#HARRYHALLHEROES
15,400 votes later we have crowned the three winners of a 12-month Harry Hall support package
The venue, yard and club nominations were whittled down from 3,243 entries to a shortlist of 15
15,400 votes later we have crowned the three winners of a 12-month Harry Hall support.
And the winners are:
Favourite Venue – Lincomb Equestrian
Favourite Yard – Top Barn Horsemanship Centre
Favourite Club – Cornwall Trec Group
Thank you for everyone who voted we're looking forward to telling you more about them in the next few weeks and supporting them in the next 12 months.
WINNING VENUE
LINCOMB EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Lincomb Equestrian Centre in Stourport, Worcestershire is the ideal place to visit for extensive equestrian facilities such as cross country, off road riding and show jumping. The staff supports everyone from lead rein to advanced and every level in between. The venue is constantly improved, and all the facilities are maintained to a fabulous high standard. On hearing the news that they had won the 12-month support package, this is what they said.
"We’re so humbled and grateful to all our loyal customers and supporters for voting for us. It’s come as a bit of a shock to my husband Tony and myself. We just do what we do and never expected to receive anything like this for it. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get through the last four months. We're so excited to work with Harry Hall over the next 12 months.”
WINNING YARD
TOP BARN HORSEMANSHIP CENTRE
Top Barn Horsemanship Centre is based in Gloucestershire. Here’s a unique and supportive equestrian environment where passion from the staff leads to the development of new equestrian skills while everyone has fun with horses and like-minded people. Top Barn practices natural horsemanship and offers training for the livery clients.This is what they said on hearing the news:
"We are absolutely over the moon to win this fantastic support package especially after the disruption of the pandemic. It definitely would not have been possible without the help, support and love from the Top Barn community. At Top Barn, we cater to all equestrians of any discipline, at any level and with any goal. We cannot wait to continue this work with the support of Harry Hall".
WINNING CLUB
CORNWALL TREC GROUP
Cornwall Trec Group in Cornwall aims to provide members with diverse training and competitions. Everyone works hard in order to keep a horse and the group is dedicated to having fun on horseback. Cited as “a small but mighty riding club” the group encourages everyone to take part. It’s fair to say they were over the moon on hearing the news that they had won favourite club and told us:
"Going up against another passionate club from Cornwall was going to take some doing but.... we did it. As a club, we pulled together and it was possible. This package is going to help our club so much and to be able to give our members something back is even better. A massive well done to Little Margates for being runners up. It was neck-and-neck the whole way."
THE 12 MONTH SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR OUR THREE WINNERS
- £1000 worth of Harry Hall personalised clothing for your staff/members/horses! Split across summer and winter keeping your seasonal wardrobe up to date
- Winners account with 40% off full RRP across our home brands - including Harry Hall, Masta, Caldene, Cottage Craft, Tottie, Woofmasta and Protechmasta
- Quarterly lesson or clinic with Harry Hall sponsored rider/partner at your club or venue*
- Unlimited free bronze memberships for your community
- 4 Seasons Care Package with a retail value of £50 per pack - so you have all the essentials for the season ahead
- Marketing support for your key events throughout the year
- Chance to feature in Harry Hall One Club magazine
- Arena banners
READ SOME OF THE FANTASTIC NOMINATIONS
"It is well run with super staff and fabulous horses. You are made to feel like part of the family when you ride there. They have regular competitions that clients can enter on a school horse and regular clinics (ie dressage, combined training).
Through lockdown the staff went live on Facebook 5 days a week with a live feed showing grooming techniques, tacking up, points of the horse etc. It would be lovely if they could be rewarded for all their hardwork."
"They have been absolutely amazing with regular updates, webinars and quizzes and have now done a video of what to expect when we get back to riding with clear info RE: social distancing etc. The staff there all thoroughly deserve a treat!"
"A true community club who do so much good and often without any credit or recognition."
"It was our highlight of the day, our saviour in these horrible dark months to be able to go to our yard and spent some time with our horse. The yard made this possible while ensuring everyone stayed safe and healthy."
"The ladies of the yard regularly complete charity events to raise money for a variety of good causes. This year, they were planning on doing their own "calendar girls"-esque charity calendar to raise money for breast cancer awareness, however, due to the coronavirus this has been postponed."
"Because they are so supportive and despite struggling during lockdown, they have posted videos and blogs to help and entertain their clients. They have super horses and all the staff are wonderful."
"I have ridden here since I was young and have always felt supported. They have given me so many opportunities growing up; competing, exams, training young horses, instructing. As an NHS keyworker, they have really helped keep me sane through lockdown."
"During this terrible time, all the staff have worked tirelessly to care for the horses and the upkeep of the yard. The horses have been pampered, exercised and their daily routine monitored to keep them happy and healthy. Through modern technology, they have kept their clients interested, motivated and informed. Every day there has been something new to watch."
SHORTLISTED NOMINATIONS
VENUES
CHARD EQUESTRIAN
Chard Equestrian is an Equestrian Venue in Rural Somerset which promotes Equestrianism from Grass roots upwards. Things do not happen by themselves and at Chard they make them happen, they encourage everybody to achieve their aim whether it is enjoyment of riding or qualifying for a Major Championships.
“The support and dedication as a venue that Chard equestrian has shown us riders has been incredible. Literally started in a large grass field, they have progressed and grown into a wonderful showground with beautiful surfaces and facilities for both horse and rider. The atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming. It is a venture that is close to so many equestrians’ hearts, a little help here and there is a way of showing how much we appreciate the them. With a friendly and warm atmosphere, no matter what level you ride at, you always feel welcome (the homemade cakes are amazing too!) I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else.”
KINGS EQUESTRIAN
An equestrian centre set in the beautiful Herefordshire countryside. Attention to detail is essential and everything has been designed with the horse, rider and spectator in mind.
“Despite being unable to trade, Gerry, Caroline and Des always put others first. When they were allowed to reopen the first thing they arranged was a free lesson for all NHS and care workers as a thank you for our hard work during the pandemic. They deserve to win as they have put their heart and soul into a wonderful equestrian centre where nothing is too much trouble. Even if you're not riding there is nothing better than visiting Kings to meet up with friends for a coffee and a lovely piece of homemade cake!”
LINCOMB EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Lincomb Equestrian is the ideal place to visit with your horse to use our extensive facilities, cross country course, off-road riding, show jumps, based in Stourport, Worcestershire.
“Tony and Becky are well deserving of this support package! Working all hours to keep their venue looking fabulous and up to scratch for all their wonderful customers. Not only did the cross country course suffer from all the floods earlier in the year, they were then hit by the awful Covid-19 pandemic, it was a double whammy for them. If they could win this package it would totally amazing. They are so supportive to everyone from lead rein to advance and all in between. The venue is constantly updated and all the facilities are maintained to fabulous standards.”
THE FRESIAN EXPERIENCE
Friesian horses consume our lives and nothing gives us more satisfaction than being able to let others spend some time with these wonderful horses that we are so privileged to own. We’re a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation, offering short- and long-term sanctuary to Friesian horses in need. As specialists in the breed, we can help owners who may be facing hard times and find they are unable to care for their Friesian in the short term or are having difficulties understanding their characteristics
“This is an amazing place to visit in Cartmel, Cumbria. The knowledge, love and dedication that Tracey and the team have for this breed are second to none, you are made so welcome from the minute you set foot on the farm. Such great horses, people and amazing fun. They are a charity that relies on visitors and due to lockdown, they haven’t been able to have anyone visit them to spend time with these beautiful horses. This has meant all income has stopped for the care of the horses where they have a herd of retired, abandoned and some working horses. What Tracey does is unique and this care package would mean she can continue to care for these magnificent horses and continue what she does.”
WING JUMPING AND DRESSAGE CENTRE
Based in Buckinghamshire, Wing JDC bring you a safe and competitive venue for Show Jumping, Dressage, Showing, Clinics. It was set up by June Warren in 1960 as an indoor centre and was one of the first in the country to be built.
“This fantastic little venue is where I first jumped on a surface 30 years ago when ran by Mrs Warren. Her granddaughter Gail now runs all the shows and is a brilliant friendly place for someone to start out or where I now take my youngsters. Please consider this fab small business, Gail works so incredibly hard to keep it going! The owners are always welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. I feel terrible that we haven’t been able to support them during this period. It would be amazing if they could win this prize.”
CLUBS
CORNWALL TREC GROUP
Cornwall Trec Group (CTG) strives to provide our member with diverse training and competitions. We all work hard to keep out horses so we believe the group should be a fun place.
“CTG are a small but mighty riding club in Cornwall. They have been pioneers in the area encouraging everyone to take part. This riding club has done so much for me, it's like a family. In one year of being a member I went from being petrified to jump 50cm to confidently flying around 90cm courses, and it was all thanks to their friendly, supportive shows and the people organising it that made me feel so supported and helped me so much. They're always on the end of the phone for advice and they have supported me so much since I lost my mum, who was also a member, and they even dedicated an awards trophy to her. They are simply the best.”
LITTLE MARGATE EQUESTRIAN
A family-run riding school and small livery yard based near Bodmin in Cornwall. Little Margate offers a wide range of facilities and opportunities for young riders.
“This place is a dream for all ages. I was lucky to be a part of this wonderful establishment from the beginning when all it had was a handful of stables and a field to ride in. The work that Rachel has done to get Little Margate to where it is now is outstanding but not done easily. She has worked incredibly hard with so many obstacles along the way but has always done it with a smile knowing that she is being able to spread her love, passion, and dedication to many others. During such strange times, Rachel and a small group of hard workers have dedicated themselves to make sure the horses have had nothing but first-class care and to make sure they have been kept in a routine. Little Margate has helped keep me going through this all.
OLDHAM AND DISTRICT RIDING CLUB
Oldham and District Riding Club (ODRC) is a BRC affiliated club and was established in 1976, based in Oldham near Manchester.
“ODRC make everyone feel welcome, they encourage old and young to get involved. The committee work so hard to organise events for all ages and to keep you involved, from raffles, events and even singing Christmas carols around the community arena. I have only been involved in ODRC for one year but seeing how they pulled together during lockdown was incredible. I really feel they deserve a step up for their heart and soul, love for the horse and rider regardless of age or ability and how their community shines through.
RIDERS 2000
Riders 2000 Riding Club is a riding club in South Wales for people and horses of all shapes, sizes and abilities.
“They are a really friendly supportive riding club. They have welcomed me and encouraged me to improve my riding. They are very sociable and we have a fab riding club camp every year where I have made friends for life. They tirelessly support all of us and it’s a fantastic team to be part of. I can safely say the thought of being reunited with my club members kept me going through lockdown”
SPRINGWOOD RIDING CLUB
Springwood Riding Club is a friendly riding club based in Horsley, Derbyshire. They are a friendly club, welcoming new members with open arms and hold several shows each year.
“They are not for profit club, all of the committee work endlessly to keep the show running. I used to compete there as a child, and now 30 years later, I’m taking my own children there to compete. They are fantastic with the beginners and novice riders who have never competed before, watching them flourish over the years. All of the committee are so friendly and nothing is ever too much trouble. We would love for them to win this package as I know they are struggling this year with paying ground rent and not having any shows. We would love to put a smile back on their faces.”
HOW WE VOTED
Visit @harryhallriding on Facebook and like the picture of the venue you want to win in each category.
The venues, clubs & yards will be shown in alphabetical order.
Those with the most number of likes on the 6th August will win.
YARDS
BARNSLEY RIDING FOR THE DISABLED
Established in 1979, Barnsley RDA helps people with disabilities to take part in riding, carriage driving and vaulting activities. The aim of our work is to enable each individual to gain some therapeutic benefit and also achieve their personal goal and we are now working with people who suffer from more than just physical disability.
“The team at Barnsley RDA are amazing, they treat their horses like family, but due to being a charity they have really struggled and lockdown has hit them hard. I used to volunteer there and every single person made me feel welcome. They are very good at what they do and deserve many more funding and assistance than they get. I can’t think of a greater yard to win this prize and help them get back on their feet again.”
COLOURED COB EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
We are a 5 Star rated Equestrian Centre with fantastic riding and trekking on beautiful coloured cobs through local forest and beauty spots. All ages and abilities welcome and our motto is kindness is the key to our success. We have rehabilitated many rescue ponies and horses. We teach using compassionate methods and have a strict ‘no kicking’ policy.
“First and foremostly, the staff and their horses do incredible work. No matter what age or ability you are they provide patience and support in every step of your riding journey. Their horses and ponies are incredible - many of them are rescues who have been re-homed. You can't help but fall in love with them! Sharon has been so resilient in these tough times and has ensured that all these ponies have been well looked after. Support for this wonderful centre would be incredible - it has changed my life and the lives of so many that attend the riding school. The school is an integral part of the Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire area. We need to keep this place running and protect this amazing school as a local business”
MUIRMILL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Owned by Laura and Lee, Muirmill Equestrian Centre near Symington in South Ayrshire, has been a real labour of love. Their aim is to provide top-class facilities a warm welcoming atmosphere and somewhere you really enjoy going to. Muirmill host competitions for all abilities in a variety of disciplines.
“Laura and Lee have invested so much over the years in time and money. They brought this venue back to life, from a rundown yard to a great competition venue, they really do deserve this support. They have by far offered the best varying low level and BS competitions in Scotland, and cater for all ages and levels, making it a fun, relaxed and safe venue for all. Their livery yard members are treated like a family. I feel Laura and Lee deserve this more than anyone as they’ve had a rough couple of months, they put on a brave face whilst it’s been happening.”
STOURPORT RIDING CENTRE
Stourport Riding Centre is set in the beautiful countryside of Hartlebury in Worcestershire, just outside Stourport on Severn. A family business established in 1991, Stourport offers riding lessons to everyone aged four years and upwards, catering for total beginners right through to more experienced riders.
“My daughter has been a part of the SRC family for four years. Her confidence in riding, stable management and caring for horses has been nurtured by the staff who go above and beyond. She has come on leaps and bounds and has gained confidence as a young person too. They have the friendliest and most helpful staff and the instructors are so very experienced and patient. It's a family run business who like most have been hit hard due to COVID-19. They have an amazing venue which is in excellent condition and run many eventing/dressage/showjumping competitions. As a customer, I'm always confident they'll go above and beyond for my daughter. They run their business not for profit but for the love of passing their experience and knowledge to all riders and are the most inclusive centre I've come across since my daughter started riding years before we found SRC. It would be great to see such a deserved winner!”
TOP BARN HORSEMANSHIP CENTRE
A unique and supportive equestrian environment based in Gloucestershire where you can practice your passion, develop new skills and have fun around horses and like-minded people. Run by Rhian and Zoe, Top Barn practices natural horsemanship offering training days to full livery.
“They have done all they could to support owners through this time and worked such long hours. Always available and upbeat - even when they must have been scared and exhausted like a lot of key workers. They have also been such a vital source of expertise through all the horses ups and downs on the yard. They are so inclusive and encouraging and are always thinking of innovative ways to get everyone involved, they don't discriminate based on ability at all! It doesn't matter if you only work from the ground or want to gallop everywhere. For the first time in a long time, I was inspired and felt included, best feeling ever!”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR NHS HEROES CAMPAIGN
We have all been touched by the stories of key workers, both close-to-home and further field. That's why we decided to make a pledge to our true heroes with campaigns that helped the NHS, and now we want to help your Riding Clubs and Venues too.