About Alec Miles:

Unlike many professional riders and trainers, Alec’s passion for horses and horsemanship developed later in life. He began his working career in the motor industry, viewing it simply as a way to pay the bills while riding for pleasure at weekends at a local riding school.

A decision to travel to Australia proved to be life-changing. Alec took a position at Bluey’s Ranch—now known as Horseshoe Bay Ranch—on Magnetic Island in Queensland, where he led bush and beach rides. Captivated by the lifestyle, climate, and daily involvement with horses, he stayed for a year, marking the start of a complete change in direction.

On returning to the UK, Alec briefly resumed his former job but soon realised how much he missed working with horses. Determined to pursue a professional career, he began training towards his BHS qualifications, gaining his BHSAI in 1999. In 2000, he established his own livery yard, offering schooling and breaking services alongside teaching.

Alec’s enthusiasm for training and his natural ability as a teacher were recognised in 2005 when he was awarded a BHS bursary. This enabled him to continue his professional development, gaining his BHSII in November 2005. He later passed the Equitation and Teaching elements of his BHSI in August 2010 and completed his BHSI qualification in October 2013. He is currently working towards his BHS Fellowship.

Renowned for his calm, confident approach, Alec is widely respected for his ability to bring out the best in both horses and riders. He works with everything from young and inexperienced horses to more established competition horses, and particularly enjoys the challenge of breaking and reschooling so-called “problem” horses. Many horses he has produced now compete successfully across all three disciplines nationwide.

One notable example is Xam, whom Alec bought as a youngster and produced through the levels. Xam is now ridden by event rider Harry Dzenis and has achieved strong results.

Alec is a dedicated and adaptable instructor who tailors his teaching to suit riders of all abilities and aspirations. He places strong emphasis on the horse-and-rider partnership and will often demonstrate techniques during lessons to ensure clarity and confidence.

Eventing is Alec’s true passion. He regularly competes his own horses and those of his clients, with successful results at Intermediate level with British Eventing, Medium level with British Dressage, and Foxhunter level with British Showjumping.

Alec is looking forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead, while continuing to share his knowledge and passion for horses through teaching.