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ABOUT US |
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Downlands Equestrian was formed in 2000 on an 1000 acre farm crying out for a 2nd enterprise in an age where Arable Farming alone is non-sustainable. Victor Sidford, the farmer/owner, with the help of Lucinda Stokes, a local Small Business Consultant who had ridden all her life and was immediately able to see the potential of this wonderful location, nestling on the edge of some of Wiltshire’s finest Downland.
Schooling her own horses, Lucinda had to travel at least an hour in any direction and so was borne the Downlands XC schooling concept and in 1999 work started to create what has become one of the finest Cross Country Schooling courses in the South of England. A massive water complex is a central feature of the course but much of its appeal is down to the wide range of fences – starting at 2ft though to 3ft 9” with a mixture of banks, steps, ditches, corners, “skinnies” and some very sensible basic fences to gain both rider and horse’s confidence. We have an ongoing policy of maintaining and adding to what we offer and plan to have something to offer almost year round.
Downlands has been delighted to have an association with and to sponsor William Fox Pitt who says “Downlands is able to offer precisely what I look for in a schooling ground – the XC fences are designed to give confidence to horses and the clever progression of small to larger fences are ideal. The water complex is outstanding. The all-weather landings and take-offs mean that I can safely work the horses in almost all conditions. The addition of the early spring course has meant that my youngsters are able to get good schooling early in the season, even the more experienced enjoyed a “pop” in preparation for the Season. The outdoor arena has proved a bonus too as I often choose to Showjump as well as XC school my horses during my visits. Lucinda, Kerrie and Victor’s enthusiasm and vision for the future is great and I am delighted to have such good quality facilities to do much of my groundwork and training.”
Developing Downlands has been a gradual process, starting with 6 stables we now have a yard of 38 run under the watchful supervision of Kerrie Pinnell. Ideally located, with access to the most fabulous rides, limited roads and the fantastic facilities Downlands offers makes it an ideal base for horse and rider. All the stables are large, airy with the added bonus of plenty of storage space.
Both the Indoor and Outdoor Schools are well used and popular with local Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs and the very recent addition of “Snaffles Equestrian”, a tack shop also selling basic refreshments has added to the popularity of the location. Added to this accommodation above the shop means a massive improvement to security on the site with knowledgable staff living in. Our wide area for easy parking and large lines of wash down pipes have proved another good reason to make use of all of our facilities
Year on year we continue to develop Downlands and the addition of a horse walker in the summer of 2005 will add to the extensive facilities for the liveries. We have more plans and ideas and hope those of you who have been coming since we opened have seen and enjoyed what we have achieved thus far and that you will continue to visit us.
Lucinda Stokes
Project Manager
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