TOM

JODIE CLARKE – Head girl

Jodie and I have now worked together for two years, since I first set up on my own. She is the most fantastic supporter, friend and worker, with a tireless smile and a permanent commitment to the care of the horses and running of the yard. All the horses adore Jodie, and her immaculate attention to detail ensures their needs are always catered for perfectly. Jodie lives locally in Shipton Ollife and also keeps her jumping pony Minstrel on the yard.

 Vikki Ingles – Working Pupil

Vikki joined the yard in September 2012 as our working pupil with her horse Silver Spoon. They have had several successful seasons at BE100 and their aim is to step up to Novice in 2013 and aim for the JRN Championships at Weston Park. Vikki’s family farm near Broadway and Vikki is now living on-site at the yard.

Emily Grange – Groom

Emily joined us in spring 2012 as our second full time groom. She is picking up a lot of experience grooming both at home and in competition, and works brilliantly alongside Jodie. I am very grateful for her continuing dedication to the care of the horses, always in a happy, enjoyable manner.

JAMIE GODDARD – Farrier

Jamie has been our farrier for nearly two years and is in the yard most weeks. He has ambitions to become the farrier for future teams, and recently married event rider Hannah Mace at Wickstead Farm, near Swindon

TOM CAMPBELL – Vet

Tom works at Bourton Vale Equine Clinic. I have known him for many years, as he was stud vet to my grandmother. A good friend, I am able to trust him implicitly and am always grateful at the extra lengths he goes to.

SAM SMITH  – Equine Sports Therapy

Sam’s regular assessments and evualations of the horses are essiential; feedback is critical for improving and understanding the horses’ performance. It is important that the horses arrive at competitions feeling supple, comfortable and able to perform at their peak. As Sam is a successful event rider himself, he understands the phyical demands placed on the horses, and treats both the horses’ skeletal structure and muscles.

MY FAMILY

I will forever be indebted to my family for their support, from lead rein and Pony Club days through to now. My mother’s much treasured and pampered Arab also lives in the yard, and I would never be forgiven he wasn’t given a small mention. He is an ideal nanny and companion for the young horses out hacking, and normally requires more attention than his advanced counterparts!

My parents drive the lorry, provide picnics, help with the grooming and perform all the tasks too laborious to mention. Their advice and support is invaluable and I try to listen to it as much as any son can tolerate!

ANGELA TUCKER – Trainer

I was based with Angela for nearly two years, and enjoyed a fabulous time as part of the Tucker family. Angela was enormously generous with her time and support and I am very lucky to still benefit from it. While at Church Farm I learnt more than I ever imagined, with Angela sharing her advice on the production of young horses, her fascinating views as an international dressage judge, and her stable management skills. It has stood me in perfect stead for now running my own yard and I often have her words running through my head.

OWEN MOORE – Trainer

Recently I have been lucky enough to benefit from Owen’s expertise too. He has the most enormous repertoire of training exercises, both on the flat and over a fence, and has  incredible empathy, communication skills and understanding of horses. At competitions his warming up and course walking is inspiring, insightful and invaluable.

DAN GREENWOOD – Dressage training

 

ROWLAND FERNYHOUGH – Showjumping

 

MY OWNERS

Details about my wonderful group of owners can be found on the Horses page.