About Calm & Confident
"Calm and Confident" is a division of Courses for Horses, which was set up in 1994 by Mary Stitson BHSI SM to provide quality, Classical Training for riders of all ages and abilities. Since then it has grown into North Staffordshire and South Cheshire’s top-rated British Horse Society Approved Centre.
Confidence-building has always been an integral part of lessons at Courses for Horses but after Mary experienced the value of specific mind-training, she designed a system that would draw together both the tried and tested methods of rider training with the innovations of NLP, hypnotherapy and personality profiling. The result was the exciting 'Calm and Confident' system.
Since then it has helped many riders of all levels to re-gain and/or improve their confidence, enhancing their enjoyment and developing performance. They have ranged from adult beginners, happy hackers and Riding Club enthusiasts to competition riders and professionals.
For the most part, the System is delivered through one to one training, but several times per year there are two day workshops when riders can either bring their own horses or use Courses for Horses' high quality schoolmasters.
Why are we different?
We understand riders, horses, confidence and fear. We know what makes you and your horse tick. Using both traditional teaching methods combined with innovative confidence coaching, and Neuro Linguistic Profiling (NLP) we can help you understand why you get scared and how to overcome the challenges.
What's more, once we have sorted out you riding demons you can apply this theory to every aspect of your live – making life changing decisions.
Don’t take our word for it – here is what other people have to say:
“I took a Calm and Confidence course in 2009, following a accident that left me incapacitated for three years. Although the accident was not a riding one it was horse related. I was not scared of riding as such but of not been able to ride again and in the way I used too as a professional, and I was very frustrated that my body would not respond the way it used to and my mind was protecting my injury causing my body to tense etc.
Mary helped me so much, was a real inspiration and an excellent teacher and showed me it was OK to take my time to get better. She helped me to see that I could enjoy riding for riding's sake in what ever form it took. I am now back in the saddle on a regular basis and working once again with horses, and wholeheartedly advise anyone to try a course or just some one to one training, whether they ride as a hobby or like me as a career it does not matter. We all have problems at some time in our riding lives whatever your riding ability and your ambitions. Mary treats everyone as an individual and has so many tools in her box she will be sure to be able to help whatever your problem, it worked for me and it can work for you too.”
Karina Essery – Equidynamics, Staffordshire
“I just wanted to drop you a quick line to share my wonderful news with you and tell you how we are getting on now 6 months further on. I still cannot believe how much the course has helped me and also how long lasting the results are. I now am able to hack out regularly both alone and in company and am relaxed about both, don't get me wrong I am still careful who I go out with, but I am not terrified as I was before I came to you and if the nerves do kick on the odd occasion, I just use the techniques you taught me and I can usually work through things.
I am also able to school in our arena in company and alone (which was a big challenge for me, as that was where I had had problems in the past) and do so on a regular basis.
But by far the biggest achievement to date came last Sunday when I went to a show held by our local Riding Club. My friend and I hacked there and back and I did the Cob Class, which to my amazement we came 2nd in on our first attempt. I was thrilled to bits but know that without your help I could not have got to this point.”
Paula Phillips – Wirral
“Since your fantastic session I have competed 6 times and had hardly any nerves at all! I now enjoy the preparing and have learnt to take my time in the ring so that I don’t become flustered. 'Being Ellen Whitaker' works brilliantly and has really helped me feel much more confident and worthy at a competition. As a result I have jumped much better and on Sunday jumped the nicest, calmest clear we have done this year! I am now much less worried about who is watching me and what they think , and am able to cope better when put under pressure. You have really helped me and will recommend you to anyone I know having similar issues!”
Rosie Ryan – Jump For It, Staffordshire
If you would like to discuss your requirements, with no obligation, please contact Mary today: mary@calmandconfident.co.uk or 07910 021 284