AVONMILL EQUESTRIAN

After a fall from my horse I was really struggling with riding confidence and ability so my friend recommended speaking to Jo who couldn't have been more helpful and thank goodness she had a space! She discussed all the different livery options she provided and we agreed that schooling livery would be best for Fuzzy and I as not only would we be receiving a 5* full livery service but also I could have daily help with Fuzzy. This came as a huge relief as not only had I injured my back in due to my fall but also people had been quite negative with regards to Fuzzy being "too much horse". I must admit, I was nervous about handing over the reigns (pardon the pun) as I had been on DIY livery before and am a bit of a control freak. Also I didn't want to lose that bond between my horse and I. I really needed have worried at all, Jo and yard manager Jane could not have been and continue to be more supportive, nothing is ever too much trouble. Fuzzy is still very much my boy and if I want to get stuck in with the mucking out etc, it's not a problem, but if I don't, then I know my boy is getting top quality care. They manage to care without taking over which means the world and takes real experience and professionalism. They've really helped with my confidence and are always keen to share knowledge and experience working with horses or riding. On days that I don't ride, Jane rides Fuzzy for me which I'm grateful for as he likes to be kept in work and she is a very skilled jockey so I know he's in safe hands. It's also a pleasure to watch him and as Jane is so skilled, see the different things he can do — she really brings out the best in him. I have two primary aged children and as we were so very happy at the yard and the children were so involved Jo suggested a pony that she had on sales livery that might be suitable for the children.   Sadly however Jo felt she wasn't quite right for them when they tried her as my children are just coming off lead rein.  Knowing how disappointed we were Jo, through her contacts, founds us Poppy and put us in touch with Poppy's owner and then stepped back. On a separate note to us it just proved Jo's well deserved reputation in selling horses as it was more important to her to find the right horse for the owner than just making a sale. Luckily it all worked out and Poppy is now part of the family and being looked after at the yard along with Fuzzy.  I was so glad that there was space at the yard for Poppy as well as I couldn't bear to be anywhere else after the fabulous service we have had. The yard itself is always clean and tidy, the horses themselves always treated with kindness and respect. The team take the time to get to know the owners and their horses needs and personalities. The other livery owners as well are all delightful, friendly and welcoming and there's no elitism on the yard, everyone is very supportive of each other be it if you just want to potter about with your horse or if you're a prize winning show jumper or also in our case of my children learning to ride with their first pony. I really couldn't be happier with the service and it's a real pleasure to be part of such a wonderful yard, though it's so much more than a yard, it's a little community and we hope to be there for many years to come.

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Maureen Carroll

Stirling