A rider who turned a devastating fall into a turning point has built a thriving business that focuses on helping others rebuild confidence plus skill in the saddle.
Clare Henry created RiderCise in 2016, three years after a frightening incident with her horse Annick left her with a concussion plus a deep loss of self-belief.
The accident made the 41 year old former Executive PA who also worked as a private personal trainer realise that general fitness was very different from being truly prepared for riding.
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She described the moment in an interview with Hype Daily. In 2013 strong wind lifted the label on a new back protector which spooked Annick.
The mare bolted around the arena with great force. Clare could not regain control. Her saddle slipped which triggered a series of powerful bucks.
Clare was thrown to the ground. As Annick passed by a hind hoof struck the peak of her riding hat missing her face by only a few centimetres.
When Clare lifted her head she saw Annick waiting at the gate with a worried expression. That single moment changed her outlook.
Her immediate concern was for the horse not herself. She felt she needed to improve so she could be a better partner for Annick.
Clare had qualified as a personal trainer in 2004 but the fall exposed a gap in her approach. She had spent years working toward strength plus an athletic shape though not with riding demands in mind. The experience showed she was not physically supporting her side of the partnership.
It took roughly a year before Clare felt secure riding Annick solo once more. Her confidence had been shattered. For a time she would only ride on a lunge line or while being led. She never wanted to feel that powerless again or witness Annick showing fear.
RiderCise now delivers off horse training programmes created to develop rider stability ability plus confidence. Clare works mainly with women over 45 who have lost belief in their bodies.
Her major breakthrough arrived in 2017 when she trained Sally Toye for the Mongol Derby. Sally finished as the first Brit in 11th place over the 1000km course across the Mongol steppes on semi feral ponies without any injuries or significant soreness.
That success boosted Clare’s belief in her entrepreneurial direction.
In 2021 she introduced the first Rider Specific WOD Platform. The business has grown plus adapted with Clare maintaining awareness of changing trends while keeping her focus on equestrian performance training.
She says the greatest reward comes from watching riders evolve into the horsemen plus horsewomen they always believed they could be.
Messages from clients describing their progress mean a lot to her though she finds the greatest satisfaction in knowing horses are no longer forced to compensate for imbalances in their riders.
Clare now runs her company full time with a strong emphasis on Facebook advertising to reach riders in need of support.
Her mission continues to be being the best she can for her horses while guiding others to achieve the same. She believes riding is a privilege that many have lost sight of.
