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For all enquiries, please don’t hesitate to phone Stable Equestrian on 01772 600555, email enquiries@stable-equestrian.net. Alternatively you can complete the online contact form below and we will reply as soon as possible.
Lisa Smith can be contacted on 07821 782135.
We are not currently open to casual callers but visits by appointment are always very welcome.
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They say there’s a book in everyone. Is there a book in you?
From the author of Planet Fran – Population One They say there’s a book in everyone. I’d wanted to write a book for what-felt-like forever and just never got down to doing it. Mostly, I think, not because I wasn’t motivated to do it but because I was quite afraid of the blank screen in front of me. What would I write and how would I know if what I was writing was going in the right direction. I mean, within a story, there are countless characters that can be created and countless decisions they will make that could change the very essence of the plot and character development. So, for years on end, I procrastinated, continued reading books and watching endless movies but rarely did I actually put pen to paper (or, rather, fingers to keyboard) to actually get a work-in-progress underway and every idea I came up with just didn’t seem to hold water for me. What changed? I got older and realised time was slipping by so I focussed my attention on what I knew about. They say, write what you know. Well, I knew about setting up a business and I knew about horses and I knew about the difficulty coming to riding as an adult. These combined gave me the skeleton of a story that became Planet Fran – Population One. Fran McBride is a serial dreamer of riches with great ideas but no-one will back her. She has a complete dislike of all things equestrian, too. The book follows Fran’s journey to learn to ride and jump her nemesis, Batman, as she tries to prove herself to secure the investment she needs to launch her new business. Once I had a workable idea, I was disciplined in writing it. I set myself aggressive word-count targets per week. I didn’t often meet them but having those targets kept me writing. I didn’t worry about draft one; if the story didn’t hang together at points, that didn’t matter, it could be fixed during editing. The important point was to write and keep on writing and that’s what I did. In addition to Planet Fran, I now also have a children’s book out: Lauren and Buddy, Time to Shine, a lovely pony story of triumph for ages 8-12. Book 2 in the Planet Fran trilogy is now written and is currently in editing. Watch out for it coming later this year! They say there’s a book in everyone. Is there a book in you? Sponsored by writersretreatuk.co.uk You can buy Josie King’s books at writersretreatuk.co.uk/shop All books purchased at writersretreatuk.co.uk come signed. Follow...
read moreWhy you should always wear a Hat – James Boulton had a minor bleed on the brain from a freak incident
James Boulton was involved in a freak accident when loading a horse. I have seen many riders loading horses (including myself not wearing a hat when doing so ). This just shows how important it is to be wearing a hat at all times when handling horses!. James tells us what happened after the incident that was caught on camera! Well… after talking jiberesh for the rest of that day I was taken to hospital and rushed through for a CT scan. Thankfully the yard has the cctv footage to show the incident. Initial response on the Sunday was no major bleed and was told could go home, rest etc but to call 999 should I pass out or vomit….. slept for pretty much two days straight and woke up vomiting…. went to docs who requested 2nd review of CT do discover I had a minor bleed. Same treatment of rest and return should anything happen. Simple tasks such as talking on phone, watching tv etc all have me headaches and for first 8 days and didn’t hardly get out of bed. As back at docs for check up last week and they happy with progress…. got back on horse and only walked last Friday and rode properly today in prep for regionals on Wednesday. massive thank you Jess for your help this morning….. first time I’ve ridden properly in over three weeks due to a bleed on my brain and heading to Easton College Equestrian Centre for the regionals tomorrow. Thankfully Florence is a mega star, but not anticipating too much of a result. Lesson learnt from this is always wear your hat folks! You never know what might happen! This hurt…. a lot! Put me out of action for three weeks, but could have been much worse!As always mummy (Jane)has been amazing looking after Florence and Roxanne has kept Florence ticking over to help make this week happen… thank you both xx Now…. back to this test learning Follow...
read moreNew Year New Look – Topstocks have the latest in fashion…
January is always an interesting month – after the hectic pre Christmas rush to get everyone’s orders out in time, the first month of a new year is a great time to look forward to an exciting time ahead. Orders are still coming in so it’s a time to re-stock ahead of the Eventing season as all items have been rundown a bit with all the Christmas orders. BETA International, which is held at the NEC over 3 days in mid January, is always a great day out – a chance to catch up with existing suppliers, find some new, interesting products, listen into demos and talks and watch the fashion show. I also usually bump into tradestand friends that I haven’t seen since the summer months while out in the road at horse trials, which is always fun. This year’s show was a good one and I did find some lovely new clothing items. Firstly I made a visit to an existing supplier to view the new Coldstream range. I already stock the lovely Lennel baselayers and Kilham breeches in white and I was very impressed with the quality of this new premium range. So I have added the Kilham breeches in taupe – a lovely colour that are perfect for those who prefer a slightly darker shade rather than a cream/beige tone – and the gorgeously snug Kimmerston quilted gilets in navy and Windsor wine. These are a great extra layer perfect for any time of the year. These are all available on the website now – www.top-stocks.co.uk – and the first 10 Coldstream orders will receive a free Coldstream baseball cap, and the very first order will also receive a free pair of Coldstream Pawston performance socks. I also ordered some beautiful sleeveless and short sleeved show shirts. Next up was a visit to the stand of a very new company, DVR Equestrian – I had seen their collection in the BETA magazine and was very interested in both their designs and technical innovations. The specialist sports fabric is produced in Italy and incorporates recycled ocean plastics. It offers muscle control, UV protection, is oil resistant, is fully breathable and wicks away moisture, has two-way stretch and shape retention. And the colours and designs are amazing to top it all off! So impressed that the Santos show shirt has stock loops – I know this is a small detail but how difficult is it to find show shirts with them?! The fabrics really feel amazing against the skin – incredibly light and cool to the touch. These show shirts and base layers will be with me in April and will retail at £56.99. There were lots of other interesting items that I am thinking over, possibly for later in the year. As the show is showcasing the new autumn/winter ranges many items are not available until summer time so I have plenty time to consider these. I listened into a very helpful talk about using social media to increase sales from websites – I was glad to hear that many of the things I do on social media are good, but could be improved. I brought away plenty of top tips to utilise Facebook and Instagram in a better way! The fashion show is a great...
read moreTopstocks
I have over 20 years experience in the textile and fashion industries. Being a keen equestrian I have always struggled to find good quality riding stocks in interesting designs, so I started to make my own. So in 2009, after realising there was a definite lack of choice available I decided to combine my interests in textiles/fashion design and horses!A further interest in vintage jewellery and good design led me to source one off stock pins in gold or silver, with a variety of different coloured stones and classic pearl to complement the look. The range of pins changes constantly due to their vintage nature – every one is a real find. All Top Stocks stocks are handmade by myself in Cumbria. I love sourcing special fabrics resulting in a large range of silk and cotton fabrics including prints, many from Liberty of London, and special embroidered, beaded and embellished designs, offering the wearer a real sense of individuality. Your new stock will come complete with a gift box for storage, and a ‘how to tie your new stock’ illustration card.There are other ranges of handmade gifts and homeware in equestrian and country themed fabrics. For the fashion conscious I also stock a selection of quality competition and casual riding gear from The likes of Esperado, Hy and Findra. Find them on Facebook Go to Website by clicking this link Topstocks.co.uk Follow...
read moreIt’s the new year, so thoughts turn to new riding gear!
Horses are coming back into work if they’ve had a break over the festivities, and we are all looking forward to the spring, and longing for lighter morning and evenings! So if you feel your competition clothing is possibly looking a bit shabby, it’s worth having a look on www.top-stocks.co.uk as there are some bargains to be had, before the new season’s items start coming in. For Horses is a fantastic brand of equestrian clothing from Italy. With a close eye for detail, strong fashion sense, and good knowledge of sport technical fabrics their premium garments are hard to beat. The Aria show shirt is an immaculately designed piece by For Horses Italy. The traditional white panel at the front of the shirt allows this model to be perfect for the competition arena. The luxurious wickable and breathable microfibres provides on each of the softest and lightest fabrics you can wear against your skin. Machine washable. Sizes S-XL. Reduced from £98.00 to £60.00. Winnie breeches in dove grey which is a pale taupe. Made from top quality Italian technical/performance fabric they are comfortable, lightweight and breathable with a silicon seat, perfect for every everyday riding or competing. The attention to detail is typical of this high end brand. Mid-rise. Machine washable. Leg length: regular. Sizes 24”-32″. Full price £148.00, now £90.00. For Horses Yakie show jacket in navy. A traditionally styled jacket in 4 way stretch material from premium Italian brand For Horses. Made from an innovative technical fabric which moves with you while riding, this jacket is extremely comfortable. Double vented for the ultimate fit. Water repellent and quick drying properties are perfect for British weather conditions. For Horses branding on upper arm and on the front buttons. Material: Softshell, 100% polyester, machine washable at 30 degrees. Sizes M-XL left. Now £250.00 reduced from £318.00. It’s not just For Horses products that are reduced – have some other fantastic competition and everyday breeches available. HyPerformance Oxburgh breeches in beige. Comfortable, lightweight and breathable breeches with a full Alos leather seat, perfect for every everyday riding or competing. Featuring cream coloured binding around the front pockets and back, These breeches look both smart and professional. Complete with belt loops and elastic anti-bulk stretch ankle hems, the breeches are finished with a Hy embossed button. Machine washable. Leg length: regular. Sizes 24”-32”. Also available in navy. Were £70.00, now £56.00. Aren’t these a gorgeous colour?! HyPerformance Merlewood breeches in marine green offers the perfect combination of comfort, practicality and style all in one breech. 4-way stretch material ensures a comfortable fit allowing unrestricted movement whilst the full seat in the signature Hy honeycomb silicone print ensures security in the saddle. Cut to a mid-rise waist with no bulk stretch ankle cuffs they alo feature 4 practical pockets – 2 front and 2 on the rear. Contrast stitching to the waist, zip and pockets add the finishing touches. Sizes 24”-32”. Were £80.00, now £64.00. Looking forward to the new season I will be visiting BETA on 19th January to meet up with existing suppliers and find new, exciting products. Can’t wait to get going again! Contact Topstocks today via our website by clicking here by Facebook by clicking the Facebook logo or by phoning 01228 675671 Follow...
read moreMAXIMISING YOUR MARKS IN A DRESSAGE TEST
By Kate Cowell Dressage Understanding aspects to help make a top test: Scales of training Accuracy Fluency and Harmony Ease of movements Showmanship Degree of risk Mistake free Horse is a happy athlete Let’s talk about these in more detail: 1) The scales of training are a German systematic approach of training which riders, trainers and judges adhere to: Rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, collection You achieve each one in order as the horse develops his education and training up the levels from novice to advanced. 2)Ease of movements are achieved if the scales of training have been accomplished. The horse can demonstrate the movements securely with confidence and energy. The horse is confront of the leg and on the aids. 3) Accuracy riding from market to marker, again demonstrating that the horse is on the aids. Circles are the right size, lines are straight, corners are ridden. 4)Fluency and Harmony where the test flows easily and with no restriction, tension or resistance. The horse looks supple, elastic, engaged and confident. 5)Showmanship is where the rider is able to ride with confidence and intelligence to showcase the horse in its best light. 6) Degree of risk relates to where the rider decides how much effort to put into a movement to gain maximum marks, thus increasing the risk of potentially making a mistake. He who dares wins! 7) Mistake free tests with no glitches, mess ups, spooks or error of course. 8) A happy athlete is a horse that looks well, happy and calm which has been achieved through harmonious education (not through force or fear) How do I relate this to my competition test riding? A) At home with your trainer/training mirrors: Get excellent basics through the the scales of training. Perfect your transitions, half halts, straightness. Responsiveness to your aids and submission Work on your position. Develop your poise so it becomes autonomous [My goal: I focus on my symmetry] Mentally focus on accuracy when you practise your movements Off the horse: practise the test through mental visualisation :Sit in with judges to see their perspective and translate to your own test riding. :If you want to maximise your marks you ultimately need to show the judge what they want to see! B)Pre- Competition Test Riding: Ride through the test, this will expose the weaknesses. ‘re-evaluate and go back to your training plan. Videoing the test will help hugely as it often looks different from how it feels in a test situation. Practise training at different venues to ensure your horse can cope with other stimuli C)Competition: Stick to a good warm up plan. Have confidence in all your preparation you’ve done at home. Don’t “win the warm up”; aim to have your horse right for the test. This may take several months to get right, and you may need a trial and error approach. Not the same approach works for each horse! [Tip: I have one advanced horse that is far more successful if I warm up for only 25minutes. Another advanced horse needs stretching for 20 minutes, a rest in the stable then another 30 minutes warm up before the test.] Key movements to gain marks easily: 1) Enter down centre line, halt, salute, proceed in trot. Anyone can achieve a minimum of 8/10 for...
read moreLooking for a Pet Portrait
CKD Art is a family run pet portrait business based in Cheshire comprising of a husband and wife duo. “We work great together as a team and work to our strengths” The husband Colin being the engine (the artist!) and the wife Kim being the ship (keeping everything afloat and on course!) Colin is a talented self taught artist who is now following his dream as a respected artist and rightly so. Kim has spent her entire working career in sales so is the front of house dealing with all the customer enquiries, orders, finances and delivery. Not to mention she is also responsible for the making of the bespoke hand made boards that have proved so popular with all their customers for being that little bit quirky and robust. “ We believe we offer something a little bit different from what you generally see on the market with portraits on distressed wooden boards and slate but with a personal service that clients leave feeling like friends rather than customers “ They have high hopes for their little business in 2020 and will be attending many shows across the UK. Keep an eye on their page for upcoming work and feel free to follow them! To enquire on a price of a portrait of your pets or horses PM them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ColinKimDavisonArt/ Follow...
read moreThird Liverpool Grand Prix Win for Billy Twomey
Irish titan Billy Twomey won the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Grand Prix for a remarkable third time in five years after an exhibition of world-class showjumpjng at the M&S Bank Arena. Image by Lucy Hall Photography – all rights reserved Billy, one of the most consistent Irish riders of his generation, followed Liverpool grand prix wins with Diaghilev in 2015 and 2016 by scooping a £26,000 top prize. He triumphed in the jump-off on Kimba Flamenco by almost two seconds from 18-year-old British prospect Jack Whitaker, riding Elucar V.E. and British Tokyo 2020 Olympic hopeful Holly Smith, who was third aboard Hearts Destiny. Image by Lucy Hall Photography – all rights reserved Course designer Alan Wade’s brilliant track tested every combination in a 31-strong field, with just six making it through to the jump-off. And Billy showcased all his experience to preserve an amazing record of every Liverpool grand prix either being won by himself or fellow Irishman Shane Breen. “To win the grand prix three times here is amazing,” Billy said. “My horse jumped fantastic. He has been close to doing something in the last couple of shows, and finally it has paid off for me and him here. “I am delighted for the owner and everyone involved with the horse. A win always helps everything. “He is an extremely talented horse. He has won a CSIO five-star grand prix in Falsterbo, so he is winning at every level, which is good. “The course builder is probably the best course builder on the planet. He made it difficult enough that it wasn’t a giveaway to anyone. You needed to jump the course. It wasn’t a rat-race.“In the jump-off, I tried to put it up to the rest of the riders. Sometimes, when you go early, you don’t really know, but thankfully I held on to clinch the win.” We caught up with Kim Barzilay owner of Kimba Flamenco who owns Kimba stud , Cody is a Homebred horse, he’s was bred at kimba Farm stud, he is out of Emma-Jo Slater’s favourite mare, a mare called Uttah Van Het Indihof who was a prolific winner for Emma and she was by Heartbreaker. We have had five maybe six foals out of her and he (Kimba Flamenco) was the first. We have a field full of them coming through which is very very exciting and we have a full sister to Cody (Kimba Flamenco) as well who is rising three next week so a very nice editing prospect. Tell me more about how this horse was produced; The horse was produced by us with Emma Jo at home which is Kimba Stud. Emma took him to the Horse of the Year Show for the fox hunter final 7yr old talent seekers final and the grade c final and did very will. Emma is not one for going abroad all the time and so for that reason all my top horses get passed on to Billy and he does a very good job with them. What are the plans now for this horse? Well Billy has talked about wanting to go to florida! Maybe Leipzig in a few weeks. We have jumped a couple of World Cups on him and he was clear jumping last week in Madrid with just one time fault so...
read moreLila Bremner, daughter of star impressionist Rory Bremner, triumphs at Liverpool International in the 1.25 Jump off
Lila Bremner delivered an outstanding display in amateur classes at this year’s TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show drew to a close. Lila helped Great Britain’s pony team win a silver medal at the European Championships in Poland earlier this year, and she has made an impressive start to her career on horses. And that was emphatically underlined by her performance in the AW Jenkinson Forest Products 1.25m jump-off class at M&S Bank Arena. Image by Lucy Hall Photography – all rights reserved and is subject to copyright Riding Memphis V/D Vaart, Lila, who is the daughter of star impressionist Rory Bremner, triumphed after a jump-off that saw five combinations progress from round one. And a time of 31.77 seconds proved enough to beat closest rival Eleanor Hall Mcateer, with Crisanta, while Elsi Jacques filled third and fourth spots on Morginti and Da Vinci, respectively. Reflecting on her triumph, a delighted Lila said: “He has jumped clear all week here, so it has been really good, “The plan in the jump-off was to go for it, really. I had a good draw, and it paid off. It was quite a good jump-off for me because he has got a big stride.“I got the horse in February. He’s only seven, so this year I have just been getting used to him, and to win here is exciting.“I was second here last year in one of the pony classes, but to get a win, I never expected it.” Follow...
read moreJoss Williams Claims an Impressive Victory in the CSIAm-A Jump off 1.15m sponsored by Equestrian Surfaces
Leicestershire rider Joss Williams reduced his owner to tears as he claimed an impressive victory at the TheraPlate UK Liverpool International Horse Show. Joss took the Equestrian Surfaces amateur 1.15m jump-off class with 17-year-old Zandokan Z after 15 combinations made it through to a race against the clock. And it proved a thrilling experience for the horse’s owner Jan Coomer, who travelled from her Guernsey base to enjoy New Year in Liverpool and watch her pride and joy compete. “I have had him for two years, and have a good owner Jan Coomer, who lives in Guernsey, and he really is her pride and joy. She is in tears, jumping up and down,” Joss said.“She has come from Guernsey to spend the New Year here, so it’s lovely.” Ireland’s Carol Gee had set the pace on Fernhill Splash, clocking 29.72 seconds, so Joss knew he had it all to do. “It’s a magic win,” Joss added. “He is an older horse now, and he was the only one I had here this week. “He’s quite spooky, so it took the first two days for him to get used to things, and today he felt really good.“There were a lot of quick combinations in the class, and maybe the run down to fence number two, I just let him gallop and kept travelling, which I think helped in terms of our jump-off time.” Third place went to Katherine James and Isidoor, with Emma Jones and Fiero du Riou. finishing fourth. Follow...
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