Tina Layton-Elliott BHSI

Tina Layton-Elliott BHSI is the proprietor and chief instructor of Contessa Riding Centre, a British Horse Society grade A5 Where to Train centre and ABRS approved riding school in Hertfordshire.

Contessa Riding Centre was voted third Best Riding School in Europe 2006 - the highest placed British entry. The centre is approved by the British Horse Society and the Association of British Riding Schools and trains students up to BHSI. A busy riding school, the centre offers lessons, courses, competitions and demonstrations.

Tina is an accomplished dressage rider and has competed to Grand Prix level. The highlight of her competition career with her mare, Pik Dame, was representing Great Britain in 2000. At present, she is preparing Queijada for competition, a Lusitano mare owned by the daughter of Sylvia Loch. Tina regularly trains with Arthur Kottas, the former first chief rider of the Spanish Riding School and John Bowen, who trained Jeanette Brakewell and Over To You.

As an instructor and trainer, Tina has coached a huge number of riders, encouraging them all to work with their horse to achieve harmony and balance in the classical method. She has trained a great many students through their riding and teaching exams to the highest levels, including the dressage section of the BHS Fellowship. She was previously a BHS examiner, and currently examines for the ABRS on their ATD Exam - their equivalent of the BHSI. Tina is also a UKCC Level Three tutor in sport, NVQ A1 assessor and a BHS Riding and Road Safety trainer and examiner.

In her blog, Tina shares the trials and tribulations of running a busy riding school and training yard. Don't forget you can ask Tina a question about your riding by emailing WebEditor@horseandcountry.tv.