Kate Kirkpatrick, Chief Instructor & Proprietor

Kate has over 30 years experience in owning, training and enjoying horses. Having grown up with horses of all shapes and sizes, she is an enthusiastic and passionate instructor offering practical solutions to common riding issues. She loves to instill confidence in her riders through all aspects of horsemanship, not solely riding.

Kate is our lead registered Pony Club Coach and Assessor.

Kate is our Lead Safeguarding Officer at Stoke Lane Stables.

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: Troy, Del & Millie

Ellie Perry, Working Pupil

Ellie joined us recently at the yard helping with a variety of daily yard duties and supporting the staff wherever she’s needed including some instruction. She is attending Kingston Maurward College, where she is studying for her second year of Level 3 Equine Management.

Ellie enjoys being involved in all aspects of yard life and loves spending time with the horses, getting to know their different personalities.

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: Conker, Sprite & Molly

Alex Perry, Working Pupil

Alex has recently joined the yard, offering help wherever needed - including taking on some instructing and yard duties!

Alex currently attends Kingston Maurward college where she is in her second year studying a Level 3 Equine Management course and is excited to gain more knowledge and experience working at Stoke Lane Stables!

Alex loves every part of being around horses and is looking forward to getting to know all of the SLS ponies!

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: 

Eileen Smith, Instructor

Eileen has been with Stoke Lane Stables since the very beginning and is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable member of our team. She teaches on Saturdays and is also one of our Pony Club coaches. Alongside this, she sits on our Helper Assessment Panel and delivers our school activity lessons during term-time weekdays.

Eileen owns her own horse, Roxy, to whom she dedicates much of her time in addition to her teaching duties at Stoke Lane Stables.

Fully first aid trained, Eileen is one of our safeguarding officers, a Pony Club coach, and an ABRS+ tester, bringing a wealth of knowledge, care, and positivity to everything she does.

Top Three Horses/Ponies: Fagin, Harvey & Poppy

Kim Couzens, Human Welfare Officer (HWO) and Yard Supervisor

As well as being a hugely supportive and inspiring member of the parent body, Kim has also gained her Safeguarding Certification and is the first point of call for any safeguarding issues at the yard. Please contact Kim on kim.couzens@yahoo.com if you have any concerns about policies, procedures, staffing or welfare. Kim is also one of our resident first aiders.

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: Blue, Cole & Muffit

Emma Whitfield, Working Pupil

Emma has been a rider and helper at the yard for a number of years and, after completing her GCSE's, she is now in a Working Pupil position offering assistance to staff and undertaking yard duties as well as occassional instruction to build up her portfolio. She is attending Cannington College in September studying Level 3 Horse Care & Management. We are so proud of her and are supporting her wholeheartedly in her equestrian journey. 

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: Bridget, Conker and Jake.

Claire Western, Yard Supervisor & Volunteer

As a returning rider herself, Claire understands the ups and downs that come from building confidence. She is always happy to lend a hand, show what she has learned and encourage others to enjoy their time in the saddle.

Claire is passionate about horse welfare and takes pride in the small details that keep the stables running smoothly - whether that is grooming, tacking up or simply offering a reassuring word to a nervous rider.

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: Troy, Rex & Sprite

Ralph Kirkpatrick, Yard Dog

The most important role, Kate's amazing mini dachshund Ralph provides useful barking duties as well as skill in eating random things and generally being beautiful.

Top Three SLS Horses/Ponies: Foxy, Dandy & Muffit