New Milton Equestrian Supplement Autumn-Winter 2018

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EQUESTRIAN ∙ Autumn/Winter 2018

by Charlotte Baker

Entries open for dressage

sponsorship competition A TOP local dressage rider and trainer is offering two lucky riders the chance to win a year’s free training. Olivia Oakeley has competed up to Grand Prix level and is based at Woodington Training Centre in Wellow. She combines dressage lessons with rider fitness classes and is also training as a sport massage therapist. Olivia is giving one rider aged under 25, and one over 25 years of age the chance to have a monthly lesson, personal training session and sports massage with her, as part of a sponsorship package to help the chosen riders achieve their dressage goals. She told the A&T : “I basically wanted to give something back. I’ve learned so much over the years – although there are still a million things more to go - and felt I wanted to help two other people out.” Entrants must be prepared to travel to Woodington for their lessons, and should submit an application online – for full details, search “ Olivia Oakeley Dressage & Fitness ” on Facebook.

Bethany with some of her canine charges

T HIS month we speak to Bethany White from Ringwood, who runs home and pet care service ‘House, Horse & Hound’. TELL US ABOUT THE BACKGROUND OF YOUR BUSINESS I have been socialising dogs in and around the New Forest since 2014, basing myself in Ringwood and working within a ten-mile radius. I have loved animals since a young age and my love for horses began when I started riding lessons at the age of 11, before moving on to loaning ponies and eventually purchasing my own. I now own an Irish Sports horse who I event, and a New Forest pony who I have backed and trained myself. I studied for a national diploma in horse management at Sparsholt College and achieved top grades in my diploma and British Horse Society exams. When I left college I decided to combine my love of the Forest and my love for animals and created ‘House, Horse and Hound’. WHAT ARE THE SERVICES YOU OFFER? I offer a full range of pet and home care services, including: • 45-minute dog walks - on or off the lead through the Forest with other sociable dogs. • Pet and house sitting - dogs or other pets can feel at ease in the comfort of their own homes, continuing their daily routines while the owners are on holiday or working away. • Pet visits - perfect for busier days in the office, after-school clubs that children may want to attend or if the owner goes out for the day. • Equestrian and livestock care - whether it’s regular care or holiday cover, I am able to continue routine feeds and checks while the owner is unable too, as well as exercise the horse. DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING PLANS OR DEVELOPMENTS? I feel my business is blooming and that I am excelling with all the services I offer. My plans for the future are to complete my BHS exams in care and riding, allowing me to complete my instructor qualifications. Achieving this qualification would mean I would be able to offer freelance instruction to all ages and abilities as part of my business.

CONTACT DETAILS Facebook: House, Horse & Hound Email: househorsehound@gmail.com Phone: 07824 448685

Olivia Oakeley competing her former top horse Donna Summer