As part of the Ryan Bryn Jones legacy, a training day for young handlers aged 10-18 was held at Claverdon Stud on 29 March. We have two special reports for TheArabianMagazine.Com, one from a student and one from a parent. A huge thank you to Miles and Connor Buckley, Amanda Holloway, and Jodie Gibson for giving up their time and sharing their knowledge so freely with the next generation.
A student perspective by Chloe Cook
On Sunday 29 March, I attended the Ryan Bryn Jones Young Handler Training Day at Claverdon Stud. It was an amazing opportunity, giving young people like me the chance to learn useful tips and techniques through hands-on experience. It felt really special to be taught by professionals I’ve seen winning in the show-ring at major competitions, and to hear their honest advice about what in-hand Arab showing is really like.
Claverdon Stud was a brilliant venue, with plenty of beautiful horses for us to work with, including some highly decorated champions that were incredible to see up close. The day started with a quick introduction over drinks, which helped everyone relax before we were split into groups. This kept the atmosphere friendly and made it easier to ask questions and get the most out of each session.
The first activity I took part in focused on how to present a horse in front of a judge. We didn’t just learn what to do, but how to do it properly and why it matters.
The two trainers demonstrated everything clearly before giving each of us a chance to try. Having one-to-one guidance made a big difference; Miles and Jodie could correct us and explain things in a simple way. This made it much easier to remember, and after practising with different horses, I already feel more confident about trying it with my own horse, Versailes.
Next, we moved on to clipping. This followed a similar structure, with a detailed demonstration and then the chance to practise ourselves. Connor was really patient and encouraging, which helped build everyone’s confidence. I had never done any clipping before, but now I’m actually looking forward to trying it at home; probably starting with some ponies that aren’t heading to a show anytime soon! The way it was taught made it seem much more manageable and less intimidating.
The relaxed and supportive environment throughout the day meant everyone felt comfortable speaking up and being themselves. It was also great to meet other young people who I’ll likely see at shows in the future, and to realise we all share the same passion for these incredible horses.
Lunch was provided, with loads of cakes, cookies, wraps, and sandwiches to choose from. During the break, we also had an important talk from our host about show preparation and etiquette. This included how to present yourself in the ring and the importance of good manners. It’s something I always try to focus on, but it was really useful to hear how much professionals value it.
In the afternoon, we all gathered in the arena while the trainers brought in horses as though they were in a real class. This helped us see both good and bad examples and understand how different actions might look from a judge’s perspective. We then had the chance to present a horse ourselves in a more realistic setting, putting everything we had learned into practice.
At the end of the day, there was time for any final questions, and we were each given a copy of The Classic Arab Horse by Peter Upton, which will be a really helpful guide going forward. It’s already been useful for my GCSE art project!
Overall, this was an unforgettable experience. It gave us access to expert knowledge in a friendly and supportive environment, plus helped build both skills and confidence. It also gave us the chance to connect with others who share the same passion for Arabian horses. I would highly recommend this training day to anyone interested in this area of equestrianism, whether you’re just starting out or already involved.
A parent perspective by Emma Edwards
As a parent, it’s rare to come across an opportunity quite like the Ryan Bryn Jones Young Handler Training Day at Claverdon Stud. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was something genuinely special, not just a training day, but a real investment in young people and their passion.
What struck me most was how approachable and generous all the professionals were with their time. These are people who compete and win at the very top level, yet they spent the day working patiently with each child, sharing their knowledge so openly. As a parent, you do your best to support and encourage, but there are limits to what you can teach, especially in such a specialised area. Watching experienced professionals break things down, explain the finer details, and take the time to make sure every child understood was something I know I simply couldn’t provide myself.
Throughout the day, there was a real sense that every child mattered. Nothing felt rushed, and no question was brushed aside. The trainers gave each young handler their attention, offering encouragement as well as practical, constructive advice. It was lovely to see confidence grow, even over the course of a few hours.
The setting itself only added to the experience. Claverdon Stud is a beautiful place, and being surrounded by such a variety of horses, including some truly outstanding champions, made the day feel even more special. For these young handlers, having the chance to spend time with horses of that quality is incredibly inspiring and not something that comes along often.
The generosity of the day was clear in every detail. A huge amount of time and effort had clearly gone into making it run so smoothly, and it didn’t go unnoticed. It was also really appreciated, as a parent, to feel included. Being able to watch each session meant we could see exactly what the children were learning and how they were improving. The relaxed atmosphere, along with the welcome addition of tea and coffee, made it easy to settle in and enjoy the day alongside them.
It’s hard not to feel grateful for the effort that went into creating something like this. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and they make a real difference, not just in terms of skills, but in building confidence and enthusiasm too. For any parent with a child interested in Arabian horses and showing, I honestly can’t recommend this kind of experience enough. It’s days like this that really stay with them and remind you just how valuable it is when people are willing to share their time, knowledge, and passion so generously.
