The Team
Sue Nevill-Parker
Sue Nevill-Parker has dedicated her life to learning how best to help horses and riders progress beyond their perceived limitations. She specialises in rider biomechanics and teaching the "Classical Seat" and uses a wide range of techniques. She has trained with Classical Master Erik Herbermann for more than 30 years and ridden in some of the best schools in Germany and Portugal.
Private lessons can be arranged with Sue by e-mail or telephone (best time to call is between 6 and 7.30pm -
Tel: 07966526239).
Natalie Portman
I'm Nat. I am originally from Worcester where I studied fine art, and illustration at university with the hopes of becoming an artist. However it was at this time I bought my first...and only...horse. A 4 year old connemara pony called Mo. We learnt everything together and have had a go at most things. Dressage, jumping, hunting, riding club teams...but now hes an older gentleman he enjoys fun rides and hacking mostly! So my ideas of becoming an artist faded as I perused a career with horses. In the last 15 years I have worked with show ponies, race horses, hunters, happy hackers, the lot.
I have been part of the Arrow team for a few years now and its brilliant. With the help of Sue and all the horses I have learnt more than I ever imagined I would be able to. It is a great place to expand my knowledge and keep improving.
Sue Spragg
I was born and educated in Newcastle Upon Tyne. I started riding at 7 and bought my first horse (a thoroughbred mare), in my early 30s. We did a bit of everything - hacking, show jumping, cross country schooling, dressage and fun rides, but all at a very novice level. I live in Pembridge with my husband, cat and Flatcoated Retriever. I enjoy reading, walking and watching football! I started having lessons and helping out at Arrow about 14 years ago, and bought Mouse from Sue 12 years ago. Mouse is a 17hh grey Hanovarian gelding, who is a very generous horse, and has taught me (and other Arrow pupils) so much.
Since owning Mouse, I have been fortunate to have lessons with Erik Herbermann during several clinics held at Arrow. He encouraged a genuine harmony between horse and rider, working together in partnership.
On several occasions I accompanied Sue to the Centro Equestre da Leziria Grande at Villa Franca de Xira (near Lisbon), where we had lessons with Filipa Valenca on their wonderful schoolmasters. The Valenca family have dedicated their lives to training both horses and riders. They have developed a systematic approach to training, using gymnastic exercises both in hand and ridden, known as "The Valenca Method". Filipe also holds clinics at Arrow and it is so rewarding to benefit from her experience whilst riding my own horse.
When in Portugal Sue and I also had lessons with "Quiko" Bessa de Cavalho - a hugely charismatic trainer, using classical methods on a limited number of schoolmasters.
However, I am most fortunate to be able to have regular lessons on Mouse and the other wonderful schoolmasters at Arrow, with Sue Neville-Parker.
I am a long time pupil of Arrow Equestrian and have been teaching the Alexander Technique there since 2008. I enjoy regular visits with my horse and I am greatly indebted to Sue, and her schoolmasters, for many years of wonderful lessons. I also teach from my home in Bristol.
Please contact me directly if you are interested in lessons. Visit www.englishequestrian.co.uk Tel 07808 157836
Cost £52 per hour
Bookings and deposits for clinics and courses must be received in advance and deposits are non refundable. Please use the booking form on this website and if this is your first visit to Arrow you will be required to fill out a rider registration form. Both forms together with a membership form are available on this website. Please check availability with Sue before sending any bookings.
Generally, pupils prepare and put away their horses themselves although there is always someone on the yard to help, so please allow time for this. Cancellations may be charged.
Membership of the Arrow Equestrian Club may entitle you to discounts on lessons and courses. For more information visit The Club
“This centre is a unique and valuable facility which I love attending. Sue has always accommodated my disability yet without ever making me feel “disabled”. She brings out my “ability” with her expert tuition.”
— PC, Ceredigion
“My first visit and a most remarkable one: the quality of the horse and Sue’s teaching is outstanding.”
— UH, S Wales
