Stags Equestrian Magazine by Kingfisher Print & Design

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Say hello:

Launceston

KEVIN CLARKE Head of Equestrian 01404 45885

Wadebridge Truro

GEORGIA PROWSE Sales negotiator 01872 264488

Tavistock Plymouth

Tor Totnes

Dartmout Kingsbridge

PIPPA STUBBS Head of Tavistock office 01822 612458

ALISTER KING-SMITH Head of Planning 01392 439046

@ 01404 45885

k.clarke@stags.co.uk

@stagsproperty

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here is no doubt that the South West is a wonderful place to keep horses. From happy hacking in our beautiful countryside to competing at top level, this region really does have it all. I’ve been brought up with horses all my life and still own Daisy, a now ageing 17 hand Irish Draught Sports Horse who lives at my family’s farm in East Devon. One of the joys of horse ownership is the ability to keep your horse at home, something most of us riders aspire to do. There’s nothing quite like looking out of your kitchen window and seeing your horse in the field outside. With this in mind, we have a wonderful selection of properties with land, stables, sand schools and more on the market right now in this new edition of Stags Equestrian magazine. We’ve also got some inspirational stories of equestrianism here in the West Country. On page 10, we meet Jemima Green, the upThere’s and-coming eventer who was nothing like paralysed in a car crash aged just 26. Jemima shares her story looking out of of getting back into the saddle your window with us. I’m sure you’ll agree, she is a very brave and determined and seeing rider. We wish her all the very your horse best with her ambitions in para dressage. right outside Elsewhere in the magazine, we hear from Georgia Prowse of Stags Truro, who shares her humorous take on being a horsey mother (page 9). She is joined by Pippa Stubbs of Stags Tavistock, who recalls how being a horse rider really helped her to make friends when she moved to Devon from the South East in her early 20s. We’ve also got some practical information on matters relating to equestrian property in the magazine. On page 21, Stags planning expert Alister King-Smith takes a look at the issues surrounding planning permission and equestrian developments – a must-read if you are contemplating anything from starting a livery yard to building fixed cross-country jumps. Chartered surveyor Lydia Cox investigates the subject of Stamp Duty on page 8 and on page 17 Simon Borthwick from Mole Valley Farmers looks into ways in which you can get the most out of your paddocks. Above all, if you are thinking of buying or selling an equestrian property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Stags Equestrian.

KEVIN CLARKE Stags Head of Equestrian

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Why West is best for horses When it comes to equestrianism, the South West has so much to offer, says keen rider Pippa Stubbs. Pippa moved from the South East to the West Country back in 2007 and now runs the Stags Tavistock office

ippa says: I grew up in West Sussex and competed with my horses there regularly until I moved to Devon in 2007. It was a big life change but my love of horses really helped me to make friends and settle in here. My current horse is called Always Cruising (Ali), a six year old Irish Sports Horse that I purchased last year from Ireland. Having spent the last year backing and breaking her in, she is now just about ready to start her eventing career. I keep her at home where, when she is not being ridden, she enjoys the country life in a field with my various other animals. When I moved here, I discovered that three miles down the road in the Tamar Valley was St Leonards Equitation Centre, a facility that offers everything from teaching beginners to ride to holding affiliated competitions for British Eventing and the British Show Jumping Association. I soon made some horsey friends and learned that the South West is a horseriding paradise, whatever level you are. The coast with its sandy beaches is perfect for a gallop and inland there is such a beautiful landscape too. Exmoor,

Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor all have South West in Oxfordshire, where we many miles of open country where finished a respectable third. These are you are free to roam on horseback. the memories and friendships you keep Sometimes I will just go for forever. a gentle hack, admiring the The South West is great countryside but at others I for horsey families, too. use the natural landscape Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d advise all parents of I soon learned horse-mad children to of hills and valleys to get my horse fit for competitions. that the South introduce them to their Back where I lived in the local pony club. They will West is a South East, there were very learn so much, from stable few places that you could horse-riding management to the fun of get on your horse and ride gymkhana shows - often paradise, for miles in a traffic-free the beginning of the journey zone. Here, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m spoilt for whatever level towards competing in choice, what with stunning everything from endurance you are moorland, beaches, bridle riding to eventing. paths and byways that link I am so lucky to have a our market towns and villages together. variety of excellent equestrian venues I really recommend joining a riding club on my doorstep. I go over into Cornwall if you are moving into the South West. for riding club lessons at Tall Trees At Holsworthy Riding Club I have made near Camelford and get cross country good friends and become involved in practice at Lower Tokenbury Equestrian lots of team events. Two years ago Centre near Liskeard. For British we competed at numerous qualifiers at Eventing competitions I travel to Bicton several different venues throughout the Arena in East Devon, stay local at St South West against other riding clubs Leonards and also go to Port Eliot in where we qualified for the National South East Cornwall. There is so much British Riding Club Championships. going on, the South West really does Our team was delighted to qualify have it all. and have the opportunity of not only Pippa Stubbs runs Stags Tavistock representing our club but the whole office 01822 612458 stags.co.uk

Welcome to horse heaven Make this the year you find the perfect home for you and your horses. Here is just a small selection of the equestrian properties for sale now with Stags. For our full range and further details please visit stags.co.uk 2. West Devon ÂŁ1,225,000 If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a superb mini-estate with lots of scope to enjoy your horses, then this property at Inwardleigh near Okehampton has it all. The characterful farmhouse has four bedrooms and has been renovated and extended to a high standard. Outside, there are three stables, a thatched barn serving as a hay store and tack room, not to mention 46 acres of land. All fields have automatic water drinkers and consist of level or gently sloping pasture.

3. North Devon ÂŁ575,000 This charming cottage near the North Devon coast is set in a quiet and unspoilt location near Abbotsham. It comes with 3.8 acres of land, currently used as an established caravan and camping business. It also has useful outbuildings, a sand school and new stables so it could also be ideal for equestrian buyers.

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Outside, there are three stables, a thatched hay store and tack room, not to mention 46 acres of land 1. South East Cornwall £795,000 This family home on the beautiful Rame Peninsula near Torpoint is set neatly in 4.5 acres with lovely sea and countryside views. It is the perfect equestrian property, tucked away in a secluded position with excellent outriding. The house comes with an acre of gardens, three 12ft x 12ft stables and a useful outbuilding in addition to planning permission for an additional three stables. And if you ever need a change from riding there is also an outdoor swimming pool.

5. West Cornwall £499,500 This four-bedroom character property near Camborne is within hacking distance of wonderful riding on the vast open sand dunes at Gwithian, from where you can also ride onto a huge sandy beach. It comes with 3.3 acres of land and, while it does not have its own outdoor arena, it does have lovely stables. It is also very close to excellent facilities at nearby Colraine Equestrian Centre, which is a centre for British Show Jumping and British Dressage.

4. Somerset £699,950 This property has been in the ownership of keen riders for the past 50 years. Warren Farm near Yeovil comes with five stables, a tack and feed room as well as 3.5 acres of land. The property is located at the heart of the popular village of Limington and includes a threebedroom farmhouse with great scope for modernisation.

6. South Hams, South Devon £650,000 This beautiful property comes with three acres of well fenced level pasture, all with post-and-rail fencing, water in every paddock and a well-appointed stable yard of six loose boxes. It is in a rural, yet extremely accessible location near Bickington in the South Hams. The main four-bedroom house is a stunning barn conversion.

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Is your equestrian property going to cost you more than it should? If you’re thinking of buying a home for yourself and your horses, there are ways of reducing your Stamp Duty Land Tax as you do so. Chartered Surveyor Lydia Cox of Stags Professional Services department considers the options

hen the change in Stamp Duty Land Tax structure came into force in 2014, it became more expensive to buy higher-end properties, a bracket which often includes equestrian properties. However, there could be ways to mitigate this tax liability by understanding the opportunities that may arise from the definition of your new equestrian home. The key question is whether the property is classified as residential or ‘mixed use’ property. Residential SDLT is paid on a residential property and the gardens and grounds. But when a property also comes with land that is considered to be outside the curtilage of the property and not integral to the amenity of the residential use, then the mixed use rates may apply. Typically equestrian properties could make use of this potential reduction, as non-residential assets may include grazing paddocks, farm land, agricultural buildings, stables, offices etc. The SDLT rates vary between these two use classifications. Buying the property will be significantly cheaper if you can prove it is eligible for mixed use rates, particularly when you are considering properties of £925,000 or above. This is also the case if the property you are buying is not going to be your primary residence as there is a surcharge of 3% on second residential homes, which is not applicable on mixed use properties. As an example of the savings that could be made, a property with a value of £1,200,000 would pay over £14,000 more in SDLT if the mixed use rate is not applied for. The residential SDLT would be £63,750 while the mixed use rate is £49,500. As property values increases, 8

this difference is greater: the saving on a £2 million property is £70,000. Each case is judged by HMRC on its merits and there is no concrete definition as to what constitutes a mixed use property. But if it can be proved that the property you are purchasing has both residential and non-residential elements then it should certainly be a consideration. There is great potential to reduce the tax liability on your property purchase significantly. However, it is the

responsibility of the purchaser - not the vendor - to prove the property is mixed use. So it is important to think about the evidence that can be provided to HMRC. Farm accounts, receipts for fertiliser, any leases or licences that may be in place are just a couple of suggestions that might help bolster the case. Lydia Cox is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Fellow of the Association of Agricultural Valuers. 01884 235701, l.cox@ stags.co.uk

SDLT RATE

RESIDENTIAL

NON RESIDENTIAL

SDLT RATE

£0-£125,000

£0 – £150,000

£125,001 – £250,000

£150,001 – £250,000

£250,001 – £925,000

Over £250,000

10%

£925,001 – £1,500,000

12%

Over £1,500,000 stags.co.uk

So your daughter wants a pony… Picture the scene. Your adorable daughter has had some riding lessons. She’s mastered the rising trot and popped over a few jumps. Now she wants her very own pony. What can possibly go wrong? Well, Georgia Prowse of Stags Truro has been there, done that and got the t-shirt (and the trailer, the new saddle and the event horse). Here she shares her experiences as mum to horse-mad Ruby, pictured, who is now 15.

Take your time when it comes to buying a pony The smaller the horse, the bigger the character. Little ponies, especially native breeds such as Shetlands and Dartmoors, have evolved to fend for themselves in harsh environments. As a result, they are full of intelligence and attitude, which doesn’t always make them the easiest of creatures to handle. Often, the best small ponies are never advertised and find new homes through word of mouth. Get involved in your local Pony Club branch and tell everyone you know you’re looking for a saint in equine form. Be very, very cautious when purchasing horses – it is much easier to buy them than to sell them.

Think hard about what sort of property you need As a rule, you’ll need an acre of land per horse and it’s also very handy to have a stable per horse, too. Plus you need to have drinking water to the field, hard standing for tacking up and grooming, somewhere dry to store hay/ straw and, perhaps, somewhere to park your trailer or lorry. Did I mention

you’ll probably end up buying one of for children to put in at least a year those, too? However, bear in mind of regular riding lessons beforehand, that horses are herd animals and best plus plenty of instruction on stable kept in company. Lonely ponies can management. The last thing you want behave in difficult ways and are often is to end up doing all the horsey chores very unhappy. So, yes, you might have yourself, now, is it? to think about getting Location is key TWO horses. Or, more When you’re buying realistically, how about your dream equine offering a home to home, think hard not just of someone to keep their You’ll find that the facilities in the property horse at your property? keeping your itself but where it is, too. If Their livery fees will help offset those equestrian own horses your child will want to do lots of hacking (going out into the bills, too. Well, some of involves a countryside for rides) then them... you’ll need safe access to lot of mud, Make sure your son rideable lanes, common land sweat and or daughter really or beaches. Beware narrow is as keen as they (occasionally) country roads with no verges, say they are which can be dangerous tears Keeping horses involves to ride horses along. If your a lot of mud, sweat and daughter, like mine, ends up (occasionally) tears. You need to be sure wanting to compete all over the South your child really will muck out stables, West and beyond, you’ll appreciate ride in the rain and clean that pricey good access to the West Country’s main saddle. If you do have a youngster who roads. I spend every weekend on the is that keen, congratulations - they will M5 these days. Not that I’m trying to put be busy and out of trouble throughout you off or anything. Have fun! their childhood and teens. Just to make Georgia Prowse is a sales negotiator sure, though, it is usually a good idea with Stags Truro: 01872 264488

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Back in the saddle Three years ago, Jemima Green, 29, was severely injured in a car crash, leaving her paralysed from the waist down. At the time, she was pursuing a career as a top event rider. Here, Jemima, who lives near Beaminster in West Dorset, explains how she is back in the saddle once again

emima says: I can’t remember I said as I regained consciousness much of the accident that changed was: “I suppose it will have to be the my life. Just flashbacks to a fleeting Paralympics now.” That focus, that moment of trying to get out of the car. reason to live and recover, was what Perhaps that is just as well. pulled me through, I am sure. At the time, I was 26 years old and Quite simply, horses have always been driving with three friends. my life ever since I got my All of them, like me, were little pony Dinky when I was keen equestrians. Our car two. Even though I woke up was hit head-on by a to find myself paralysed van coming the other from the waist down and Even though I way on our side of the in huge amounts of pain, road. My friend Louisa, I was determined to get woke up to find known as Lulu, was in the saddle again. myself paralysed back killed, as was the driver One doctor said that I had of the van. Everyone the worst spinal injury he and in huge involved suffered ever seen in someone amounts of pain, had injuries, many lifewho had survived an I was determined accident. Another simply changing. A passing motorist me to my face that I to get back in the told just happened to be would never ride again. saddle again a trained doctor and But I am slowly but he saved my life, right steadily proving that there on the side of the road. Not only doctor wrong. That ambition of riding at had my spinal cord suffered irreversible the Paralympics is no pipe dream. damage but the seat belt caused It’s not to say that progress has been massive abdominal trauma. It was touch easy. Far from it. Losing my dear friend and go for quite a while and, in all, I was Lulu was heartbreaking beyond words. nine weeks in intensive care, surgery She worked as a professional groom and rehabilitation. and was a wonderful rider with a bright My parents, James and Bernadette, future ahead of her. And our other two remember that one of the first things friends, while not as severely injured as 10

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me, have been affected by the crash and its aftermath. Both are professional event riders. For my part, I’m so grateful that my family has been able to support me so wholeheartedly. My parents have always been right behind me in my riding career and they still are today. My father, James, is a retired partner at Stags. I grew up in the countryside on Exmoor and, later on, in Dorset. Since the accident, Mum and Dad have helped me with daily living, taking me to appointments and encouraging me during my bad days. There have been tough times. I suffer from anxiety and have been through depression after the accident. But my family and my horses are what got me through. And in the past year, my new partner Cameron has also given me a lot of support and confidence. Cameron, who works in land management, loves horses and is always happy to jump in when I need more help. He also provides a lot of laughs and comedy along the way. Of course, I had to reassess my ambitions. Jumping was not going to be possible but could I compete in dressage? I was fortunate enough to be offered, via the charity Riding for the

PADDOCK PERFECTION If you’re looking for a home with horses, then Lower Colley Farm in Somerset might be the perfect place for you.

Disabled, the chance to try a calm, kind horse called Pandora. The day I first rode her was one of the most emotional moments of this whole process. I had feelings of excitement, worry and happiness but also huge frustration. It took four people to get me on board and make sure I was safe, while being led around an arena at a sedate walk. It brought home to me just how much of a mountain I had to climb - gone were the days of me soaring over enormous cross country jumps. This was my new reality. I admit, I shed some tears. But I was determined to make this new life as a para rider work. Since that landmark day I have continued riding, building up to three or four times a week. I also do lots of rehabilitation including swimming, gym, Pilates and physiotherapy. There is a handle on my saddle and my legs are strapped on with Velcro. I use my voice, my balance and two schooling whips to control the horse. I write about riding on my website and include videos, photos and lots of the stories along the way. This may sound

strange but I’m much more bonded with my horses since the accident. I’m a better rider - I have to be, as I put so much trust in them. Bubbles, a beautiful grey Connemara, gave me so much confidence. She and I even competed against able-bodied riders in a dressage competition - and came third! I now have a new horse, Diamanti, aged six, who is so talented. I have high hopes for our partnership. My former horses are not suited to para riding but I watch their progress with pride. I’ve bred a foal called Diego from my beloved mare Ellie, who shows great promise. He is being educated as a para horse from day one and is already so good around my electric wheelchair. I’m hoping what I do will inspire others. The one thing I have learned is that, no matter what life throws your way, you just have to work out a new path to reach your goals. I know that, no matter how hard it may be, I can still live life to the full and do the things that make me happy. And horses will always be a part of that. www.jgparadressage.com stags.co.uk

Currently run as a thriving livery yard, this attractive equestrian smallholding is set in the heart of the Blackdown Hills in superb riding country. The main house is a four-bedroom detached property and comes with nearly 16 acres of land. There is a good range of equestrian buildings, providing up to 12 stables plus yard and tackroom. What is more, there is a full-size riding manege with power and lighting, The property is located on the outskirts of the village of Buckland St Mary and is to be found down a long track shared with the neighbouring farm. It is six miles from the historic town of Ilminster and seven miles from the county town of Taunton, which has a good range of shopping and leisure facilities plus some excellent independent schools. The land is divided into individual paddocks with areas of woodland. The outdoor manege (23 metres x 36 metres) is constructed of silicone sand with post and rail fencing to two sides providing easy access to the surrounding fields. It is floodlit with a power output. As well as 12 stables, there are excellent facilities in terms of a feed store, rug store, tack rooms and covered yard area. Lower Colley Farm is on the market for £695,000 with Stags Taunton. For details visit stags.co.uk web find 93485 or call 01823 256625 11

A dream home for horses Guy Parsons of Stags looks back on selling a delightful equestrian property in the West Country

n the spring of At that stage, the house was little 2017, this wonderful more than a wreck and they restored equestrian property it to a high standard throughout. The went on the market renovations included adding a spacious with Stags Wadebridge kitchen extension with a handsome office. beamed ceiling and an Aga. The family The property is a traditional Cornish had enjoyed many years of riding from stone farmhouse with four acres of the property but were now moving to land. With two good quality the South East to be near stables, a large multitheir grandchildren. purpose farm building and Here at Stags, we were a stable yard with hard pleased to win the standing right by the What really made instruction to sell the house, it was perfect for property, not least this property anyone who wanted to because the vendor was keep a couple of horses special is the fact himself a retired estate at home. agent from Sussex. We that you can ride were delighted that he What really made this property special, though, straight out of the chose our agency to is the fact that you could his home and, stable yard onto market ride straight out of the after consulting with stable yard and onto 80 square miles of him and his wife, we the 80 square miles of marketed the property Bodmin Moor Bodmin Moor. Some of for ÂŁ650,000. the best hacking in the The property attracted whole of the West Country is literally on a brisk number of viewings and a lot of the doorstep. interest from the equestrian community. The vendors had bought it many years Within three months of going on the before from an elderly lady who was market, it achieved full asking price. more or less living in a single room. Stags Wadebridge 01208 222333 12

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You can be sure to sell well through Stags Here at Stags, our dedicated Equestrian department has a wealth of experience in marketing properties with horse-appeal. Our sale highlights in the past 12 months include these wonderful homes, which all found new owners through Stags 1. West Dorset With 17 acres and four stables, this charming property sits in the most glorious countryside for riding, with spectacular views from the property across the West Dorset hills. The house has four bedrooms and comes with a variety of sizeable outbuildings. The purchasers came from the Midlands 2. West Devon This superb property near Beaworthy comes with ten acres of pasture and six of woodland. As well as a beautiful three-bedroom house, there is topnotch accommodation for the horses too, including a modern purpose-built stable block, large outdoor turnout area with woodchip underfoot and a 20 x 40 metre outdoor arena. The new owners came from the South East and were keen to make a lifestyle move to the South West. The property sold off a guide price of £725,000.

and found their new home using a search agent, as they found visiting to the area frequently for house-hunting was not getting them the required result and involved too much travel. The transaction ran smoothly despite there being a lengthy chain. The property sold off a guide price of £950,000.

3. Somerset This superb equestrian property near Shepton Mallet includes a refurbished six-bedroom characterful farmhouse. It comes with a separate one-bedroom cottage, four large stables, an outdoor arena and 4.5 acres. The property was put on the market for £700,000 and attracted lots of attention from many potential purchasers. A sale was soon agreed to a local buyer with equestrian interests who became the new owner September 2017.

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4. Near Exeter, Devon Despite being very close to the city of Exeter, this property near Pinhoe has outstanding equestrian facilities. The 16 acres of land are level and wellcared-for with post-and-rail fencing. It has a stable yard of eight loose boxes, two foaling boxes, a tack room, workshop and store. The house itself is a real showstopper – an individual contemporary house with five bedrooms and six reception rooms, four bathrooms plus a gym. It sold in the summer of 2017 off a guide price of £1,150,000.

5. Near Truro, Cornwall Surrounded by its own land and privately situated in the popular area of Penstraze, this property comes with just over five acres of land, a stable yard, stables and useful outbuildings. The house itself has five bedrooms and is south-facing. As well as three excellent stables, there is a large open-fronted livestock shed and a modern outdoor arena. The property is within easy commuting distance of Truro and sold off a guide price of £650,000.

6. Mid Devon This period five-bedroom farmhouse in the Creedy Valley was offered for sale for the first time in more than 100 years. It came with 4.3 acres of land including paddocks and an orchard. The vendors were keen riders and the house came with an excellent manege, as well as a convenient stable yard right next to the house. It sold off a guide price of £595,000.

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It’s never too late to start The joy of adult riding camps, by Becky Sheaves

never made it to on foot, with a lead rein in my hand attached to a Dartmoor pony. Pony Club camp as a child, despite being Was I ever going to get a chance to go horse-mad. Borrowed to riding camp myself, I wondered. Well, ponies were the best a few years ago, after a bit of googling, I could manage back I had an epiphany. Us grown-ups then. And manage I did, mind you. It are actually able to attend one of the is amazing how brave a pony-passion increasing number of adult riding camps can make you in terms of marching up on offer all over the South West. to strangers’ doors, banging on them My first such venture was to Pontispool and demanding to ride the horse that Equine Sports Centre in Norton you’ve spotted in a field. But getting said Fitzwarren, Somerset. I’ll admit, I was borrowed horse into a trailer for a week nervous. I’d only had my new horse, at camp? Well, that was most definitely Dusty, for a few months. In fact, I’d done beyond all my organisational skills aged nothing but potter round the lanes near 13. my house and hadn’t jumped So when my own children her since trying her out before I started riding, I could not bought her. In a panic, I rang up have been keener for them the week before and tried to to have the opportunity cancel. “You’ll be fine,” the I’ll admit, I to do all the equestrian assured me. was nervous. owner activities that I dreamed of You know what? I was. Dusty I’d only had and I tried showjumping, when I was a youngster. Many a day did I spend cross country jumps, riding my new with the other Pony through water, galloping in horse, Dusty, open country. In a weekend, Club mums on the cross country course at Bicton our partnership came on a for a few Arena in East Devon, year. months where our local branch And it was all with a friendly holds its camps. And, in group of horse-mad people many ways, I did finally who were of very similar ability get the authentic Pony Club camp to me (I should say, I am invariably - and experience this way. I certainly cleaned happily - in the lowest ability group of a lot of tack, sat through some very every camp I attend). We even entered interesting lectures and mucked out a little show at the end of the camp and the stable to the required Pony Club won a rosette! For jumping! Astonishing. standard. Which, I soon learned, is Indeed, everything I achieved at that first considerably higher than my own camp took on a legendary status in my standard. I even got to jump quite a lot mind. So much so that, when I returned too. Except I was clearing the fences the following summer, I was startled to 16

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see that the huge downhill drop I’d boasted about jumping the year before was in fact just a tiny little step. A toddler could have jumped down it. Today, riding camp is firmly fixed on my annual calendar. It’s just about the most fun weekend of the year and I look forward to it like a kid waiting for Christmas. Or, indeed, a kid waiting for Pony Club Camp. I can thoroughly recommend Pontispool, which I’ve visited several times. More recently, I’ve also discovered a Cornishbased business called Equestrian Camps South West, which runs fun camps all over the region. Last year, I went along to a three-day camp they hold at Bicton Arena. And, finally, my dreams completely came true. Here was I, having fun on the cross country course at Bicton. Me, not my kids. Big thanks to my husband, by the way, for holding the fort when I make my annual disappearance. I’m off again to the same camp once more this summer. I truly can’t wait. And my own sons? Well, now aged 16 and 13, neither one of them has been on a horse for years. You can overdo things, I learn, in terms of giving kids everything – pony, trailer, lessons, camps – on a plate. Perhaps a little bit of a struggle makes you appreciate things more? One thing is for sure, the long, long wait to make it to Pony Club was certainly worth it for me. Becky Sheaves is the Marketing Manager of Stags

Keep your paddocks fit for purpose Simon Borthwick of Mole Valley Farmers explains how looking after your turnout keeps your horse both happy and healthy

eeping horses from barbed wire or other inappropriate healthy is a comboundaries, then electric fencing can be bination of looking a flexible and cost-effective choice. For after both their physical those who want the greenest option, and mental health. there are solar-powered electric fencAbsolutely key to both ing units, although these might need a aspects is turnout. In an battery boost during the greyer days of ideal world, you should aim for padthe year. White tape is a good option for docks which are suitably fenced, have horses, rather than thin wire, as they are neither too little nor too much more likely to see and respect grass, no weeds or hazards this as a boundary. and can be used throughout To the layman all grasses might the year. look alike but the type needs Owners On paper this all sounds to be appropriate for horses. straightforward. But, as any With so much in the equine these days horse owner will tell you, press about overweight increasingly horses these days, owners making all this happen takes both planning and effort increasingly understand the understand throughout the year. need to keep equines fit not the need to fat. Laminitis and Cushing’s First, let’s look at fencing. Most sorts of wire fencing keep equines Disease – now referred to pose problems for the horse as Pituitary Pars Intermedia fit not fat owner as wire can cause Dysfunction (PPID) - are just serious injuries if a horse two of the life-limiting condibecomes entangled. The tions which require restricted ideal choice is probably wooden post grazing. Overweight horses and ponies and rail, which has the added bonus of are a direct result of overfeeding and/or enhancing an equestrian property. Howlack of exercise, so appropriate turnout, ever, it is not always possible or affordawhere horses can keep active without ble. If you’re on rented ground, want to overeating, is vital. restrict grazing or to keep horses away Equine pasture needs to be hard-wear-

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ing and grasses should have high levels of fibre to support a healthy gut. For small ponies, which are particularly prone to weight gain, Mole Valley Farmers’ Pony Paddock Grass Seed Ley contains grass varieties specifically selected for high roughage and low sugar content to reduce risk of laminitis. These grasses also have strong root systems, making a hard-wearing and persistent sward and with a low growth point, which recovers readily after close grazing by horses. Once you have your optimum sward in place, don’t forget to roll your fields in the spring and, if necessary, fertilise them. However, using standard agriculture-grade 20.10.10 fertiliser would cause overly long, lush grass – laminitis in the making! Instead, we recommend Mole Valley Farmers’ Horse and Pony Paddock fertiliser, which gives a slower, more natural boost to pasture. For all your equestrian needs, for field, stable, horse or rider, please visit your local Mole Valley Farmers stores – loved by farmers but open to all! Order online and find your nearest branch at molevalleyfarmers.com or call 01769 728689

PHOTO: Lisa Wood

Dreams can come true When Deborah Rusden’s beloved horse Lemon Twist broke her leg aged five, she was advised to have her put to sleep. Instead, 18 months of patient treatment saw a complete recovery. And this summer, Deborah qualified her ‘horse of a lifetime’ for the Mitsubishi Motors Cup at this year’s Badminton Horse Trials. The results were simply astonishing…

eborah says: As I drove the lorry veteran in the competition. She is my up alongside the cross country best friend. I can honestly say, I’d be lost course at Badminton, my mare without her. Lemon caught sight of the jumps out When she had her injury, aged five, she of the window. She began to whinny somehow managed to smash one of the with excitement, so delighted to be at a two splint bones in her hind leg and also competition again. fracture her cannon bone. It happened I just hoped she wouldn’t injure herself in the field, I’ll never know how. But at as she danced around in 2.30pm that afternoon, I just the lorry. Lemon has had knew something was wrong with more than her fair share her. I rushed back from work of accidents and health and there she was, pouring problems over the years. Imagine my blood. I tied my coat round Imagine my astonishment, leg to staunch the blood astonishment her then, to find myself at the as best I could, then walked to find myself her in from the field holding end of the competition in front of Badminton House the lead rein in my teeth. in front of with a rosette in my hand. The vet advised me that she Badminton Out of 132 starters, Lemon might never recover. I should and I came fourth overall. House holding have her put to sleep. But I Not bad for a horse who said no, I think she’ll make it. a rosette came back from a leg It was snowy weather but I injury so bad that the vets loaded her into our lorry and advised me to have her drove all the way up from put to sleep. Cornwall to a top equine vet practice in But then, Lemon is the horse of a Devon for surgery. I would not give up lifetime. What is more, as I approach my on her without trying everything first. half century, I managed to win the Carry It took 18 months of box rest and On Kicking trophy for the highest placed treatment for her to recover and I can 18

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really recommend Grand Meadows supplements which helped literally get her back on her feet – she still takes them today. And when I flew round that cross country course at Badminton, I knew it was worth it. The thing about Lemon is, she is so reliable. She will jump anything that I ask her. She’s one in a million, she really is. In all the time I have had her, I’ve never had a fault on her in cross country and Badminton was no exception. We went clear, over every sort of jump from the water complex to the coffin. We also went clear in the showjumping. Dressage was a tiny bit disappointing as I felt she was a bit stiff but still we got a score of 32. When I discovered we’d been placed, I was just so surprised and so proud of her. Lemon was bred out of an Irish Draft mare named Molly and a Wetherby’s stallion with Mill Reef lines. All I wanted was a nice competition horse for myself. I named her Lemon Twist because, as she came out of her mum, she looked at me and pulled a nasty face, putting her ears flat back. I was going to call her Bitter Lemon but I thought that

was going a bit far! To this day - she’s 11 now - she’s not a cuddly mare. But Lemon and I are very close. In the run-up to Badminton, things didn’t go exactly smoothly for our preparation. I’m very lucky that my neighbours, Aly and John Gaisford, allow me to use their school as I haven’t got one of my own. Lemon just lives in a field alongside our dairy herd. But when it came to it, I barely had a chance to practise anyway. A month before the competition in early May 2018, I found Lemon with her injured hind leg so swollen you could not see her hock or pastern. The vet feared the worst – if the other splint bone had broken, then that really would have been the end of my Badminton dreams. But fortunately it was just badly bruised. Next followed two weeks of compulsory box rest – no exercise at all. That took me up to less than two weeks before Badminton. My vet told me to do lots of walking - and nothing else - to get her fit. In ten days, under the vet’s instructions, I walked her 140 miles, 14 miles a day. I had to take time off from my job as a mental health trainer to do hours in the saddle every day. I was shattered! So she and I arrived at Badminton having not done a cross-country competition for eight months and with absolutely no opportunity to practise at all. I wasn’t nervous though, because I didn’t feel under any pressure to perform. I just wanted to get round and

ON THE MARKET NOW enjoy the whole occasion. So what does the future hold now? Well, Lemon and I have several more competitions over the summer and she is on fine form. I also own her half brother, Dennis, who is just four years old and is coming on very nicely – he recently came sixth at the Bath and West Show in the Blue Chip Registered Irish Draft Challenge. He’s pure-bred Irish Draft and I aim to compete him as a working hunter. My next ambition is to see Dennis at the Horse of the Year show. And why not? After all, the one thing owning Lemon has taught me is that equestrian dreams really do sometimes come true.

Horse lovers, form an orderly queue. This beautiful small country estate comes with stunning purpose-built stables plus just over 43 acres of land Bridge Farm at Bridge Reeve sits in an idyllic valley in Mid Devon with wonderful views and riding country all around. The main farmhouse is stunningly presented. It has four/ five bedrooms and a wealth of period features as it dates back to the 16th century, including a wood-panelled cross-passage and beamed ceilings. There is a two-bedroom annexe as well as a two-bedroom detached barn, all beautifully renovated. This offers the opportunity for several generations to live together at the property or for it to be run as a successful holiday letting business. The farm is two miles from the small town of Chulmleigh and the market town of South Molton is 11 miles away. The cathedral city of Exeter is 25 miles to the south. Dartmoor, Exmoor, the North Devon coast and the Cornish border are all within about an hour’s drive. The land includes an orchard and meadow, pastureland and ancient deciduous woodland with water running through. With the chance to see your horses in the stable or grazing peacefully right outside your home, this really is an equestrian paradise. Bridge Farm is on the market for £1,350,000 with Stags Barnstaple. For details visit stags.co.uk web find 863229 or call 01271 322833.

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The importance of vetting Robert Hanson of St David’s Equine Practice explains what to expect from a pre-purchase examination when buying a new horse

hen buying a house, there is plenty of advice available from financial advisors, estate agents and solicitors, all of whom will support you through that big purchase. But who helps when you want to buy a horse or pony? That’s when you need advice from a qualified veterinary surgeon. It’s important to get your purchase right, since a well-mannered horse that appears perfect may have underlying health conditions which are only identified during a pre-purchase examination (PPE). These examinations are carried out on all types of horses and ponies, ranging from family pets to elite performance horses. The examination is always conducted on behalf of the buyer and is tailored to that purchaser’s needs. Indeed, the vendor is not entitled to know the findings of any examination, unless agreed with the prospective purchaser. For this reason, an independent vet other than the vendor’s vet should be used, so that impartiality is maintained. A vet must disclose to the purchaser if they have attended the horse before or if the vendor is known to the vet. 20

Veterinary surgeons typically only purchase. The type of PPE carried out undertake PPEs after an extended may also affect equine insurance. For period within clinical practice and so you example, if the horse is to be insured for are paying for the very best, more than £5,000, then a full most experienced advice. PPE will often be required by There are two types of PPE, the insurance company. a full pre-purchase exam When scheduling a PPE, A horse that discuss fully with the vet and a limited pre-purchase exam. The latter is suitable your intended use for the appears for non-ridden or unhandled horse/pony, since the vet perfect horses. A full PPE consists will make a more informed of five stages: a full clinical decision based on the may have examination including the information you provide. underlying eyes and heart; an initial trot The PPE is intended to up with flexion and lunge health help you make an informed on a firm surface; ridden purchase, to avoid nasty conditions exercise and a period of surprises and unwanted rest during which a blood costs. The vet is there to sample is taken. Then there is a final act in your interests and help you make trot up, which includes a repeat of any the right decision. Owning a horse is tests the vet wishes to see again or really rewarding but, much like buying a any additional tests requested by the property, you want to make sure things purchaser such as X-rays or endoscopy. aren’t falling apart before you buy. If As well as providing a professional you’re buying a horse then there is no opinion on the health and suitability of doubt the PPE will be the best £200your intended purchase, a PPE may 300 you’ll spend. also be required for insurance purposes. Robert Hanson is a member of In the same way that many mortgage the British Equine Veterinary providers will not finance a property Association, based at St David’s without a building survey, some horse Equine Veterinary Practice in insurers will not insure a horse unless it Exmouth, Devon. 01392 876622 has had at least a limited PPE prior to stdavids-equine.co.uk stags.co.uk

Planning for success Alister King-Smith of Stags takes a look at planning issues and how they can impact on equestrian property owners

any rural propof your land. erty owners will In addition, if you intend to use existcome into coning agricultural buildings as stabling a tact with the planning change of use should also be sought. system at some point. It is not uncommon to find that stables Love it or loathe it, most which were originally granted planning people would agree that permission for private use are later planning can be a maze for the average required for an equine business activity, person to navigate. In land use terms, such as livery. However, local councils equestrian activities are not dissimilar to have been known to put a planning agriculture but the planning system sees condition on private stables preventing things rather differently. such a use, which may need addressing Planners differentiate between six difbefore a livery business can be started. ferent types of horse, ranging New structures such as stafrom the racehorse to the recbles, sand schools, external reational horse. Of the six, the lighting columns and even working horse, the grazing permanent jumps all need Stables, horse and the meat animal planning consent. Furtherare considered ‘agricultural’. while not strictly a sand schools more, In planning terms, these planning matter, nearly all and even animals are indistinguishable stables that are used for from sheep, cattle and other commercial purposes will be permanent livestock kept for agricultural subject to business rates. jumps all purposes. One exception where planHowever, for most need planning ning permission may not horse-lovers, the focus will be required for stabling is consent be on recreational horses where the stable is a mobile and equestrian businesses. structure. To benefit from If you plan to keep horses this exclusion the stable for any other purpose other than the needs to be truly mobile, such as being three agricultural exceptions, it may well on skids or wheels, and actually moved. be that to do so you need to apply for Even then, if the field the stable is in is planning permission for ‘change of use’ used for anything other than grazing

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(such as jumping or schooling) then planning permission for a change of use of the land would be required. In the past, many council planning departments used to be less than encouraging of development to support equine activities. However there has, in recent years, been a gradual acceptance that, with evolving land use patterns, equine activity is an important part of a thriving countryside. But it is still important to consider issues such as landscape impact, ecology, highways (especially for business use). In certain cases, if the scale and nature of a business dictates, it may be possible to get planning permission for a dwelling, or in the case of a new business a temporary dwelling to support the activity. A case has to be fully justified so that the need to be resident on site can be shown and it must be demonstrated that the business is - or will be - financially sound. In all cases, I would advise thinking ahead. Sometimes I find that people’s plans, especially in the case of equestrian businesses, are constrained by a factor outside of their control such as the highway network. Taking advice early on can help avoid many of these problems. Alister King-Smith is Stags Head of Planning 01392 439046 A.King-Smith@stags.co.uk

How can we help you? Stags has been serving the South Westâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural and equestrian community since 1874. Here is a taste of what the Stags Agriculture departments can offer: LIVESTOCK SALES

Stags has three livestock markets at South Molton, Honiton and Tavistock. Our Agriculture team also runs on-site farm sales and sells livestock by private treaty from farm to farm. Our agricultural sales include sheep, cattle, breeding stock and dairy cattle and poultry, as well as machinery and farming implements. In addition, Stags regularly holds specialist collective auctions and undertakes sales for a variety of vendors selling a wide range of products, including building equipment, tools, garage and automobilia, classic cars, horticultural equipment and household effects. For details contact Chris Clapham and Harvey Pile on 01769 572042 and email auctions@stags.co.uk

ON SITE SALES

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

With 140 years of experience in auctions and sales, Stags is the leading firm of agricultural auctioneers in the West Country. Stags offers a complete On Site Sales service and we market sales extensively through our website (stags. co.uk), the Stags Agri Facebook page (with more than 4,000 followers) and in print in local papers, ensuring that every sale attracts the greatest number of buyers. Our West Country Sales Centre, conveniently sited near the M5 in Mid Devon, is our base for holding machinery and other sales in a purposebuilt secure facility with hard standing and convenient delivery and collection times. For details contact Chris Clapham and Harvey Pile on 01769 572042 and email auctions@stags.co.uk 22

Stags Professional Services is a highlyqualified team of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualified chartered surveyors, RICS Registered valuers and dedicated planning specialists. Our surveyors have a wealth of experience over a wide range of property issues, including planning, valuations, land and estate management, and grant applications. Our Professional Services department takes pride in its reputation and the trust that is placed in our expertise, to achieve the best results for our clients. Contact Stags Professional department: Exeter 01392 439046; Launceston 01566 771808; Tiverton 01884 235701; Wellington 01823 653424 and email professional@ stags.co.uk stags.co.uk

Delivering complete veterinary care to your stable Supported by superb diagnostic and treatment facilities at our clinic

Dedicated equine practice with a 30 year history of care across the South West

Nutwell Estate, Lympstone, Exmouth, Devon Telephone: +44 (0)1392 876622 â&#x20AC;˘ www.stdavids-equine.co.uk

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Barnstaple 01271 322833

Kingsbridge 01548 853131

Tiverton 01884 235705

Bideford 01237 425030

Launceston 01566 774999

Torquay 01803 200160

Bridport 01308 428000

Okehampton 01837 659420

Totnes 01803 865454

Dartmouth 01803 835336

Plymouth 01752 223933

Truro 01872 264488

Dulverton 01398 323174

South Molton 01769 572263

Wadebridge 01208 222333

Exeter 01392 255202

Taunton 01823 256625

Wellington 01823 662822

Honiton 01404 45885

Tavistock 01822 612458

Yeovil 01935 475000

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