03/05/2026
Thinking of loaning your horse for a year or more to St Teresa’s Equestrian? An owner’s perspective
"When my daughter headed off to university in 2016, she had no hesitation in recommending that her clever competition pony, then aged 16, “semi-retire” to St Teresa’s to teach the girls there.
The STE staff, volunteers and of course the pupils all love the horses and look after them as if they are their own. The team maintain a regular routine for the yard, and all horses get plenty of field time all year round, whatever the weather. Most are out at night, all year, well-rugged, in small groups with friends, whilst a few more sensitive souls are in at night - it’s always whatever works for the individual horse.
Routine shoeing, dentist, physio, saddler, and any regular medications are all dealt with smoothly and professionally. Owners’ specialist farrier, physio, vet etc are all welcome, as well as the yard ones.
The instruction is top class and it’s mostly 30-minute private lessons with hand-picked and super-patient BHS qualified instructors - and the careful use of the big arena ensures there are no “tracked” arena surfaces.
As well as giving private lessons, all are regularly lunged, long reined, hacked and schooled to a good standard, in whatever combination works for them. Several have both a dressage saddle and a GP/jump saddle - and individual preferences are respected.
So their working life with STE usually has them better schooled and a better weight and shape when they’ve been there 6 months or more, than when they arrived!
St T's Equestrian is a good home for a horse who is sound, needs a job to do, and would enjoy a varied working life. You’ll have a signed contract with the school to give you a 30 day return if you need your horse back (for any reason or none) or if your horse isn't happy there. You can visit any day of the year, when the yard is open (usually 7.30am - 7.30pm term-times, 7.30 to 5.30 weekends and holidays), and you can have the yard manager’s mobile number and they’ll have yours, 24/7, if you want that.
It won't suit every horse or pony, or every owner - but if you’re thinking “what will I do with... [my child’s pony] [my older riding club horse] [while I take a year out] [while I’m working two jobs] [while I’m pregnant] [while I get my kids to school age] [while I’m caring for elderlies] [while I sort out my house move] " - think of loaning to STE. There are vacancies at all heights 13.2 to 16hh right now - go for a visit, see the facilities, and meet the team for yourself.
