Kate Kirkpatrick, Chief Instructor & Proprietor

Kate has over 30 years experience in owning, training and breaking 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 has achieved distinctions in Level 3 Equine Psychology and Care & Stable Management fully accredited courses. She has also undertaken the Professional Groom CPD course from Lingfield Equine Distance Learning affiliated with the ABRS+ and achieved a distinction. Most recently, Kate has taken the BETA Lorinery (Bit and Bitting) training course.

Kate has nearly completed the BHS Stage 2 Coaching qualification having thoroughly enjoyed the process. She is also a registered Pony Club Coach and Assessor.

Kate is one of the designated Safeguarding Officers at Stoke Lane Stables.

Celia Case, Instructor

Celia started life at SLS at a mere 11 years old, riding the smaller ponies for Kate and often helping with mucking out at the weekends.

Having now secured her place at University, Celia mainly teaches during the holidays. Celia rides competitively and often instructs our more advanced riders and accompanies hacks.

Celia can often be found plaiting random ponies tails to an exceptionally high standard.

Celia is one of our registered on-site ABRS+ testers and regularly assists with our Rosette Awards.

Sarah Wood, Instructor

Marie Potter, Instructor

Marie is our newest recruit and started out with SLS as an adult rider. Marie is keen to use our 'praise' ethos with the younger riders becasue, as a qualified counsellor, she has a fantastic rapport with those struggling with nerves or social anxieties.

Marie is super with our Stable Management sessions regularly assists with our Rosette Awards and Efficiency Tests.

Nicci Dover-Ward, Pony Club Coach

Nicci is our accredited Pony Club Coach and is also one of our Working Liveries, looking after both Marley and Ollie. Nicci is extremely knowledgable about all things Pony Club and is an encouraging and empowering leader.

Kim Couzens, Human Welfare Officer (HWO)

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.