“ The training methods used by your team have helped a nervous completely un-handled youngster to become the confident and promising little horse she is today. Its been truly inspiring to watch and learn these non - violent training methods that are so effective and yet so simple in principle that even someone like me can learn them!

I thinks it’s so critical that a horse’s first experience of accepting a rider on the back should be a good one and that’s exactly what it was for Bella thanks to your training methods. Of course I could have sent her away to have her “broken in” but I am so grateful that instead of this thanks to your guidance, and training every step of the way, I was privileged to be the first person on Bella’s back, and experience I will treasure forever. Your on going training and support is invaluable to both Bella and I and I look forward to continuing our special journey with the help of your invaluable tutoring and advice” 

Heather Lewis - Testimonial

“I have been a full time livery at Nicholls Farm for over 4 years and during that time my elderly Arabian mare has received the best care and attention I could with for. Vets visits, endless medication and attention to poultices, bandages and her general well being are all catered for and most of all she is loved by those who look after her. .

With the untimely aging of my Arabian mare I looked to buy another young mare who I could learn to train using natural horsemanship methods in association with Tim and Verne Gear. As it happens I bought one of their young stock!

Together we have taken her over the last year through her various stages of training in the round pen, gaining her trust and confidence, teaching her to long line so that she is light and sensitive to the aids, then taking her first saddle and eventually rider. We always discuss the outcome we would like to achieve and plan a series of goals to allow us to build towards success.

The result of all this team work is a beautiful horse, with lovely manners and a calm, sensible approach to her work.

I couldn’t have achieved all this if it wasn’t for the help and dedication of those around me.

Michelle Tavener - Testimonial

“Eight years ago I was looking for a yard where my daughters and I could enjoy our family pony Barcley. We found more than a yard; we found a home from home and great friends. Straight away we were made welcome and settled in to enjoy all the facilities and many cups of tea.

Support, advice and help were always available, especially when two and a half years later my beautiful friend Barcley died. It was a very sad time. A big THANK-YOU from the bottom of my heart to both of you for being there for him and for helping us, especially me, through it.

 I didn’t want to leave Nicholls Farm, so Tim and Verne found me a fabulous all-rounder  coloured cob called Cracker. I was able to take him to shows in the in-hand and ridden classes, I’d always wanted a show cob, go on sponsored rides and through Tim’s teaching Jess my younger daughter enjoy jumping and cross country.

Tim and Verne naturally share their experiences and knowledge and because of this they have let us grow with ‘Intelligent horsemanship’ where there is a better understanding between us, Cracker and other equine friends. Now Cracker is given the opportunity to speak and we can now hear him, he doesn’t stop talking.”

Carol Harrison - Testimonial

Bouncer

“ I took up riding again seven years ago after a 20-year break and bought myself bouncer, a horse who has spent the last two years in a field and would not be caught. I wanted a friendly but knowledgeable yard (I was very rusty and frankly without a nerve) that would put the welfare of my horse above anything and be able to offer me lots of support due to the unsociable hours I worked. As soon as I met Verne, I knew Nicholls Farm was the yard for me.

I had weekly lessons on Bouncer and he had additional schooling lessons with Tim. I was a woos! Tim’s kindness and patience gave me back my confidence - he has a wonderful way of explaining what needs to be done and doesn’t push you too hard. Bouncer and I have a wonderful relationship thanks to him.

I want to add that as well as my ‘nerve’ problems, Bouncer had issues of his own. When I got him, he was so traumatized, you could not touch his face, he would not put his head over the door, he would not load and he needed a sedative to be clipped. With Tim and Verne’s loving care and training it didn’t take him long to come out of his shell and show us the sweet and honest chap he really is.

I cannot recommend Tim and Verne more highly. Feel free to ask for my personal Contact details if you wish to speak to me.”

William

“ Three years later, I am fortunate enough to now keep my horses at home and so I bought myself a two year old in August this year.

William is a big chap, standing 15.2hh already and I want to ‘do him’ the intelligent horsemanship way so I asked Tim and Verne for their help with the first stage of loading and training. Needless to say, 20 minutes later and no hitches, William was being towed around our menage with a happy and inquisitive look upon his face. They have also given me lots of advice on all aspects of handling a youngster, which is paying dividends. Needless to say I will be sending William to Tim and Verne next summer when it is time for him to be backed.”

Karen Brown - Testimonial (December 2007)

“ When Tim first met my younger Arab horse, Flecky, he was a bag of nerves, especially where the trailer was concerned. Each endurance ride I tried with him he got worse at loading, until it was becoming distressing for me, him, and my endurance friends.

After three trailer loading lessons, Tim changed all that, and now I can lead him on easily with no panic. Its the best £100 I ever spent! Now we are working on MY nerves so I can ride this horse to his full potential. Flecky says thank you for listening to me Tim!”

Sarah Ewart
Markyate

July 2008

Tim Gear BHS II    07956 166665        Verne Gear     07950 335803

Pure Sense Equine is a trading name of Nicholls Farm Partnership – T Gear, V Gear, G Gear, M Gear

Specialists in Bespoke Equine Training                               Backing & Re-schooling                                               Equine Behavioural Problems