Name - Katie Turner
Job role - Manager + Coach
Current qualifications - BHSAI + BHS stage 4 lunge + ride
Time working at NFE - I first started working @ NFE back in 2008, but it has been my main job since 2015
Own horses - Prince and Spur
What area do you feel like to specialise in? I feel I specialise in getting riders to understand the horses way of going and how a rider can help to improve this. I am known for my faster pace lessons and I feel I am really encouraging to riders for them to meet their goals.
Best part of the job? What isn't there to like! Im lucky enough to have a wonderful bunch of horses and ponies to coach riders on, but also to be surrounded by like minded staff who are so passionate about what we do.
Your go to favourite pony? All of them! They all hold a special place in my heart, however I have been lucky enough to go out competing on Joey and Woody who have given me so many great memories that it’ll have to be these 2!
Any future goals / CPD training? I have always had an interest in rider biomechanics so I would like to explore this more, I would also like to get out and do some more competing including some cross-country!
Previous work + experience - I have been very lucky to work with a variety of horses over the years. When I was 16 I moved away to a family event yard as groom. At 20 I did a few months working with top class show horses and then started as a work rider for a local Point to point rider where I rode fast work and jumped schooled the horses in training.
Name – Alisha Nadin
Job role – Coach
Current qualifications – PRT, BHS stage 2 care, lunge, ride and coaching and stage 3 care and lunge
How long working at NFE - yard worker since 2018, instructor since 2021
Own horses – Woggle & Elvis
What area do you feel like to specialise in? –I feel I specialise in getting people built up to canter effectively with a good position and confidence building for riders, especially children!
The best parts of the job ? The best parts of my job are seeing progress in my riders and getting to work with all the wonderful ponies.
Your go to favourite ponies? - I love all the ponies for different reasons, they’re all amazing at the job! But Herbie has to be a favourite for me.
Any future goals / cpd training – I aim to finish my BHS stage 3 exams at some point in the future, but always look to improve my riding and teaching knowledge any way I can!
Previous work and experience - I started volunteering with pony club at NFE originally! And then was lucky enough to be hired on as a yard hand for a few years, before Leah and Katie very kindly offered me training through the business towards my BHS stage 2 complete horsemanship and coaching to become an instructor😊
Name: Anna Ringwood
Job Role: Instructor
Qualification's: ABRS TC, HND Equine Studies, BSc (hons) Equine Studies, PGCE, safeguarding, first aid at work.
What area so you feel like you specalise in? I feel I specialise in children’s sessions and also giving nervous riders confidence to reach their goals.
The best parts of the job - the best parts of the job is watching riders progress and being able to work with the wonderful horses and ponies.
Your go to favourite ponies? I love them all but especially Norman & Bert
Any future goals / CPD training - I would like to gain more knowledge on how being around horses can help improve mental health and benefit neurodivergent riders.
Work History - I started riding as a child and volunteered at a riding school and trekking centre before coming to NFE as a teenager with my first horse . I then got my first job here as a yard worker. I went away to college and university and after gaining my teaching qualification have worked in various riding schools and livery yards as an Instructor and yard worker. One of my favourite jobs was working with the breeding horses, particularly when the foals were first born. I had a break from horses for a few years to work as an estate agent. I have been back at NFE since 2014 after having my son which has allowed me to combine the job I love with spending time with my family.
Name – Meridith Ball
Job role - Coach
Current qualifications – BHSQ Level 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship, BHSQ Level 3 Groom with Riding.
How long working at NFE – since March 2021
Own horses – No, I sold my mare of 8 years, who I got as a 4 y/o and produced myself.
What area do you feel you specalise in? - As a riding school coach, I specialise in creating a safe and supportive environment where both riders and horses can thrive, with a strong focus on building confidence and understanding the psychology behind horse-rider relationships. I work on building emotional resilience and encourage riders to embrace the learning journey - understanding that every experience, whether it’s a success or a failure, is an opportunity for growth.
Best parts of the job? Honestly, it’s the people! I love meeting new riders - whether they’re completely new to horses or seasoned equestrians - and getting to know them. I’m definitely a bit of a chatterbox, so I’m in my element when I get to have conversations while we’re working through lessons. I’m not just teaching them how to ride - I’m helping them build confidence, overcome fears, and navigate the ups and downs of learning a new skill, all while having a laugh along the way.
Go to favourite ponies - I’ve never met a group of horses like the ones at Newton, they are all so good in their own ways when it comes to teaching riders specific traits of riding. My favourite pony to teach with would be Harry.
Any future goals/cpd training - I’ve always been passionate about fitness and the positive impact it has on performance, so I’m looking to expand my knowledge in this area and bring it into my coaching practice. I am keen to further my own gym training to deepen my understanding of the link between personal fitness and equestrian performance. This way, I can lead by example, showing riders the benefits of incorporating strength and conditioning exercises into their routine.
Previous work and experience – Between 2019-2020, I was a working student at the Talland School of Equitation in Gloucester where I completed my exams and helped provide dedicated care to 50+ horses. As well as riding and working with my own horse. In 2023, I graduated from Hartpury University with a 1st class degree in Equestrian Sports Scinece (BSc), supplementing the knowledge I gained into my coaching.