Anyone in South Somerset / Taunton area?

[lauranash]

Hi

As a newbie, I was wondering if there is anybody on here from near me. I live near Ilminster, work in Taunton and keep my horse on the Blackdowns (nr Buckland St Mary)?

Also, if so - any recommendations for a good IH-friendly instructor who covers this area and would come out to my yard? Or are there any IH-friendly livery yards around here? Or anything else (demos etc) going on in the area?

It seems such a horsey area (every other field has horses in it) but there doesn't seem to be much of an IH presence locally (or EE, RWYM etc either).

Laura

[potto]

Hi Laura,

Welcome.. I am sure if you are patient you will find people about, the one that springs to mind for me is 'gordo' on here that is your way she will be able to fill you in on local things i should think.. might be worth a pm.

[Liz]

Hi, Laura

You could pick up the freebie magazines from your local tack shop - they have details of what's going on. Henry Bowers at Chard may stock them or Unicorn Saddlery at Hatch Beauchamp. Also look at the website form the RDA at Norton Fitzwarren - they often have demo of one sort or another there.

This website may help - there's a lot of info www.equinetourism.co.uk/southwestequinedirectory.asp

Hope that helps you a bit.

[gordo]

Hi Laura, I live in Ruishton and keep my chap at private yard in Ilton and shop now in Ilminster as its such a pretty town (and I can go smelling of horse and get away with it!). Where are you stabled? I used to be at Blindmoor Farm just off the main road near Buckland.

[lauranash]

Hi everyone, thanks for the replies.

liz - I have picked up a few but although there's lots going on (fun rides etc) there doesn't seem to be much that is IH (or similar) locally - it's all on Exmoor or down in Devon. Maybe that's just my impression though? I know Conquest sometimes host competitions and rent out their arena but I didn't realise they did demos. It doesn't look like they've got anything on at the moment but I will keep a look out, thanks.

gordo - My boy's stabled at Lower Colley Farm, which is hidden away the other side of Buckland. I think I might drive past Blindmoor Farm on the way (I come off the A303 at the Eagle to get there). I actually live in Horton so I'm just a hop across the A358 from Ilton. Do you have lessons and if so who with (if you don't mind my asking..)?

[Liz]

Laura

I've just found out that a lady I know has set up a yard at Thorn St Margaret near Wellington - as the crow files not too far away. seee her website www.pippsway.co.uk/index.htm

If you speak to her, tell her I told you about her. We've lost touch since she moved to Spain and returned. I got on well with her and she was very good with a horse I had, a lovely Irish cob x TB who'd had a bad start in life.

[gordo]

Hi Laura, er no I don't do lessons. G and I are a bit too crook nowadays to be bent into leg yields, working trots and on the bit! However, the only instructor I do know of is Nina Venables but she does teach mostly dressage and very high level at that! She is lovely but don't know what level you looking at. Howabout a trip to local feed place (Rose Mills?) and see whats on the board there. Could try Unicorn at Hatch Beauchamp and ask Jamie there as he is in the know, worth a go. I would like lessons to be honest but I have hearing loss and find trying to concentrate on the instructors voice and then Gordo very hard work so I just don't bother. Who knows though, if the right one came along? Keep in touch and shout if you want to meet up! Kate x

[lauranash]

Thanks Kate, will definately keep in touch. Asking Jamie's a little awkward unfortunately 'cause he knows my current instructress and I haven't absolutely told her I'm looking elsewhere yet (thought I'd cross that bridge when / if I came to it as she's also my Yard Manager).

Liz - I just found that website this morning, and was about to ask if anyone had heard of her / had any experience with her (that's a bit spooky). Will definately contact her - thanks.

[em&ed]

Hi

I also live in South Somerset - used to live at Barrington but moved up to near Langport now but my neddy is still in the Taunton area. I have to say I have not found any really IH people here apart from the peeps on this board - but I have come across a few that do parelli and general NH - I have also heard about an instructor called Karen Whiston (I think) and she is based in WSM area and she is a RWYM Instructor too as well as BHS - *I think* - I looked her up ages ago with a view to lessons but never got round to it! I have also had some lessons with RI's that are not actually 'branded' as IH but are sympathetic to the horse

[dellaorchard]

Hi

My name is Della and I'm an EE instructor and also work a lot with horses coming back into work post injury/lay off (I'm also a Bowen Therapist). I cover your area - actually you are very local to me as I seem to travel further and further afield nowadays!

So, if that is something that would interest you,perhaps you would like to call me (I'm only on the web about once per week!) on 01626 821 589 / 0775 9912 545 and we can have a chat about the type of thing that you are looking for.

Della

[Liz]

Hi, Della. VERY long time since I saw you and it's so nice to see you on here

[em&ed]

Oooh! I may be interested too