JOHN'S BACKGROUND
I must be "lucky John" for I am now
able to make the time to travel the world teaching, developing the Equiworld
website and working with some of the horseworld's finest people. Although
horses still very much take centre stage, I make a point of taking time out in
every year for some adventure. I try never to miss an opportunity to go riding,
sailing, scuba diving or play polo with friends old or new.
I grew up a country boy on the farm first in
Scotland and later in Central Africa where my father was farming. Hardly being
one of life's academics, horses and shooting were top of my list and the horses
won by a mile! I was
always proud to wear "The Kilt" and I am happy to say my son is too.
|
|
Not until I returned to Britain at the age of
10 did I learn to ride. As a boy, an introduction to pony racing gave me a love
of galloping across country at speed which I have never lost and led me to
eventing later in life, and now to polo. My early years in the Pony club
prepared me well for the day when I was to sit the first instructors exams at
the tender age of 17.
I was fortunate to pass out with honours from
the Porlock Vale Riding School, trained by Mr John Lassetter who was later to
become one of Britain's leading dressage trainers and riders. A new position in
England gave me the opportunity to teach for two years in the famous Pennwood
International show jumping yard where I gained valuable experience and
contacts, which are still useful to me to this day.
I moved back to Scotland aged 21 to Hayfield
Riding School where I was lucky to meet and married my wife Sue who was
then one of my pupils. From here on I was able to produce my own competition
horses and although I have competed in many disciplines, I favoured and
seemed to excel in the world of eventing where I have made many friends.
Working together our family and staff have developed the school over 30
years to become one of Scotland's finest.
A natural expansion and progression has
occurred since the Equiworld club started to promote Hayfield practices
globally. We are already looking forwards to a situation where pupils,
members and young trainee professionals can move from country to country
staying with the Equiworld/ Hayfield system. Even now much of our success
is directly attributable to the efforts of successive generations of dedicated
staff members and enthusiastic hard working students. We presently have
a superb team of well trained and enthusiastic professionals who are assisted
at every turn by our members. With two daughters and a polo mad son in
their twenties life is never dull!
|