After a super busy camp filled Spring and early summer at Lindores, Louise Gillings, joint founder of Equiteam Confidence camps finds time to blog. Louise has written this blog about why Lindores Equestrian is the perfect choice for hosting riding camps.
Equiteam Confidence Camps first came to Lindores in July 2014, which seems like a lifetime ago. Liz, my business partner, and I ran one camp to ‘see how it would work’. 45 camps and several experience days later and 2019 is going to be our busiest year so far!
Before the first camp even started, the Black family and everyone at Lindores were welcoming and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble and whatever feedback we give is taken on board to make sure the venue is the best it can be.
There aren’t many equestrian training facilities that offer a schooling area, onsite cross country course suitable for all levels from complete beginners upwards. Luxury holiday houses with hot tubs, bunk rooms, toilets, showers, stabling and a meeting room (the bothy) with a wood burner and the all-important kitchen (our campers are a hungry bunch!).
Creating Experiences
We wanted to create a three day residential ‘Pony Club Camp’ for adults, that was friendly, encouraging and where people feel relaxed. We wanted to create an experience where supportive like-minded people meet and dare to dream / achieve their goals.
The facilities are perfectly suited to our needs. The XC course has everything we could possibly need. From tiny horse jumps for people who didn’t think they wanted to leave the floor, to some more progressively challenging fences. And of course the feature fences that everyone wants to jump – Danny MacAskill, the stone cottage, boat and the Wobbleberry fences. These signature fences are often the ones that feature the most in people’s goals.
The new arena was a great addition in 2018. It means that even during the challenging weather conditions of last year we could still always ride and achieve the lesson plan.
If The Bothy Could Talk!
I believe the real centre of our camp life though, is the Bothy. It has seen tears (both happy and sad), lots of laughter, many units of alcohol, a bit of dancing and the odd confession that might leave you speechless. The Bothy is such a great place for campers to come together or even have a sneaky snooze between lessons, it really is that versatile.
It doesn’t get much better at the end of a busy camp day to look around the bothy to see happy smiling faces. New friends relaxing by the fire and sharing their achievements.
In addition we are very lucky that as our camps are residential we are able to offer a number of accommodation options to suit all budgets. The most popular is the onsite luxury self catering lodges – all of which have hot tubs (and believe me you will probably want a good soak).
Alternatively there is hook up available for lorries, a camping area for your tent and we’ve even had more than a few campers staying in their trailers.
The recent addition of the bunk room offers a brilliant extra option for campers who don’t really want to ‘camp’ – there really is something for everyone.
I have heard people say that when they arrive at Lindores for camp it feels as though they are leaving their normal world and all of their worries behind and when they have to leave it’s as though they are re-entering the universe!
We love that Lindores Equestrian can offer the perfect venue to create our welcoming camp environment – a perfect place to have a holiday or weekend away with your horse. Roll on the rest of 2019… we can’t wait to be back.”
Interested?
To find out more about Equiteam’s three day residential camps and experience days click here.
Interested in hosting a camp or event then get in touch with the Lindores Team who will be happy to help. Contact Lindores Equestrian.
Local Star Lucas Set is Muse of Charity Sculpture Trail
Charity, World Horse Welfare, which helps horses both in the UK and across the globe is this year launching a series of horse sculpture trails around the country and local rescue horse, Lucas, is the inspiration behind the trail!
World Horse Welfare Lucas was rescued by the charity as a yearling from a freezing field in January 2013, where he was living with his mother – both of whom were fighting to survive the harsh winter weather. Lucas was nursed back to health and was soon ready to find a new home as a youngster with a bright future ahead of him.
Colleen Macrae wanted to take on a youngster and knew about World Horse Welfare as she’d fundraised for the charity in the past. She said:
“To be honest, it was love at first sight! I was searching for a horse that would be a general allrounder and happy to compete across various disciplines. In order to do that, I wanted a youngster who seemed bright, curious and willing to learn. When I first went to visit Lucas at Hall Farm, we walked a little around the field together, getting to know one another. He was completely obsessed with my gloves, so I took one off and threw it about 20 metres away from me. Much to my surprise, he went trotting off to go and fetch it, and we repeated it several times as if he was a Labrador! After that, I knew he would fit into our family perfectly!
“Lucas’ real enthusiasm lies with his jumping! He’s a very confident ride both Showjumping and Cross Country, with an impressive amount of scope for such a little horse! I’ve always loved Showing and Dressage, so Eventing and Working Hunter has become our middle ground. Lucas and I take part in everything; he’s been very successful in the working hunter ring, always jumping fabulous clear rounds!”
Lucas was live sculpted for the horse trail by acclaimed sculptor, Judy Boyt (who crafted the famous Badminton Horse Trials trophy) in late 2018 and his 11hh sculpture has now been used to create the mould for production of the 40 fibreglass horse trail sculptures.
The 40 horses will be a combination of 11hh sculptures and miniature maquettes standing at around 35cm high, with each one designed and painted by a leading artist, equestrian personality or celebrity.
The World Horse Trail will be on display across the town of Windsor in April before moving on to the King’s Road in Chelsea, London. There will also be a travelling trail which will begin its journey at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May where World Horse Welfare is Charity of the Year and where Lucas will also be competing.
There will also be a miniature trail on display at World Horse Welfare’s Belwade Farm near Aboyne, Aberdeenshire and visitors can see this throughout the Summer months.
Find out more at: www.worldhorsewelfare.org/world-horse-trail
Watch Colleen and Lucas promo film here at Lindores Equestrian in March 2019 on social media:
Lindores Equestrian in Fife, Scotland has been awarded Equestrian Business of the Year 2019 at the horsescotland National Equestrian Awards 2019. The family run business, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, is steadfast in customer care, collaboration and re-investment.
Grant Turnbull, Chair of charity horsescotland said “Lindores Equestrian has supported not only the equestrian community but also Scottish tourism. They have listened to demands and needs and continually develop the business in response. Their focus on customer care is exemplary.”
What makes Lindores unique is that it has evolved by listening to customer feedback and it has kept the same friendly and welcoming family values throughout its 30-year life. Lindores Equestrian has grown and invested on what the domestic equestrian market and the international tourism market demand.
Frances Black who established the business in 1989 was the first person to set up a cross country training course in Central Scotland. Frances built up a strong Scottish customer base and recruited top trainers like Ian Stark OBE to coach local riders.
Now, the business is managed by Anna Black and offers customers all year training and horse holiday experiences for all budgets and standard of horse and rider.
Anna Black said ‘we’re so delighted and honoured that Lindores Equestrian has been recognised by the industry. We put our heart and soul into the business, always innovating and pushing to do better. We cried with delight when the award was announced!’
The business now collaborates with a large number of riding clubs, charities, and qualified instructors to provide safe and friendly kid and adult training camps or day experiences.
Lindores Equestrian has also collaborated with Wilder Ways Adventures to offer people who can ride but don’t have a horse a sporting experience. Riders can book to trek, show jump in the new Olympic sized arena or even experience the jumps in the famous cross country course which is the size of 80 football pitches and has 125 horse jumps. This collaboration has now attracted international guests fly to Scotland and experience Fife.
The appeal of Lindores was only heightened when in January 2019 the business released a clip of world famous mountain biker Danny MacAskill racing top British event rider Louisa Milne Home. The fun and entertaining bike v’s horse video was watched online worldwide and again put Lindores firmly on the map as a place to stay, ride and relax.
In line with BEF Veterinary Advice we can confirm that the events we have planned in will be going ahead as scheduled. We will continue to monitor the situation closely but require that all horses attending Lindores are FULLY VACCINATED and that owners are vigilant, and if they have any concerns about their horse, other horses on their yard, that they are responsible and they do not travel their horse. Passport spots checks will become standard practice at Lindores and if you do not have your passport with you – you will not be able to unload your horse to train or camp. Vaccinations are vital in tackling the spread of the disease so all owners must ensure that their vaccination records are up to date, and if it’s been longer than 6 months since the last vaccination then discuss a booster with your veterinary surgeon. Lindores are not stipulating that all horses visiting our yard must have a booster within the last 6 months. We are aligning with British Eventing Federation and request that you discuss whether a booster is required with your veterinary surgeon. Clinical signs of equine influenza (flu) include: – The sudden onset of a dry, harsh cough which can continue for two to three weeks and potentially persist for longer – A raised temperature which lasts around 7 – 10 days – A nasal discharge that is initially clear but becomes thick and purulent – Loss of appetite – Lethargy Please contact your vet immediately if you have any concerns and do not travel your horse. For more information visit: http://www.bhs.org.uk/…/press-ce…/news/2019/equine-influenza
Lindores Design A Fence Competition Winner’s design is more than a fence!
What an achievement to everyone involved!
When Lindores Equestrian opened up entries to their 2018 Design a Fence Competition never in their wildest dreams did they expect the winning entry to be as wonderful as it is!
Riders of all ages and artistic abilities were welcomed to enter into the 2018 competition but Scottish rider Dorothy Drury’s Wobbleberries Challenge inspired fence was a clear winner for the judges.
Dorothy Drury’s winning entry was supplied in 2D and 3D designs and inspired by Wobbleberries Challenge…
The standard of fence design entries were impressive but the judges felt that this Wobbleberry design had the edge over the other great entries because it had great profile, colour palette and the judges really related to the charitable theme.
Lindores Equestrian is a popular venue for Wobbleberry Challenge riders training or attending residential camps and the team felt the Wobbleberries fence would bring a smile to riders faces and continue to encourage them to keep training and fundraising.
Primarily, the Wobbleberry challenge is a fund raising initiative for horse riders to raise money for Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony Charity. The “Wobbleberry Challenge” was set up because the founders were inspired by the young event rider Hannah Francis who sadly lost her battle against a rare form of bone cancer called osteosarcoma. Hannah was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 17years and demonstrated extraordinary courage and dignity while enduring painful and debilitating treatment. Hannah’s sheer determination defied all medical opinion as she continued to ride right up until her tragically early passing at only 18years of age. The founders of the Wobbleberry Challenge wanted to raise money for Hannah’s fantastic charity, where every penny will fulfil two principal objectives – to fund research into osteosarcoma and to provide equestrian experiences (“Willberry’s Wishes”) to seriously ill people.
The Challenge has run for a year so far, raising over £269,000, with over 1,200 people initially signing up. This is not about a few people raising vast sums of money – it’s about what a group of normal people can achieve when working together. There is no competitive element – it is all about supporting each other. Lots of new friendships have been made because of the Challenge and people have done things they never imagined they were capable of. There are no failures – people celebrate every step on the journey.
People who take part in the personal challenge aim at completing a BE80(T) event, having never completed one previously with their equine partner. This has proven to be an effective balance between a proper challenge and one that is achievable by ordinary people, riding ordinary horses. It has encouraged fantastic feats of fundraising and sponsorship and created a real sense of achievement when completing.
BE Course Builder David Wilson… Genius!
British Eventing Course Builder David Wilson regularly course checks and builds fences at Lindores Equestrian and his talents and attention to detail have prevailed again! David Wilson spent over 5 days carving Willberry, building and painting the Wobbleberry fence. Willberry the enormous wooden ‘pony’ is utterly adorable! He is carved from one piece of a tree, he alone weighs 1 tonne and is an uncanny resemblance to Hannah’s Willberry pony. The fence profile is as per Dorothy’s entry vision with a 70cm and a 90cm fence height which can be jumped from both directions. The fence colours, stars, scarf are all painted to absolute perfection and the hashtag is a reminder that Lindores Equestrian is right behind #kickingcancersbutt
Dorothy Drury the entry winner said ‘I really like drawing and as a rider myself I just wanted to design a fence that offered lots of different options to train over’. Lindores Equestrian are delighted to add this latest fence to the existing 125 cross country fences available to train over 7 days a week.
Lindores Equestrian is ideal for riders and horses or all abilities wanting to practice cross country, dressage or showjumping for an hour or as part of a camp experience. With 30 stables, 3 luxury holiday houses, campsite with showers, Bothy, 2 grass show jumping paddocks, brand new 60m x 40m outdoor arena, hacking and stunning countryside views. Lindores Equestrian is hugely popular and always welcoming new riders, instructors and clubs to train, host events, clinics and camps.
We want to see you jumping this new Wobbleberries fence so please tag all of us in all your photos! We’ll give you updates from us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
British Eventing Course Builder David Wilson regularly course checks and builds fences at Lindores Equestrian and his talents and attention to detail have prevailed again! 
