HISTORY

My first memory of riding goes back to a trip to Denmark aged only 3 or 4 when my sister and I enjoyed a pony ride at Legoland. Little did my parents realise what seed they had sewn so early on!

Later, while living in Italy, I got the opportunity to ride once again...on a pony ride at our school fete. I was 6 and the ponys name was Sunsprite, a beautiful palomino. I recall having 3 rides on this pony as I enjoyed it so much.

When we returned to the UK, I began bothering my parents for riding lessons but clearly recall the excuse of living in London and there not being any stables close by being used to put me off. A year later and I was at bording school in Cornwall and the opportunity of weekly riding lessons arose, and so began my riding career!

My first Instructor Jill was a wonderful lady who clearly had devoted her life to horses and teaching children to ride and gave me so much confidence. I think she spotted my enthusiasm and encouraged me so much. Within no time she had me cantering and jumping on my childhood favorites Muffin and Simpson and occasionally she even let me ride some of the 15 and 16 hand horses much to my delight!

Then, in 1990, we moved from London down to Plymouth to a horsey haven. Right next door to our new house were paddocks with horses in. I couldnt have been happier. Within days of moving in I had made myself known to the horse owners offering my help should they need it. (To be honest I dont suppose I gave them much choice as I just appeared every time they did!) However, my persistence worked and I managed to earn some rides on the lovely thoroughbred mare Saphire and later loaned a dear old girl Rumba.

It was here that my interests in stud work began. Initially it was just Saphire having a couple of foals, but later the numbers of horses increased and guess what...they were mainly welshies! This was what is now the Oaklyvaile Stud. At just 12 years old I was helping care for stallions, holding mares for covering, handling the foals etc. I learnt so much about stud work and what I didnt learn from practice and experience I read up about in my countless collection of books. 

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