I’m Val Main, a freelance instructor, based in Stow in the Scottish Borders.

I specialise in Modern Classical Riding. The riding and aiding system which I use is laid out in my book “Riding with Finesse”.

I learned to ride at Fulmer School of Equitation in Edinburgh in the 60s and 70s. The owner, Robert Hall, a world-recognised and respected trainer, had trained at the famous Spanish Riding School in Vienna, at the time when its director was the legendary Colonel Alois Podhajsky.

I have a degree in Biology and Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Equine Science. I am fully insured, a member of the PVG scheme and have completed the BHS 2-day First Aid Training.

Val’s thoughtful and calm teaching approach has brought on my riding by leaps and bounds and has allowed me to build my confidence in a pressure free environment. Her instructions and explanations are clear and knowledgeable and she tailors lessons precisely to our needs whilst always putting the horse’s need first.

Rebecca Inglis

What a difference Val has made to my riding and my horse Tiger. My position, my aids and my dynamic balance has improved as a result of working with Val. I notice a big improvement in Tiger’s paces and self-carriage. I highly recommend Val to anyone who wants to build correct foundations and progress along classical lines.

Helen MacNeil