_ _ _ Coaching by character

growing through experience

Do you suffer from stress, for example before a competition? Do things always seem about to go awry in a particular discipline? Or do you find it difficult to deal with unexpected situations? During a coaching programme, you will learn how best to use your talents and deal with pitfalls. Succeeding in this will help you to grow.

No judgement

As a saddle fitter and bridle and bit fitter, I am very clear about one thing: the welfare of the horse always comes first. As a coach, I am not here to judge you. I want to make sure you feel comfortable. Whatever challenge you have. And what’s more: a happy rider also helps make a happy horse.

The character style test

Each coaching programme starts with an intake interview and a character style test. According to character expert Yvette Hooites Meursing, there are seven character styles: analyst, social worker, saviour, loyalist, ‘at the top’, leader and arranger.

Everyone has one main character. This is the one you fall back on in difficult situations. You complement that style with one or two secondary characters. The test tells me which styles are dominant in you, and which of your talents and pitfalls are associated with them. We can then work with these in a focused manner.

Learning through experience

It goes without saying that we will talk about your challenges during coaching sessions. However, the forms of movement and other exercises you do are much more important. These will help you experience your character traits and how you can use them. After all, you learn more effectively by doing something than by hearing about it.

Bridle and bit fitting

One possibility is that the contact between the rider’s hand and the horse’s mouth is not as good as it could be. This is visible in the position of the horse’s head and neck and its willingness to yield. When it comes to bridle and bit fitting, I take a meticulous approach to every detail.

_ _ _ Testimonials

Natalie thoroughly examined my horse and my saddle, which is how we found out that my old saddle had become too tight for my horse. She explained everything very clearly: it turned out the saddle could not be altered, after which I decided to invest in a new saddle. Again, Natalie took a lot of time to explain to me what she pays attention to, and how the saddle can affect both the horse and the rider. I really felt heard by her, and was able to ask any questions I wanted. We ended up coming up with a new saddle together, and my horse and I couldn’t be happier!

Annabel Krieger

I was experiencing some issues with my horse, and had already consulted several people who all gave me some sort of advice, but I suspected there might be a technical issue with the saddle. I subsequently attended an ESS industry event, where I met Natalie and where I got confirmation that the problems I was experiencing were related to my saddle – including both jumping saddles and dressage saddles. After I had my horse treated by a vet, Natalie came to see me again to fit a new saddle. She is extremely patient, knowledgeable, and I really feel she understands me!”

Renee Zomers

My horse, Discovery, is affected by impinging dorsal spinous processes (‘kissing spines’), and I myself have a disability in both my right arm and my right leg. This possibly makes it even more important for me to have a well-fitting saddle. Before I met Natalie, I was noticing that Discovery’s back had become extremely sensitive and that he just wasn’t relaxed whenever we were riding. Natalie checked everything and re-padded the saddle. This made a world of difference, and we’ve been running smoothly ever since. What I love about Natalie is that she really takes time to discuss all her observations with you, which means there are no surprises. I would recommend her wholeheartedly!

Anouk Meeuwsen

Scheduling an intake interview and test

Do you have questions about my working method, or would you like to schedule an intake interview and character style test right away? Feel free to send me a WhatsApp message. Naturally, you can also call me on +31 (0)6 – 22 57 82 57 or send me an email at natalie.vanhulst@gmail.com.