The Team...
Francesca Page (Rider).
Francesca started riding just aged 4, her mother (Sarah-Jane) took her to a local riding school to learn how to ride properly, and most importantly care for her pony. It is this that has taught her to be the responsible, hard working horsewoman she is today. In her bid to make Francesca independent, Sarah-Jane encouraged her to ride her pony, and look after him every day whatever the weather! Pony club was solely responsible for introducing Francesca into eventing, along with a special horse named Holly Golightly. She took her round her first BE event, to Blenheim for the first time (eventer trial) and round her first national championship. She moved on to gain amazing and valuable experience working with Fiona Spencer event ponies, helping to break in wild ponies from the welsh hills, and producing them into fantastic young event ponies. With the help of Fee this lead to Francesca finally completing her dream of wearing a 'Top hat and Tails'! It took an extremely special horse named Summertime Penny who is sadly no longer with us now. She was an incredible horse, teaching Francesca a huge amount of patience, but also a huge thrill at competing internationally. Francesca carefully produced Penny having never evented before from BE100 level to intermediate and CCI* within a year, sadly it all ended far to quickly in 2016 before attempting to debut at 2*. Francesca is currently studying a degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy, which she aims to run along side the eventing when she graduates. |
Sarah-Jane Page (Mother).
Sarah-Jane is the most important member in our team, she taught Francesca most of what she knows about horses, she helps exercise the horses and knows them all better than anyone! SJ makes the most amazing picnic and has always been there for Francesca whether its tears of joy or sadness. The team would not run without her, she is always waiting at the XC finish with the horses water and Francesca's Lucozade! Although she does try to jump the fences with Francesca when she is watching her go round! |
Melissa Packer (Vet).
Mel is a huge part of our team, she is a fantastic supporter, friend and most of all amazing vet! Her knowledge is second to none and her extensive experience means that I am always 100% comfortable with any decisions she makes regarding any of our horses. It gives us great comfort knowing that she's only a phone call away if we have any problems, and she is extremely quick at responding! Please check her website out: www.melpackerequine.com |
Darren Bazin (Farrier).
Darren has been our farrier for a number of years now, he plays a huge part in keeping the horses sound and happy. Him and his team always make sure the horses are shod perfectly every time, which is always reassuring because the old saying is 'no foot no horse'! Please check his website out: www.knowfootknowhorse.com |
Nigel Taylor (XC/SJ coach).
Nigel has been coaching Francesca for a number of years now, he has extensive experience with eventing and she always comes away from his lessons having learnt something new. Nigel pushes Francesca enough to make sure she keeps her reactions quick, which is extremely important if she wants to reach the top of her game in eventing. Nigel also owns the prestigious Aston- Le-Walls, a fantastic facility combining BE, BS, BD, eventer trials, and most of all their amazing XC all weather. Please check out his website: www.astoneqc.com |