Madeleine has been my coach for 3+ years, and I would have no hesitation in recommending her as an instructor. She has great energy and always keeps innovating the sessions which is important for me. I have progressed from simply hacking out and lessons to entering and actually winning competitions. In essence I am a significantly improved rider vs. 3 years ago.
As we all know in business you need to be good at what you do, and Madeleine is certainly the ultimate professional in this regard. However I feel it is critical to have the correct personality and attitude, which she also undoubtedly brings to our sessions. Finally from my perspective what I particularly like is how in tune she is with the horse and rider and how they work in unison – that is quite a unique trait, and how instruction should be delivered in modern equestrian.
And finally she is fun to work with, and great for the banter! The latter’s importance should not be underestimated.
Luke Reaper
In August 2010, thanks to you Madeleine, I bought my first horse Badger! You spotted him, felt we would suit each other and encouraged me to try him out. Inexperienced as I was, I took the, not so easy, for a fifty + year old plunge! I was totally smitten, and after a second try decided to, for better or worse, till death do us part etc, go for it! Best decision ever! You coached me on him , and though he was a strong divil , we prevailed! Four years on he is still my joy!!
Thanks M ! You opened up new horizons for me! Also you found a terrific new owner, Ella, for my Daughter Kirsti's first, and much loved Rockey!
Ever grateful, Bernie xx
I first met Madeleine when I decided to take up horse riding again after a very long break. It was clear from the start that Madeleine was able to put together varied sessions to make the most out of an hours session - mix of flat-work/schooling & Jumping and not just trotting around an arena, lots of different exercises to help improve both horse & rider... After a number of months I started to take some private lessons & this is when I realised that Madeleine is truly committed to her students, she is tough but encouraging & genuinely wants to improve horse & rider. Madeleine always gives me homework after every session so I can remain focused on what I need to be doing on a weekly basis.
After six months first visit Madeleine put no pressure at all on me to make a decision & I left it a week before a second visit. Buying a youngster would have not worked for me If Madeleine hadn't been there to support me as a coach - There has been ups & downs & blips in my confidence BUT with the help of Madeleine we are getting there - she has only been encouraging and truly wants us to succeed.. With the help of Madeleine we managed to compete in two Showing classes at the RDS last August which was a superb experience & Madeleine was on hand for the two days to ensure I kept focused & enjoyed the experience.
After the RDS I decided I wanted to take on a more Schoolmaster type as a second horse to help give me confidence jumping - we really couldn’t find anything that fit the bill locally so Madeleine helped find the perfect 148! She really couldn’t have found a better pony for me - we recently competed at Broadmeadows & achieved our first double clear round in a 70's class with Madeleine on hand to coach in the warm-up .. Madeleine also likes to encourage us to do sessions with her at different Venues such as Boswell & Charlie O’Neill's so we are set up very well when competing and have all homework done before a show.
Finally Madeleine has been my daughters Coach for the past year.. Mia is only 7 but is so confident & competent for her age & Madeleine has helped nurture her for which I can't thank her enough.. Madeleine ensures the children’s lessons are up beat & FUN & really mixes things up with trips to the allotments and to the fields.. Madeleine is coaching Mia towards competing in the U8 SJI leage & doing some IPS Working Hunter Classes - It takes a special type of coach to be able to help bring on & engage such a young child.
I can't recommend Madeleine enough as an Instructor/Coach & also to anyone looking for someone to buy that perfect horse or pony. Thanks to Madeleine I now have two fantastic horses who really are all rounders , both can do Dressage, XC, Show-jumping etc & it would have been impossible to find them both without Madeleine.
She is professional to deal with & goes way beyond what most equestrian Coaches offer.
Emma Byrne
I recently enlisted Madeline’s help following my decision to buy my own horse late last year. We discussed the criteria that was important to me and all in all found the entire experience easy and hassle free. Madeline is professional, friendly, and driven, and most of all knows horses. Even after my purchase, Madeline has been available to answer my questions and help the transition go smoothly. One of the most important things is she is committed to her clients and keen to provide support. I was sold on her talent, quality of care, and the quality of training my horse has been given. I would and will recommend Madeline to anyone who is serious about progressing their riding skills both in the arena and out on the trail.
Deirdre
I started having my lessons with Madeleine about 2 years ago, having started riding again after a long break in my twenties after university, and I can honestly say I have learnt more in those 2 years than in about 20 years of riding before that! I love her no nonsense, no excuses, can-do attitude. Madeleine has taught me to appreciate the intricacies of riding which, when learning as a teenager, I was never interested in knowing, building the basics and understanding that hard work pays off. She actually makes me want to ride better and keep improving. It will probably sound a bit cheesy but her teaching/coaching has helped me to rekindled the passion for horses I had as a kid and also made me wonder why I stayed away for so long!
Jillian Southern
In July 2012 I got back in the saddle after a break from horses of ten plus years. My first lesson was with Madeleine and I really enjoyed it and couldn’t wait to go back. Madeleine is an excellent coach, who knows how to challenge me just the right amount and make training sessions interesting and varied. I would not always have been the most confident of riders but thanks to Madeleine I am much more confident and determined now. Training does not last just for an hour, Madeleine makes sure I have a plan and exercises to work on between lessons and if I am struggling with something she always has a solution.
One of the biggest things I have to thank Madeleine for is finding me my perfect first horse. She really has a gift for matching horses and riders. Since I bought my lovely Cyrus, she has helped me so much from horse care skills to schooling and preparing us to start competing.
I feel really lucky to have Madeleine as my coach, and I am definitely a better rider because of her.
Liz O'Callaghan