Stubley Hollow Farm is run by proprietor Patsy Day who has been involved in many
spheres of the equestrian world since Pony Club days and professionally for over
30 years. A BHS qualified instructor, Patsy has extensive experience dealing with
all types of horses. She has bought, sold, broken, schooled, produced and competed
a tremendous variety of horses throughout her life. This has included eventing up
to advanced level, dressage (having initially trained with Stephen Clarke), show
jumping and county show horses. For several years she specialised with problem horses.
Her philosophy is to keep things simple. Understand the different types of brain
and attitude with each individual horse and work accordingly. Some need incredible
time and patience to gain trust - some need firmness and authority, especially if
they need to regain respect. There is nothing new with horse whisperers or such
techniques - this is just equine psychology by a different name - horsemen have been
using such techniques for hundreds of years. The skill is in the understanding of
the
of the different individuals and applying the correct technique. However one point
that must always be considered is how incredibly powerful and potentially dangerous
these animals can be but how wonderfully biddable and submissive they are if understood
and trained correctly. Respect of each other is vital.
As far as training from the saddle - the golden rule is the old rule 'ride your horse
forward and keep him straight'. Nothing forced - allow the horse to find his own
balance even if he has to wobble in the process. When they understand softness to
contact and can carry themselves and you, the outline will come naturally (no fiddling!).
Some find it easier than others - some are naturals. Progression of training is
determined by improving physical ability as much as the horse's ability to understand.
At present the yard runs without a yard manager who I had hoped to find and thus
allow me to slip gently into retirement!! No such luck although I have a good and
jolly team who are jelling and improving all the time. But if I find someone who
really has experience, dedication, high standards, attention to detail as well as
be able to organise the day to day running of the yard, it would be good to be able
to step back a little from the 24/7 life that Stubley often turns into for me. That
means finding someone who is a walking equine encyclopaedia as well as being able
to keep an eye on all the balls in the air at once! There are a lot of horses here
- all different shapes and sizes and at different levels of work and welfare and
as well as these to care for on a daily and changing basis - there is the daily work
program to organise as well. So a challenging and rewarding role for someone who
at present eludes me. But if you think that’s you - there may well still be an
opening as it would be great if I could do a little bit less as I head for my pension
book!
Hazel is my right hand man and number 1 jockey! Having recently agreed to take on the role of Head Girl - she is coping with the responsibility well. She has stuck with the ups and downs of life at Stubley since joining us at the beginning of the year. A talented and sympathetic rider, she quietly gets a tune from every horse she sits on and being a real lightweight, she can sit on anyone but also has the ability to ride the bigger boys and girls. As brave as a lion, she is happy to sit on all the wobbly neddies or anyone with a bit of attitude. She loves to jump - the bigger the better! A beaver on the yard - she is quick and efficient and getting used to my tidy ways. Bright and cheery all the time - she is a great asset to the yard.
Kim has worked part-time for me for several years. Qualified to NVQ level 3 - Kim is a reliable, consistent and methodical worker. Neat, tidy, efficient and organised, I only wish she was able to work full-time and run the yard but she is also a Mum of two so not enough hours in each day. More of a flatwork jockey than jump - Kim is also another quiet rider so the horses have consistency with the staff and is another valued member of the team.
Ottavio is better known to all of us as Otto. Our very own Italian stallion - Otto
is an experienced and capable instructor who’s main interest is in show-jumping.
He has competed at national level in Italy and is in England to learn and improve
his English. He speaks the lingo brilliantly and is another bright, witty and cheerful
member of the team. Hard working he - he is also brave and confident and is producing
good work from the horses as well as taking over the clipping and trimming chores.
That delights me as I’ve always been the clipping queen! He has even brought the
Italian sunshine with him this summer so long may it all last!!
Our most recent recruit to the Stubley team and to complete the International feel is Fanny. A student from France, Fanny is a competent rider and trying hard to learn the efficiency and standards required in a professional yard. She is with us until the end of October with the main purpose of learning what life is like on a ‘real’ yard iand also to improve her English. A little wobbly with understanding the lingo when she first arrived, I think the dictionary is not being referenced so much these days as she improves all the time. I hope she enjoys her time with us and learns lots!
