GB Equestrian Centre

29/09/2023

I feel so privileged to have such a lovely bunch of liveries here at GB

The more I live, the more I learn
The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know”
- Michel Legrand

I am so relieved that it is becoming less and less acceptable to treat a horse like a servant, a non-sentient being or an object.

The world seems to be waking up and realising that many of the traditional ways of interacting with horses are perhaps not the most respectful or “horse-friendly” option - there are other options that acknowledge each horse and their needs more completely.

For some of us that change has been happening for a long time. For others, it is a massive culture shock and we all need to be aware of that. Individuals accept and adapt to change at different rates because humans are all different - that’s what makes the world such a fascinating place.

It is time to acknowledge and respect differences in the equestrian community. For example, the person who posts photos of their latest competition success or amazing new bit is doing their best for their horse. If you have chosen a different pathway and perhaps see the tension in the horse please acknowledge and accept their “best try” for what it is. If others later choose to join your pathway then please welcome them with open arms and ‘likes' on their FaceBook posts.

I now cringe at photos of what I once thought was an amazing achievement - I don't think I am alone in this?

Please remember that over time you will learn more and the gold standard that you work to today will evolve with your knowledge and experience.

As well as being a coach I run a livery yard. Our lovely liveries represent a broad cross-section of the equestrian community. We have equines ranging from shetlands to warmbloods and owners who range from happy hackers to committed competitors.

Our liveries make their individual choices about how they keep their horse - there are so many choices around hoof care, stabling and turnout, rugging, feeding … the list is almost endless. And that is before we even think about training, bodywork and tack! I see and respect a wide range of horse management approaches.

All of our liveries are at different points in their journey, with different attitudes yet they get on well together. How does this happen!?

Our liveries are united by a love of horses and the joy of being on a supportive yard. They all know that we don't tolerate bullying and that we require them to show respect for others’ choices. As a result, people feel respected, able to be themselves and supported on their personal journey with their horses.

Can we all do the same on social media? Let's respect people finding their own path through the maze of choices and be there to support them as they discover the news of change and realise that their horse is, like them, a unique individual who deserves species-appropriate respect, communication and care.

03/02/2023

A livery package for todays world 😀

Here at GB we have always prided ourselves on being ‘the yard your horse would chose‘ with acres of well drained grazing, miles of hacking tracks and plenty of horsey friends to either have close by or interact with if group turnout is their thing! 😀

Now we have listened to the needs of owners and adapted our livery packages to provide a cost effective livery service that encourages owners to be as hands on as possible with horse care whilst also providing a full package of ‘book as needed’ services for when you are working etc.

Have a look on our website and get in touch 😃
www.gbequestriancentre.co.uk

10/11/2022

Come and PARK AND RIDE at Gb.

Come and enjoy our approx 8 miles of grass farmland tracks here on the Shotley Peninsula. Great for young or nervous horses and also just for a lovely ride somewhere new. We are on light land with lovely grassy tracks so when other places are muddy the going is still good here !
We have a large hard standing carpark, toilets and a heated room to make tea, coffee and snacks. We also have a pay as you go solarium for everyone’s use.
Cost £10 per person per day. Stay as long as you like.
Why not use the arena whilst you are here for the special price of £5 per horse per hour for people also doing park and ride. Normal arena hire price £10.
Pm us here or look at our website for email/ phone details.
www.gbequestriancentre.co.uk

03/11/2022

2023 dates released now. Come and learn some new ways to improve your riding and relationship with your horse whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings and facilities of gb equestrian.

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📅📆 Ali's 2023 Clinic Schedule
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Booking for Ali's 2023 clinics and camps at GB Equestrian is now open. There are some great opportunities to progress your journey with your horse including a special clinic with guest clinician Mary Wanless.

Take a look at http://www.aliwakelin.com/2023.html and message to reserve your slot. Act fast as these these events fill quickly. We look forward to seeing you there!

07/08/2022

05/08/2022

Great chance to get on one of Ali’s Camps 😀

17/07/2022

Louise and I have been running gb for almost a year now so to celebrate we had a bbq for our liveries and staff today 😀 We are very lucky to have such lovely liveries and staff who make running the yard a joy so today was our turn to say thank you to them 😀

18/05/2022

Meet Indie and Callista . Those of you who follow this page may remember that we took on Indie in November after her previous owner found out she was only 3 and in foal instead of the 7 yea old riding pony she thought she had purchased !
Today Indie has produced a beautiful filly foal who has been named Calista.

17/05/2022

Stables and grazing available to rent in Harkstead. This is a rare opportunity to rent a completely self contained stable yard and grazing. There are 3 possibly 4 stables/tack room/ hay store/ feed room/ water/electric and 7 acres of grazing. As part of the rent you can also use the arena here at GB Equestrian which is a 5 min hack away and also access to the miles of off-road hacking which is next to the yard. Contact us via here or message Ali on 07717125743.