Opportunity to learn natural horsemanship techniques

Based at Rawcliffe Bridge near Goole, Robertson, together with wife Victoria and daughter Summer, have a busy summer schedule planned.

Guy is a natural horsemanship devotee and those simply wanting help with their horse or pony are turning to him to solve all manner of problems from loading to developing groundwork skills and more advanced riding techniques.

His regular clinics at home and at the Northern Racing College – he will run a two-day session there next weekend, June 27-28 – fill quickly and Robertson has taken on and retrained a number of racehorses from the track.

With his many years’ experience starting young horses and working with problem cases, Robertson’s techniques were put to the fore at a recent demonstration with two former racehorses Paintball and Red Highlights.

From a bucking, and fly-kicking horse with excess energy, Paintball calmly adapted to Robertson’s handling techniques, following his body movements, keeping in line with him as he walked and progressed around the indoor arena.

“Groundwork builds leadership and confidence in the horse but there needs to be clear boundaries as to what is acceptable and what isn’t,” he said. “Like many racehorses, Paintball has a lot of ‘extra energy’ and this needs channelling in the right direction by lifting and dropping the energy, disengaging the hindquarters and helping him to feel good when he relaxes and drops his head below his withers.

“The thoroughbred is the ultimate flight animal and you have to teach them to yield to pressure in a different way than simply running wild.”

During the ridden session, Robertson concentrated on the five-year-old Red Highlights.

At first a little unsettled, he allowed her to relax by keeping her moving and then encouraging her to stand and take everything in.

“Horses must take responsibility for themselves, their speed and their actions in a variety of situations and this is what we are always aiming for,” he added.

For information call 07876 03302, email [email protected], or visit www.guyrobertsonhorsemanship.co.uk