Ernest Dillon FBHS, B.E Master Coach, BS Accredited Coach & UKCC Level 3

Hi folks. I have sent out quite a few friend requests on Facebook and getting a few messages back asking if it is really me yes it is and I’ve changed my profile name slightly to put the FBHS on the back of it. It really is me and you can absolutely trust this page now I have put every security I can on it.so please accept my friend requests. Thank you

So proud of these two. Real talent and cool temperament.

New old git rant. It’s a long one sorry.

I haven’t posted a rant for a couple of years because I haven’t felt that there was anything to say about very much. The world has been in such a peculiar state but I would like to think that it is getting back on track. At least I hope so.

What I wanted to talk about was the way we in the UK conduct ourselves in the horse industry.
In every other country I have visited over many years veteran horsemen and women are revered as being knowledgeable and important to the horse industry.
Sadly, I don’t think that is the case in the UK.

I know many of my colleagues and friends, both in the past, and in the present are not as well respected as I think they should be. There are examples of course that I can name the late wonderful Pat Manning, who never crowed about how knowledgeable she was never set out to seek fame, or fortune, always spoke quietly, but with a font of knowledge and wisdom that was beyond anything I’ve ever known.
William Micklem, who invented and developed a bridle over many years of research, which every horse I have used it on goes well provided like all tack if they are fitted correctly, as they should be, they give great comfort to the horse, that can only come from somebody who has enormous depth of knowledge in relation to how horses react, and how horses think, also the biomechanics and physiology of the horse.
John Smart, who is one of the few people who has ride. successfully several times around Badminton and many other top events and also ridden successfully in top International show jumping competitions and it’s also a very quiet relaxed teacher who has had great results as has his colleague John Thelwall, another great rider and soft-spoken and modest coach.
Cyril and Dorothy Johnson , both of whom were amazing and they didn’t make a fuss about anything. They kept out of the limelight and would teach anybody, and I mean anybody they taught me how to do a rising trot and mentored me all of my life whilst they were alive.
Steve Hadley a great teacher and an absolute horseman and a real gentleman. There are a lot more than this but being overwhelmed by new age “coaches”.

So what made this rent come to pass. I was at a horse show the other day and the number of “coaches“ giving the cliche speak advice was ridiculous. I also witnessed shall we say less capable riders using the collecting ring as if they owned it without any thought for anybody else. No respect no manners or courtesy toward each other, it made the whole show. really a very unpleasant place to be. I was glad to get home.
A great Olympic rider said to me Ernest this country is becoming a third world country as far as Equestrianism is concerned. Well it is.
The top will always be healthy and self sufficient but the middle and bottom tiers are not improving.

Anyway, there you have it there’s nothing that can be done about it.
It is what it is and pragmatic is one thing I’ve learnt to be over the years. I just wish that people who rode these beautiful animals appreciated old school, Horsemen and Women as they should, but I don’t think I am winning this argument, in fact, I think I’ve already lost it.

End of rent

Thought I would share this I never have on social media but deep breath. It sums up my feelings and philosophy towards our 4 legged friends who never let us down

Ernest The Poet

A HORSES PRAYER

DO I LOOK LIKE A HORSE,
DO I MOVE LIKE A HORSE
DO I EAT , DO I SMELL AND BEHAVE LIKE A HORSE?
I AM ONLY SUPPOSING YOU KNOW WHAT I AM
BUT ONE THINGS FOR CERTAIN, I AM NOT A MAN!

I’M NOT A MACHINE OR A LAPTOP PC
YOU CAN’T SWITCH ME ON AND JUST PROGRAMME ME.
I CAN’T THINK LIKE YOU, TO REASON, DECIDE,
I JUST SMELL THE LION AND THEN RUN AND HIDE.

THE FEELING I GET WHEN I’M RIDDEN ABOUT
BY A CLUMSY, UNBALANCED, UNFEELING GREAT LOUT,
IS CONFUSION AND FEAR. SEE,
I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHEN YOU MAKE LIKE YOU HATE ME AND SCREAM IN MY EAR.

I’M NOT OUT TO GET YOU, WHY SHOULD I, THINKS I.
IF YOU HIT ME I FEEL IT AND TRY TO THINK, WHY?
AM I SO BAD, AGGRESSIVE , DELIBERATE OR MEAN,
THAT YOU BLAME ME FOR TRYING, COME ON NOW, COME CLEAN.

IS IT YOU THAT NEEDS HELPING, TO FOLLOW THE RULES,
AND REMEMBER THE WORKMAN, AND ALL HIS BAD TOOLS!
CAN YOU LOOK IN A MIRROR AND TRY TO EXPLAIN,
WHY YOU CAN’T SEE YOUR SHORTFALLS AND TRY ONCE AGAIN.

PUT YOURSELF IN MY WORLD
FEEL YOURSELF ON MY BACK
TRY TO PONDER THESE FEELINGS WHEN YOU'RE OUT ON A HACK.
GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO THE FEELING THAT IF YOU COULD CHANGE,
WHAT A DIFFERENCE YOU COULD MAKE, WHAT YOU COULD REARRANGE.

I CAN TELL YOU FOR CERTAIN AND THIS ISN’T A LIE,
THAT THE BEST FEEL I COULD HAVE, AND DON’T ASK ME WHY.
IS A RIDER THAT LOVES ME,
WHO CAN SIT IN THE TACK,
WITH A STILLNESS AND SOFTNESS THAT WON’T HURT MY BACK.

WITH SOME HANDS THAT ARE GENTLE, NOT ROUGH GREAT BIG FISTS,
WITH A SADDLE THAT FITS ME AND NICE EASY BITS.
WITH SOME AIDS I CAN SEE THROUGH IN A LANGUAGE I KNOW,
WITH A PATIENCE THAT’S TIRELESS, AND WON’T END IN A BLOW.

SO COME ON YOU RIDERS, AND DON’T LAY THE BLAME,
ON A POOR DUMB OLD CREATURE THAT ISN’T INSANE’,
WHAT IS IT YOU ARE SEEKING, WHAT IS IT YOU WANT,
TELL ME HOW CAN I HELP YOU,
IT WOULD MEAN SUCH A LOT.

REMEMBER THESE FEELINGS WHEN YOU CLIMB IN THE SADDLE
LET US BE PARTNERS AND MY MIND, DO NOT ADDLE.
DON’T RELY ON MY BRAIN POWER, JUST MY MEMORY IN FACT,
I'LL REMEMBER THE BAD THINGS, WHICH IS WHY I REACT,
IN A WAY THATS CONFUSING, IN A WAY THAT MAKES OUT, THAT I’M CRAZY OR LAZY
AND I’VE NEVER BEEN THAT!

I NEED UNDERSTANDING
A HOME AND A BED
AND A RIDER THAT LOVES ME
AND KEEPS ME WELL FED.

YOU CAN DRILL ME AND SCHOOL ME, DISCIPLINE I CAN TAKE,
DON'T BEAT ME OR MISTREAT ME IT WAS JUST A MISTAKE.

Thank you all so much for your kind birthday wishes. Means a lot ❤️🙏

ERNEST

Just a shoutout for the 18th xc schooling at Twesledown. Please let me know if anyone would like to join us. Private, shares or groups welcome so if you would like you buddy up with your pals, Pony Club or Riding Club please let me know. Kindest regards Ernest

Hello everyone for those of you who don’t know me my name is Ernest Dillon. I have competed for many years from novice right up to International GP level.
I am now a showjumping coach,
I have been coaching for many years all over the world and I’m happy to help people from 80 cm right up to the top competition.
I will be at The Al Shira Derby meeting at Hickstead from the 22nd through to the 25th June.
I am aware that sometimes it is difficult to cope at shows for many reasons but mostly not having experienced eyes on the ground. So I would like to let you know that I am happy to help however I can; course walk, warm up and debrief after your rounds. I will endeavour to help you to get the best result possible.
If you think I can help you please contact me by PM or text on 07710 099210.
Call me if you need any information.

If you are struggling at the show also feel free to get in contact, I may be available to help. Please let me know asap if you are interested.

Kindest regards Ernest

FBHS, (Show Jumping Specialist)
UKCC Level Three Showjumping
Accredited BS Coach
British Eventing Master Coach
UKCC Coach Educator

Ernest Dillon Clinics. Up and coming South East Dates:
Sat 10th June - Private/Paired and Grids session at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre
Wed 21st June - Afternoon and Evening Private/Paired and Grids at East Bysshe, Lingfield
Sat 24th June - Private/Paired and Grids session at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre
Wed 5th July - Afternoon and Evening Private/Paired and Grids at East Bysshe, Lingfield
Sat 8th July - Private/Paired and Grids session at Littleton Manor Equestrian Centre
Book on at https://horsemonkey.com/
search Ernest Dillon and all clinics will be listed.
If you would like a specific time on the evening clinics (or any others for that matter) just put a preferred time in the 'notes to secretary' box.
Any questions do email: [email protected]

The ultimate equestrian events platform Designed by equestrians for equestrians, welcome to the ultimate equestrian events platform, helping you to become a pro at managing your events. Leaving you more time to have fun.

Last shout out
1 maybe 2 slots left at Coomblands on Bank Holiday Monday 8th May..... Please book on if you intending to go! https://horsemonkey.com/equestrian_event/45090/Ernest+Dillon+Clinic+-+Coombelands+Equestrian+Centre%2C+Pulborough.

Equestrian event Ernest Dillon Clinic - Coombelands Equestrian Centre, Pulborough. Ernest will be taking Show Jumping Sessions from 11am until dark. Groups will be a maximum of 4 per session. When booking please specify what approximate jumping height you would like to work at so you are grouped accordingly. Ernest enjoys teaching all levels of horse and rider. He is renowned for....

Ernest Dillon Course Jumping Clinic at Coombelands Equestrian on Monday 8th May in the Thakeham Gaye Harwood Arena. Private and Paired sessions. All welcome. Would love to see old and new faces.
Show Jumping Specialist Fellow of the British Horse Society
UKCC Level Three Show Jumping
Accredited BS Coach
British Eventing Master Coach
UKCC Coach Educator
https://horsemonkey.com/.../Ernest+Dillon+Clinic....

https://horsemonkey.com/equestrian_event/45090/Ernest+Dillon+Clinic+-+Coombelands+Equestrian+Centre%2C+Pulborough

I haven’t posted anything about my clinics lately which is very bad of me. Spent two fabulous days Littleton this weekend before that a really good day near Balcombe West Sussex. I am totally blessed with having a lot of very very loyal talented and enthusiastic clients I couldn’t possibly name them all, but they make my life a lot a lot more pleasant than it could be. People sometimes say how on Earth do you do that at your age and my reply is always the same. “Well, I left school at 16 and I’ve been on holiday ever since”. Yes, coaching is hard work and long hours and lots of driving but rewards above and beyond the financial gain is the satisfaction of watching riders develop and watching them gel with their horses and go away with happy 🙂😃🤣 asking “when are you coming back”.

I am just as happy teaching a 10 or 12-year-old enthusiastic pony rider as I am teaching somebody to jump a 1:50 oxer. Neither is age any barrier some of my clients are quite mature and have been with me for many years, they are so diverse in their approach and stature, we have tall ones short ones, skinny ones, less skinny ones we have nervous ones brave ones crazy ones , cobs, thoroughbreds, Irish, Dutch, German and Heinz 57 varieties of horses and ponies, young green ones and golden oldies, but every single one of them is valuable and I’m pleased that a lot of my clients are firm friends, having watched them over sometimes up to 35-40 years.

I am happy teaching, private lessons, Showjumping, cross country or on the flat. Equally I am happy to teach shared lessons, group lessons, riding clubs, pony clubs, pole work sessions and gridwork sessions. I run regular camps and one, two or three day clinics anywhere in the UK and abroad.
If there is anyone out there who would like to join our happy band of brothers and sisters. My dates are all on my Google calendar which can be found on my website. I do travel a lot and if you can’t get to a venue I’m more than happy to teach you at your own venue.

I’m easy to contact on Facebook, WhatsApp, text or just simply pick up the telephone and call me. If you want to find out more about me, please go to my website.

www.ernestdillon-showjumping.co.uk

07710088210

Hi friends, I get a lot of enquiries about whether I am going to be in one particular area or another. The only way I get to a different areas is if somebody finds a venue or has a venue and organisers a clinic either for one day or two days or even three days. I’ve travelled pretty much everywhere around the UK over a period of years, so a lot of people have heard of me, even if they haven’t actually ridden with me, so if you wish to have me visit your area, feel free to make contact and organise something I’m more than happy to travel pretty near anywhere.
I am happy to teach at every level and every age, Showjumping, cross country or on the flat. I’m happy with nervous riders, brave riders riders from 80cm to 1m50.
Will travel and have travelled to most countries USA, Canada,Dubai, Hong Kong, China, S Africa or anywhere in Europe.
If you need to find out more visit www.ernestdillon-showjumping.co.uk
PM or WhatsApp 07710099210

Ernest Dillon FBHS - Training For Success Copy Ernest the Coach

Hi everyone There are still some spaces available at Littleton Manor on Saturday, the 1st of April I’m not fooling about I promise you. Let me know if you want a slot. Also the grid work sessions are still available if anyone wants to bring any young horses be lovely to see you, if you can’t get it on Horse Monkey let me know PM or WhatsApp 07710099210 and we can fix it. Kindest regards, Ernest

Ernest will be in the Hampshire area on Wednesday 29th March if you would like him to visit your facility. He can do after 3.0pm. Ernest will also be in the West Sussex area on Friday the 30th March availability morning or early afternoon again to visit your yard. Private, groups or shares. PM Ernest Dillon or WhatsApp 07710099210
Every level and age catered for. Pole work, grid work or flatwork.

Ernest will be coaching at Egerton Sport Horses with Amy Ovens on the 31st March. Egerton is close to Melksham Wiltshire. Please contact Amy on WhatsApp or PM. +44 7718 386846
All levels and ages welcome. Happy to do pole, grid work or flat lessons as well as course riding.

Ernest's clinic at Hickstead has been cancelled - we needed good numbers to cover the high cost of the arena and it just was not worth while enough running it 😢. HOWEVER Ernest is in Coolham, Nr Horsham then Balcombe on the afternoon of the 30th April teaching now. If anyone would like Ernest for a home/yard visit (or arrange own arena hire) for sessions during the morning fo the 30th - ideally 2 or more sessions in each location - in the West Sussex area or on the way through please do let Suzie/Ernest know! Gridwork, gymnastics, courses, groups, pairs, individuals, baby horses, experienced horses, cross poles to 1.40m. These yard visits and grid work sessions will be ongoing- you write the script!! 🤣
07710088210
Or PM Ernest Dillon or Suzie Rees

Hi everyone.

Up and coming dates with Ernest Dillon for rest of March/April

Private and shared lessons.

Also will organise group grid work/gymnastic sessions at each venue.

Happy to add polework sessions by request and very happy to teach/coach at every level at every age from 40cm to 1.40cm or flat work sessions.

Showjumpers and Event Riders.
Pony Club or Riding Clubs.

Ernest is happy to welcome coaches who might wish to shadow any sessions.

19th Littleton Manor Surrey

20th Talland Equestrian Centre Gloucester

24th Alderlake Surrey

21st Chard Showground Somerset

29th Haslemere Surrey

30th Hickstead Showground

31st Egerton Sports Horses Melksham Wiltshire

1st April Littleton Manor Surrey.

Please book on Horse Monkey except for Haslemere and Egerton for that book direct with me or Amy at Egerton. Many thanks , let’s dust of the cobwebs with some good fun and good coaching at great venues.
Buddy up and book in.

Regards Ernest

Hi Friends

Currently there are only three of you booked onto the Chard CPD study day on 8th March. Fred and Ernest are very keen that this day goes ahead so at present we can send Fred but we will be running at a loss. In order to give the full experience we need more delegates. We would be very grateful if you have any friends who are wavering or thinking about it, for you to give them a good push in the right direction and book on.

The feedback from the days at Wellington Riding, Scottish National Equestrian Centre and Addington Manor has been outstanding and included some really high calibre discussion.

Bookings are through Horse Monkey, Fred Hodges

Thank you for your support and hope to see you on the 8th March.

I had a really fun night last night talking BBC 5 Live the Colin Murrey show on Equestrianism. Some inspirational guests and interesting stories and me! Hopefully we will have reached a big audience. Need to scroll along to about a third of the way through but it’s a great listen.

BBC Radio 5 Live - Colin Murray, 27/02/2023 Colin Murray with late night conversation and in-depth interviews.

After the great success of this weekend and I am excited to announce another date Ernest Dillon will be coaching at Hickstead in the large SJ Arena - 2 Plan Wealth Arena.
30th March - all day.
All welcome
Groups, pairs and individual sessions are now open for booking.

Book in here:
https://horsemonkey.com/equestrian_event/39979/Ernest+Dillon+Clinic+-+Hickstead+-+Show+Jumping+in+the+Large+Polo+Arena

Ernest other March Dates:
4th March - Littleton Manor
18th March - Littleton Manor
24th March - Alderlake Farm
30th March - Hickstead

Equestrian event Ernest Dillon Clinic - Hickstead - Show Jumping in the Large Polo Arena Ernest will be taking Show Jumping Sessions from 11am until dark. Groups will be a maximum of 4 per session. When booking please specify what approximate jumping height you would like to work at so you are grouped accordingly. Ernest enjoys teaching all levels of horse and rider. He is renowned for....