To Helen Barton-Smith.
From a pupil.
I remember going into the tack shop in Wincanton a few years ago and finding myself talking about my new riding teacher Helen Barton Smith to a dressage judge who exclaimed, “you see her ponies everywhere at local shows and you can’t help thinking… Such ordinary ponies - so beautifully ridden”.
That’s the nub of it really.
Helen was a brilliant instructor who pushed pupils even those coming back to riding at 50 (like me) right to the limits to be the best rider you could be.. and more…..jumping with no stirrups, no reins into the jump, after the jump, thrilled and exhilarated, and just sometimes deflated because she never failed to tell it like it is.
Each pony was carefully chosen for the task she wanted you to do. And she cared about her ponies as passionately as her teaching … many were rescues, some a jumble of unfortunate breeding, but all patiently nurtured and schooled by Helen and her team to give them a better life, and more people a chance of learning.
She was a strong believer in the BHS staged training scheme for all ages because as she once said to me the more people understand how to ride and deal with horses properly, the better the world will be for all the horses.
I can’t be here today but when I next ride along the lane, Helen - on that really difficult pony that you correctly advised me against buying - I will hold my head up, look ahead, think tall, think straight, and give my horse that 110% focus that you gave all of us who were lucky enough to be your pupils at some stage in our lives.
Here’s to Helen VIP! RIP XX
lucy sommers
Lucy Sommers
09/07/2015
