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I suppose you can trace the germ of the idea back to childhood. Barbara was then being brought up in Germany and Summer Holidays meant getting out into the country and being around horses. As Barbara lived in Celle, a large town near Hannover, the opportunities for the rest of the year were limited. However there was a nearby famous Riding School, so you can see where the passion came from. Many years later (we won't say how many) when Barbara moved to a larger property in Kent with a little bit of land, she went down to the New Forest and bought (rescued) Leilah. Leilah was a wild New Forest pony and they do not think she has ever been really fully 'tamed'. She still has a stubborn streak - maybe she gets it from her owner! When she moved to Burrough in 1994, there was a lot more land and Barbara started 'collecting' horses and ponies. Not only Leilah but Busby, McKenzie, Kestrel, Worzel, Mischief, Zena, Strawberry, Spice and Pinky - to say nothing of the Shetlands. Only Leilah and the Shetlands have stayed over the years, but Pinky did have a foal Perquenia. Barbara became friendly with Lorna and Kelvin Pettifor at White house Farm when Lorna moved there. They both soon started to discuss starting a Livery business on the farm. There was plenty of land and stabling for the horses. In 1999 they both started 'White Horse Liveries'. However Lorna and Kelvin.s decision to move to France somewhat threw a rock in the pool. Fortunately a chance discussion with Peter Widdowson led to more detailed discussions about leasing some of the land and buildings on Owston Lodge Farm opposite White House Farm. The Widdowsons had coincidentally decided at this time, early 2000, to exit Dairy Farming with John also deciding to retire. Both parties were agreeable to the concept and the decision was made to apply to Harborough District Council for permission for change of use. This was granted in late 2000 and the new business started. When Barbara first saw the barn - full of cow sh"" - she saw it as it was going to be. The old cow stations were pulled out, the floor was levelled, partitions installed (they came from Barleythorpe Stud) and the indoor area was surfaced. This all happened so quickly it was unbelievable! The first customers invaded the new premises in February 2001. The rest as they say is history. Barbara's daughter Jaime joined the business after leaving school in 2004 and they have both managed the great atmosphere together since then. A new outdoor manege and stabling in the lean to were quickly added and the site now has capacity for over 30 horses with others on grass livery. In 2010 clients started a Riding Club on the site and membership is steadily growing with members actively involved in going to local Riding Club events. Go to www.owstonridingclub.co.uk for more information. The Equestrian Centre is also a Pony Club site with lots of enthusiatic members and special events. See the Pony Club page on this website.

Owston Lodge Equestrian Centre, Marefield Lane, Burrough on the Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. LE14 2QX Tel: 01664 454520 Email: info@owstonlodgeequestrian.co.uk

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