricted, it can trigger pain and inflammation in the nuchal ligament and even issues like nuchal bursitis. Nearly everything a horse does, from work under saddle to simply grazing in the field, is affected by an impaired nuchal ligament.

This is one of the many reasons I am so passionate about proper biomechanics in both horses and riders.

When riders learn to follow the motion of the horse with their elbows, they let the neck oscillate properly so the nuchal ligament can do what it’s built to do. When horses learn to push out to the contact with an open throatlatch and their poll as the highest point, they build the correct muscles and leave the nuchal ligament unimpeded.

Biomechanics is not just a buzzword. It’s the foundation of happy, healthy horses and harmonious riding.

03/10/2026

Diagnostics & Therapy 14th October 7pm 2hrs Online Ideal BHS Stg 4/5 & PC Trg. All interested are welcome. Counts 2pts CPD. This presentation will cover when & why the vet may use endoscopy, gastroscopy, arthroscopy, radiography, ultrasound, CT, MRI & scintigraphy. Procedures such as sarcoid removal, PRP, IRAP, stem cell, airway surgery, shockwave & laser therapy are explained, as is the use of treadmills for fittening & rehab. Videos are included to show all the above procedures. £23 The session will be recorded & can be send on if you're unable to attend live. All presentations are available as recordings at any time of year for training & they still count as CPD, to book on Facebook click Woodlands Training at the top of this page and go to “links”, for the website. For more information contact Sarah (07979) 806705 All lectures are delivered by Sarah Simpson BHSI, BHS Lead Assessor, revision sessions & sign off can be arranged for all levels. 

26/09/2026

"Skin Conditions" 7th October 7pm 2hrs Online Essential Training for BHS & PC Assessments, all welcome, counts 2pts CPD. Covering the range of skin conditions; fungal, allergic, bacterial, parasitic & skin cancers. The causes, symptoms, management & treatment of a horse suffering with these issues. Ensure you can identify & know how to treat ringworm, urticaria, sweet itch, photosensitisation, mud fever, rain scald, mange, lice, warbles, viral warts, aural plaques, melanoma, sarcoids, mallenders & sallanders. £23. The session will be recorded & can be sent on the following day if you are unable to attend live. All presentations are recorded & count as CPD whenever you watch them. Scroll to January 1, 2027 to see a list of recordings. To book, on Facebook click "Woodlands Training" at top of this page & go to links for the website. For more info contact Sarah 07979 806705 All lectures are delivered by Sarah Simpson BHSI, Lead Assessor, & Examiner. Revision sessions & sign off can be arranged for all levels.

20/09/2026