Equestrian

Equestrian An eventer with a real passion for promoting local brands

By Jade Leahy

Gemma Gilbert is a 23-yearold local eventer from Yeovil. Gemma started riding aged six at a local riding school and began showing at Bath and West showground aged ten, riding a lovely Mountain Moorland pony in shows and championships around the country. She progressed to her own loan horse aged 15, which was the start of her love for eventing. Gemma bought her first horse Connor, or Apache Blue, a skewbald tabiona gelding tb/cob when she was 18 and as an apprentice engineer, she By our equestrian columnist Charlotte Williams 2020 was certainly a very different year in the horse world. Although there have been few opportunities to compete or train, I do realise how lucky I am to be able to hack out in the beautiful countryside, which is a privilege and a pleasure. Where Flek and I are stabled, the hacking is fairly good and most of the bridleways are well sign-posted with good access. However there are plenty of bridleways which are neglected and a number of gates which have seen better days. Serious gymnastic skills and a very well-behaved steed are a must in order to open and close them. Flek and I ventured out the was able to fund his upkeep herself. She found him via a local Facebook page, after a successful vetting and trial, their partnership was formed, Con is now 12 and their partnership has gone from strength to strength – 17 years on Gemma’s love of riding and eventing endures although they other day, following a path across a field. I was about confronted by a herd of inquisitive young cattle. Now I think I can speak for most horse riders when I say this is absolutely no fun at all! I understand riders, ramblers and dog walkers cannot expect to roam these paths uninterrupted, however a sign on a gate would be a are yet to have a full season due to Con sustaining an injury and now the restrictions of covid-19. Gemma and Con also ride for Taunton District Riding Club. Although Gemma says their favourite and strongest phase is cross country, he skewbald has a bold and brave heart and also loves show jumping, and their dressage is really improving. Between lockdowns Gemma and Con competed at the BRC Arena Eventing National Qualifiers at Bicton Arena and Novice winter dressage at KSEC achieving a first and national qualification, 5 and a team 6th in big competitive forearmed. Most horse riders have to cross roads to reach the bridleways these days, as development has resulted in a loss of land. Most drivers in Dorset are courteous and kind, however there are a few drivers who show no consideration and I cannot understand why they don’t slow down and give the horse plenty of room when they pass. Horses can spook easily and dressage classes. Gemma and Con display team spirit both on and off the competition field, championing local brands that she truly believes in and that have helped her, and Con. Gemma and Con are known for their support of local brands as much as for their obsession with the colour purple and are brand ambassadors for several local brands including HiHo Silver, Vinyl Vision, Fruitbat Textiles, 3 Donkeys Clothing and Touch of Tweed. You can follow their journey and their product recommendations via social media and their blog at

Road safety and manners important

halfway across – at the point of no return – when we were huge help – forewarned is gemeventing.com their reactions cannot always be judged. I always try to avoid busy roads, particularly on a young or nervous horse, however some of the fastest drivers I have encountered have been on rural lanes. In this situation it is vital to remain calm and acknowledge any driver who shows consideration – even if your horse is doing the Highland Fling! Riders can play their part too. A nod of the head or grimace that passes as a smile can usually be managed. Riders must also take their own safety precautions –high visibility clothing and a hat are a must, along with insurance, which is readily available through several organisations. And there are plenty of BHS Ride and Road Safety courses. I know we live in a densely populated and busy world, but dare I say it? Kindness costs nothing.

Equestrian Farming’s loss is cross country’s gain

By Jade Leahy

The farming industry faces many challenges and British farmers are among the most resilient and innovative businessmen. Stour Cross County training course is an example of rural innovation. Kevin and Paul Maitland were North Dorset farmers who made the decision to diversify from a dairy and arable farming to equestrian services 20 years ago. Stour XC is set in 12 acres and complements their livery and storage business. The cross-country course was the innovation of owner Paul Maitland’s late mother, with winter grazing earning limited income, it created a more viable purpose for the site. Planning permission obtained, course development could begin in earnest. The course was designed by leading course builder Adrian Ditchman of DHS equestrian, who also designed the course layout for London 2012. In the same year, Paul and a team of dedicated course builders laid the foundations for their new cross country training course, arduously laying the first sleepers in thick snow, two months on, the first version of Stour XC training course was open to riders. Today, Stour comprises of 50 jumps and eight permanent features including the new chair fence, skinny brush, a training bank, wooden steps and two ditches. The course layout changes annually and added. The course allows a for a maximum of six riders on the course and six riders in the warm-up area, with six sessions offered per day to avoid overcrowding; and riders can ride for up to 1.5 hours per session. Four years ago, the former grazing land underwent another innovative development, and once again a family member was the driving force. Paul’s young niece wanted to take part in cross country but was deterred by the height of the jumps. This led the family to ensure that Stour was able to offer XC fun for riders of all ages and abilities, in the form of the ‘Mini Stour’. The Mini-Stour runs alongside the main course and offers replica 30 CMS fences, even a fake ditch for young riders, beginners or those who are nervous. Stour ensures that it offers riders an enhanced experience, providing high standard WC facilities, refreshment facilities, a course map. The online booking service, enables riders to book at short notice. Stour XC is currently closed due to covid19 restrictions, but they will be ready to welcome you back on the other side of lockdown. Stour is the course for you if you want to get your horse competition fit, introduce pony clubbers to the exhilaration of XC, show your youngster the ropes, or if you’re nervous rider or or a beginner who wants to give cross county a try. Sessions are available from 8.30am to 6pm at £25 per 90minute session, or £20 per session for those aged 16 and under. Clubs/instructors should contact Stour XC directly, for availability and prices for group bookings. EQUINE CLASSIFIEDS

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