Testimonial
We walked into Newark Equestrian in 2018 with a few holiday donkey and pony rides the extent of our equestrian knowledge.
Our daughters, Tia & Lexie, started with weekly lessons as absolute beginners. They soon progressed to riding in the arenas and they well and truly had the horse bug….
What we liked from the outset were the girls were taught to tack up their pony, put rugs on when needed and turn them out after their lesson. To us that was as important as their riding skills, and they learned so much more about horses through stable management in Pony Club sessions at Newark Equestrian. Watching them try and catch a pony that feels like the day off is highly amusing…..!
Once the girls riding and pony handling was sufficient we discussed loaning a pony from Newark Equestrian, that would allow us to learn more about the commitment to having a pony and allow us to ride outside of structured lessons. The girls loved it, we soon had to move to them loaning a pony each, and the additional hours in the saddle certainly improved their riding. I would recommend any parent, without sufficient knowledge of horses, to loan before they buy a horse/pony.
We have seen our girls confidence grow massively, and at times have serious wobbles, where the staff at Newark Equestrian have always been brilliant at supporting them 121 to get them back on track.
In 2020, after many discussions with yard staff, we decided to get their own ponies - though much to my surprise my 12yo daughter was so tall she really had to go straight to horses. It was the best thing we have ever done, the commitment of having their own has taught them so much about discipline, goals and (at times) sacrifice….. all worth it for the incredible highs.
The girls have successfully competed their pony/horse since 2021, with many wins in show jumping and dressage. We are incredibly proud that our youngest daughter made the Regional C Squad for her dressage riding at 11yo, attending Regional British Dressage Youth Camps and competing in National Championships.
Horse riding prepares you for life, as do the staff at Newark Equestrian. Life isn’t always easy, and when our pony broke his neck in a freak accident, staff at Newark Equestrian went way beyond what we could have expected to aide his recovery. One of the major benefits during this difficult period, was that our daughter could ride school ponies whilst her pony recovered, this kept her spirits high.
The other additional benefit is that as parents we have developed sufficient skills for basic horse handing and care skills. This came from both Newark Equestrian staff, and Adults with horses on Livery at the yard who are always willing to help. It is great we are now able to help and support new parents with their first loaned or owned pony with our experience.
We have enjoyed every minute of being associated with Newark Equestrian for the last 4.5 years. We are excited about how our girls riding continues to develop, how they face the challenges of jumping higher or more complex dressage movements brings, and the life skills they are developing.
This is our story, however the girls ride with their friends who come for weekly lessons and get just as much out of the experience, and they get the opportunity to compete even though they don’t own a pony. Newark Equestrian caters for everyone, and we are forever grateful to Christine and her brilliant team.
Graham Howe