Welcome to the Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Series, a unique scheme designed to help and support event riders facing the significant challenges of moving into the higher ranks of eventing. Here at Keyflow we are delighted to give our backing to esteemed coaches, Gill Watson and Lizzel Winter, who have devised and run the series working tirelessly to help riders achieve their goals.

The series has been designed for riders aiming at Advanced or 3* events, or working towards a more established 4*. The 2022 season has come to a close and a full programme is being planned for 2023, with training and additional support in the pipeline for those competing at this level.

Lizzel Winter

Lizzel Winter, Fellow of the BHS, has worked with the British Eventing Junior Championship Team from 2005-2010, helping the team win 10 medals 5 of which were gold. In 2011 Lizzel became the Training and Education Coordinator for British Eventing working to develop coaches and training across the sport. Lizzel also helped set up the Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Series alongside Gill Watson. From 2011 to 2019 she took over as coach and manager for the Portuguese youth squads at European Championship Level. In 2018 Lizzel was appointed as Chef d'Equipe and National Coach for the senior Finnish Eventing squad building towards the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games and works privately with many riders from 2 - 5*. Lizzel also has had her own successful competition career eventing up to 5*, producing and competing up to Grand Prix level dressage and showjumping on the national county circuit to 1.50 level. She is an international dressage judge and eventing ground jury member.

Gill Watson

Gill trains horses and riders for eventing levels, from Pony Club to 5*.  Throughout the years she has trained Juniors and Young Riders for European Eventing Championships, winning over 100 medals, and continues training riders at the highest level. She is passionate about the correct way of going, and laying foundations so moving on from one level to another becomes an easier transition. The Bridging The Gap training days are a stepping stone for those who want to raise their game to be prepared for 3* and 4* competitions.

What our participants say

27th January

Wellington Equestrian Centre, RG27 0LJ

12 riders with Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter

Flat work, working towards level required for forthcoming competition season (Individual sessions)

Gymnastic jumping for early season training (Small groups)

Cost £110 per horse.

16/17th February

Wellington Equestrian Centre, RG27 0LJ

12 riders with Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter

2 day training clinic including preparation for dressage test riding, opportunity to ride a test if required and Show jumping involving course riding.

Cost £110 per horse per day.

18th February

Tweseldown Cross Country schooling with Lizzel Winter

Riders to pay own XC course fee + a training fee of £40 per horse

23rd March

Attington Stud, OX9 7BY

Morning preparation for dressage test riding, opportunity to ride test if required. Afternoon show jumping involving course riding

17th April

Rosamund Green Farm, BA4 4JG (Access only from A37)

Riders to pay their own XC hire fee prior to the session + a training fee of £40 per horse

Small groups suitable for Intermediate and upwards.

14th June

Boomerang Equestrian, Hungerford, Berkshire

Show jumping and Cross Country training day

Email Gill Watson if interested.

£110 per horse

22nd June

Keyflow Pathway and Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Day

Hunters Gate, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire

£110 per horse

13th-14th July

Keyflow Pathway and Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Day

Freddie Best, Coldharbour Farm, Wick, Bristol, BS30 5RJ

£120 per horse per day

To book please CLICK HERE

On the above days we are also including sessions for any eligible BTG riders attending with 3/4/5 star horses to also bring a young horse for a group flat work or jumping session, or both. Cost is £40 per session.

How to get involved

Want to apply?

To book onto one of our training dates please follow the link below:

Keyflow Bridging the Gap Booking Form

Make sure to keep an eye on the Keyflow and Bridging the Gap Facebook pages and the Keyflow website for upcoming dates!

11th February

Attington Stud, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7BY

With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter

Dressage training in groups of two, working on 2* movements. Group show jumping sessions with athletic exercises working towards course riding.

£110 per horse

3rd March

Attington Stud, Tetsworth, Oxon, OX9 7BY

With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter

Dressage test riding, warm up training in pairs followed by individual test riding. Tests videoed by helper and judged by trainer followed by a discussion. Show jumping course riding.

£110 per horse

30th March

Oakingham Stud, Uplands Stables, Downs Road, Compton, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6RE

With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter

Dressage test riding in the morning followed by show jumping and course riding in the afternoon.

£110 per horse

23rd May

Dassett Eventing, Dassett Fields, Avon Dassett, CV47 2AA

With Gill Watson & Lizzel Winter

Dressage test riding in the morning followed by show jumping and course riding in the afternoon.

£110 per horse

14th June

Boomerang Equestrian, Hungerford, Berkshire

Show jumping and Cross Country training day

Email Gill Watson if interested.

£110 per horse

13th-14th July

Keyflow Pathway and Keyflow Bridging the Gap Training Day

Freddie Best, Coldharbour Farm, Wick, Bristol, BS30 5RJ

£120 per horse per day

CLICK HERE to book