Straight From the Horse's Mouth: Caoimhe Litter and Marian Tennyson - Equine Development Academy

Hello and welcome to the 17th Straight from the Horse's Mouth podcast on Horse and Field!

This conversation is the third in a little series of conversations with coaches AND riders, in connection with the Equine Development Academy set up by Penny Sangster.

Marian and Caoimhe at a hack’n’snack with Tynan and Armagh hunt.

Many listeners may have heard my previous conversations with Penny Sangster and be aware of her coaching and her involvement with Uniquest. Penny has now also set up an Equine Development Academy, in order to support coaches, as well as riders, while also being very aware of equine welfare.

Penny has got a number of coaches around Northern Ireland involved and has asked them to each nominate a rider, who they believe deserves a reward due to the hard work and dedication and perhaps adverse circumstances that they face in the course of their equine pursuits…

Marian and ‘Allegro’ in action at Hazeldene’s Gambler competition, where they came first in the 70cm class.

These riders may not be out competing regularly and may not be winning, but Penny’s intention is to reward riders who usually don’t get recognition for their daily efforts. The reward is a Training Day with Donald Kear, who is a well-known and well-loved BHS instructor from England. This is being held on November 16th at Danescroft, with lots of speakers also coming along to provide a full day of equine fun and learning for the coaches and their riders.

Caoimhe on ‘Sensations Bay Rum’ competing at the Barrier Health Spring Festival at Necarne.

I was delighted to be joined by another of Penny’s chosen coaches, Marian Tennyson and her nominated rider, Caoimhe Litter, whose hard work and willingness to learn, as well as her helpful approach to others, inspired Marian to choose Caoimhe as her nominee.

We had a great chat - please have a listen! Hope you enjoy it!