Meet Our Think Like a Pony Instructors
Sandra Loder
Location - North East Scotland
I was brought up in the Scottish countryside and, after leaving University, I worked as a Land Manager in rural Aberdeenshire for 14 years where I met my husband. We now run our own farm with a herd of 150 Red Deer.
My introduction to ponies, aged 4, was when my non-horsey parents bought our first pony ‘Dougal’. Early years included pony club, progressing to riding club, cross country, show jumping, hunter showing and even side saddle. I found my real passion for western riding about 10 years ago and have competed nationally at amateur and open levels.
During my many ‘horsey’ experiences there were sometimes things that didn’t seem quite right, methods that didn’t quite make sense, seemed too harsh or restrictive and were often without validation. When I came to western riding I saw other methods, some of which seemed to me better. I watched other horsemanship techniques but it wasn’t until I took my son to a ‘Think Like A Pony’ demonstration that I found methods that sat better with my conscience and were suitable for my children. The real crunch came in 2010 when my eldest son attended a Think Like A Pony Club camp. The difference in his confidence and understanding of ponies’ behaviour was fantastic and it really fired his enthusiasm. So, rather than just saying ‘I wish I had learnt this as a child’ I decided to start my instructor’s training. It was also a realisation that there isn’t just ‘English’ and ‘Western’ riding but simply a better and more empathetic way to treat these special animals.
Think Like A Pony has a strong foundation, which I whole-heartedly believe in, the combination of work books and the journal are perfect for children (and adults!) and provide excellent back up to teaching. I believe it also provides great building blocks to help children with other aspects of life, be it confidence, responsibility, empathy and respect for others (human or animal).
Contact Sandra
Email: sandra@culquoich.co.uk - Tel: 0782 554 9728
