New Forest riding instructor Roland Bellido named British Horse Society’s Hampshire freelance accredited professional coach of the year

ROLAND Bellido is riding high after being named the British Horse Society’s Hampshire freelance accredited professional coach of the year.

Based in New Milton for the last six years, Roland has been teaching riders of all ages and abilities for 25 years throughout the New Forest and overseas.

Describing himself as “very passionate” about riding, Roland, who comes from Tenerife, said: “I’m really pleased with the recognition; I’ve been working hard through the winter.

“I teach at all ability levels, from children to advanced riders, including competitive people.

“I cover the whole New Forest area and more, from Dorchester in the west up to West Sussex.”

Roland (42) said his passion for horse riding began when he was around eight years old, riding with family in Spain and learning dressage skills.

He first came to Britain in 1999 and trained for his BHS qualification at Wellington Riding, before becoming an instructor there.

He left in 2002 to travel, and taught in Dubai for eight months, followed by a period of teaching in Tenerife.

On returning to Britain he continued his training, working in riding schools and livery yards in Leicestershire and Kent. He rejoined Wellington Riding in 2009 as one of their senior coaches.

Roland now teaches show-jumping, dressage and cross country riding in the New Forest and surrounding areas. He holds private lessons, as well as running regular flatwork, pole work and jumping clinics at a variety of locations. Roland has also taught for local pony clubs and riding clubs.

He said: “The British Horse Society recognition is really good for business. I had more than 2,000 nominations for the award, and a lot of that I assume came from my clients. I think they know how passionate I am about what I do.”