Dr. Carol Green
My career has focussed on the schooling and training of riders and horses for success in the traditional equine sports industry; followed by academic qualifications and experience which has broadened the scope of my teaching. I have trained my own horses to a high level and therefore I understand both the expertise and frustrations of riding and competing.
I enjoy helping people achieve their goals with their horses. My particular interests are competition riders and para-dressage, but I like teaching people of all levels and interests; improving both their practical skills and their theoretical knowledge.
My early career included setting up and running training establishments, and this included all aspects of teaching and management as well as training horses for clients, sale, and competition. Some years ago I moved to Wales, where I ran the equine yard and taught at Aberystwyth University. I then moved to the South East for a time, before returning to Wales where I now live with my horses and two dogs.
Main Qualifications
- BHSI: British Horse Society Instructor. Many years of experience teaching all levels of riders from beginners through to Olympic level. Registered and Insured.
- PhD: Doctorate in English and Education. Adding another dimension to my learning, by taking studies to a high level.
- Diploma in Sports Psychology: People’s riding ability is often limited by their own beliefs, and sports psychology helps to overcome this so that riders can reach their full potential.
Experience
- Owned and run livery yards and training establishments in Kent/Surrey/and Sussex, where I taught riding and practical horsemanship at all levels, including training for BHS exams. Many years of experience in stable management, customer service, and business management.
- Trained and competed horses up to 3*Eventing level (including qualification for Badminton); Showjumping to 1.50m level; and Dressage to Advanced.
- Former Head of Equine at Brinsbury College, then Lecturer and Equine Stable Manager at Aberystwyth University. Re-organised the University stable yard to become financially viable and instigated new management systems. Lectured in a range of equine topics and lessons for students of various abilities.
- National coach for Bermuda, training riders for all disciplines including para-olympics, world championships and pan-American games, as well as an individual rider for the 3-day event at the Sydney Olympics, 2000. Trainer of para-dressage riders for subsequent Olympic games for Bermuda and Russia, including qualifiers for the London 2012 Olympics. Recently trained para-dressage riders in the South East.
- Other activities include judging for dressage, presentations and short courses, and development of training programmes for Russian para-riders.
Wendy Gill
I have worked in a variety of different vocations, ranging from riding schools to veterinary clinics, and including pet-shops, farms and sales along the way. My focus then changed to lecturing and academia, developing an interest in teaching and writing course material. I have trained Thoroughbreds for eventing (up to 2* level), with most of my horses having come from the racetrack, and have also competed in Showjumping up to 1.35m level and Dressage to Medium.
My special areas of interest include equine behaviour and re-training of problem horses, although as a vet I am also interested in health and welfare. However, I like learning about anything to do with horses and I try to pass this passion and interest onto others. I also like letting my imagination loose on fictional characters (see Professor Pony).
My career initially started in New Zealand, although my father is British and I have worked in both countries. A few years ago, I did my Masters at Aberystwyth University, where I met Carol and subsequently became her lodger (which also lets me enjoy all her animals!). Due to a long-term injury, I am doing less riding work at the moment. However, I am currently doing freelance contract work and tutoring in for equine and veterinary nursing, as well as developing the writing aspect of my career.
Main Qualifications
- BVSc/MRCVS: Batchelor in Veterinary Science and Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
- MSc (Equine): Master in Equine Science. Extending and updating various aspects of equine science knowledge.
- GradDipALT: Graduate Diploma in Adult Learning & Teaching, covering the techniques needed to process and remember material.
- BHSHM: British Horse Society Horsemastership Certificate, for practical experience.
Experience
- Extensive experience riding and training horses, both my own and other people’s, including re-training of racehorses. In addition, I have worked with a wide variety of animals, from pets to dairy cattle.
- Experience working as a Veterinary Nurse for many years before qualifying as a Veterinary Surgeon, recognising that animal health and care are multi-factorial issues. Increased knowledge of business management and customer service.
- Lecturing, practical training, mentoring, and course development for a range of students including Animal Care, Veterinary nurses and technicians, and Equine students, as well as practical training of Veterinary students. Working with a range of cultures in different environments, including academia in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
- Other activities include developing a wide range of skills ranging from mucking out stables, redecorating houses, sales (veterinary/pet), through to data evaluation for a government agency. This range gives me versatile abilities combined with a holistic approach to problems.
Published Articles
- Gill, W. (2015) Pain hurts, but why is it difficult to identify in horses? Veterinary Practice Today 3(6) p30-34.
- Gill, W. (2015) Eustress versus distress - is there a difference and does it matter? Veterinary Practice Today 3(5) p31-35.
- Gill, W. (2015) Understanding equine behaviour - why is it important in veterinary practice? Veterinary Practice Today 3(4) p33-36.