The Horse Owner’s certificates are offered at four levels of knowledge with regard to the care and management of the horse and are specifically aimed at the first time horse owner, parent of horse owners or potential owners. Each level will be assessed in the form of a written paper, which will be completed under examination conditions with an adjudicator present. Level two topics will include: - Shoeing and recognition of when it is required, knowledge of the foot, blacksmiths tools and use, how to remove shoes in an emergency. Recognition of common injuries and basic first aid, arresting bleeding and treatments for different types of wounds. Knowledge of water and feeding of the stabled horse and horse at grass, feeding in all seasons, feeding for light work. Care and maintenance of grassland, fencing, gates, shelter, water etc. removal of harmful weeds etc. Saddlery - inspecting for soundness, knowledge of fitting and use of equipment. Insurance. Routines for 2 horses and yard work. Bedding. The Highway code and the country code. The course will begin on Tuesday 14th September at 1.15pm and end at approximately 3-3.15pm Further sessions will be held on 21st & 28th September, 5th, 12th & 19th October and then 2nd & 9th November. The exam will be held on Tuesday 16th November 2010. The cost for this course is £95.00 and is payable at the first session - please sign up with any member of staff. The exam fee will be £15.00 and is payable to the British Horse Society. To sign up contact Friars Hill Stables by ringing 01751 432758 or by emailing us....

We have scheduled our dates for the Winter Indoor Dressage competitions and the first few dates are as follows: - Tuesday 21st September, Tuesday 19th October, Tuesday 16th November & Tuesday 21st December, the first test will be ridden at 5.30pm and details of tests will be available shortly. The entry fee is £8.00 per class and copies of the test are available at 50p per test.

Friars Hill Stables will be continuing with their Show Jumping competitions starting at 5.30pm on Tuesday 28th September. Classes will be as follows: - Class 1 - Clear Round - £3.50 per go, Class 2 - 55cm, Class 3 - 65cm, Class 4 - 75cm, Class 5 - 85cm, height classes will be £7.00 each. Horses and ponies will jump together, but if entries warrant it, they will be judged separately. All entries along with payment should be in by close of business on the day prior to the competition (Monday). Height classes may be run as two phase.

We are pleased to announce that Friars Hill Stables will be holding a regional qualifier for the BHS Equitation competition 2010/2011. This competition has two age groups which can be entered, 13 years and under and 17 years and under and competitors are asked to ride a dressage test, jump a course of show jumps and answer a short quiz on horses/ponies. The entry fee is £7.00. For more information please watch this space.

Indoor Dressage competition with 3 classes are available to enter. Class 1 - Beginners, Class 2 will be a Prelim test and Class 3 will be a Novice test. £8.00 per test and 50 per copy of test.

This is a morning of pony related activities designed with the younger children in mind. Children are given hands on experience with the ponies, learning about grooming and how to care for ponies and also have a riding lesson. The morning starts at 9.30am and ends at 12 noon, children are asked to bring along a small snack and a drink and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. There has been a slight price increase and Little Own A Pony Days will now cost £25.00 per person, with a £15.00 non-refundable deposit required to book your place.

This, as it states above is a magical mystery ride, in that we wont be telling you where we are going....... because it is a mystery! This is open to a maximum of 6 riders who must be of Intermediate standard or above (if you are confused....ask Alison), it is definately NOT for the faint hearted! There are no times available at the moment due to our lack of knowledge regarding moon phases. The cost is £55.00 per person and a £30.00 non refundable deposit is required to reserve your place. Intrigued??

We are pleased to announce that we are now a venue for the Jumping Championships of Great Britain which are held at Cricklands - David Broome event centre. Our first qualifier will be held on Tuesday 27th October starting at 2pm - more details will follow shortly........

Friars Hill Stables will be continuing with their Show Jumping competitions starting at 5.30pm, Classes will be as follows: - Class 1 - Clear Round - £3.50 per go, Class 2 - 55cm, Class 3 - 65cm, Class 4 - 75cm, Class 5 - 85cm, height classes will be £7.00 each. Horses and ponies will jump together, but if entries warrant it, they will be judged separately. All entries along with payment should be in by close of business on the day prior to the competition (Monday). Height classes may be run as two phase.

Last chance this year for Little Own A Pony Day - may even give you parents a chance to run a few last errands before the big day! The usual morning of pony related activities, giving the children some hands on experience with ponies, learning about grooming and how to care for ponies and also have a riding lesson. The morning starts at 9.30am and ends at 12 noon, children are asked to bring along a small snack and a drink and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. There has been a slight price increase and Little Own A Pony Days will now cost £25.00 per person, with a £15.00 non-refundable deposit required to book your place.