Teaching Riders, Training Horses

I can help you and your horse get where you want to be!

I have many years experience training horses and their riders, of all ages and types from youngsters to competing and everything in between.

Get in touch

(I’m based near Macclesfield and work all over North Cheshire etc.)

What I Do

dressage to competition standard

improve your enjoyment of leisure riding

help with handling problem horses

Get in touch

I can help you and your horse with any of the following:

preparation for competition
to simply improve your riding and enjoyment of your leisure horse
to work your horse correctly from the ground on lunge or long reins
to perform basic schooling exercises so hacking is a more obedient and enthusiastic time for your horse and you ride with increased confidence
to learn to ride your first dressage test, or ride a better dressage test
advise on planning a freestyle pattern for dressage to music
to improve horse and rider fitness for any discipline
many horses appreciate variety and interest in their work: you and your horse may enjoy ground pole work, an introduction to jumping, or the athletic challenge of grid work and riding a small course of jumps

Get in touch

My Background:
National Top 10

I have competed at the highest level in the UK, and my horse Van Damme and I were both top-ten in the National Grading Lists. I am an expert in both eventing and dressage.

I have trained horses of all ages and types, from starting them as youngsters to competing in several disciplines.

I have been very lucky to train my dressage horses with Ferdi Eilberg for almost twenty years. Before that, my eventers trained with Rachel Bayliss, former European Eventing Champion.

I have competed at local, regional and national level and helped other horses and riders to do the same.

My British Dressage (BD) affiliated competition record:

won and placed BD Regional Championships up to medium level including music classes
won and placed BD Winter Championships at Prelim, Novice and Elementary levels
4th BD National Championships Open Elementary level
qualified for BD National Championships many times with different horses
won and placed BD Young Horse Qualifiers including:
- 1st 4 yr old Potential Dressage Horse at Somerford Premier League Show
- 8th 5 yr old Potential Dressage Horse at Hickstead National Final

My combined training wins include:

1st Cheshire Show Sport Horse Jumping class for 4 and 5 yr olds
1st Stora Timber affiliated dressage with jumping Regional Final

Get in touch

Testimonials

“Thanks Kath!”

After having a hip replacement, and losing my nerve, I cannot thank Kath enough for the encouragement, confidence building, and support she gave, enabling me to continue competitive endurance again.
Regular lessons for Lucy have developed a well balanced horse, responsive to aids and able to meet the challenges demanded of competitive endurance. All this is transferable to other disciplines.
Jackie Goodman

“A privilege!”

I have always found Kath’s lessons to be extremely relatable, motivational and confidence building. To have a teacher with Kath’s experience of working with, and competing against some of the top equestrian names, I consider a privilege!

Kerice Johnson

“Highly recommended”

I have trained with Kath Cunningham for many years for dressage. She is an amazing teacher who got me to the National Championships, something I only dreamt of.
She quickly sees what is needed for horse and rider. Her ability to work out each horse is fantastic, thus improving and getting the very best out of you both.
She teaches every level from prelim to advanced levels, with patience and understanding.
I highly recommend her as a trainer.
Wendy Harling

“Before I could walk…”

Kath has helped train me since before I could walk and has instilled the basics in my riding which has enabled me to compete at the top shows across the country, such as HOYS and The Royal International Horse Show.
In recent years Kath has helped me establish the groundwork on my homebreds, who have gone on to win in County Working Hunter classes across the country, and British Showjumping Shows such as Bolesworth.
I have now switched my focus to pure showjumping and the journey is beginning again with Kath helping me with the flatwork on the latest 3 year old, with two more homebreds to follow.
Holly Dunning

“Kath will help!”

Whatever your choice, be it dressage, eventing, jumping, or just wanting to ride better, Kath will help you. Her eye for a horse’s way of going is second to none and no matter if you are a complete beginner or higher up the ranks she will help you. She has been my teacher for many years and my riding has improved beyond all my expectations. She will not ask you to run before you can walk so you go forward with confidence knowing you are ready to progress. The basics are very important to her.
Denise Lee