Alex Higson - Teenage Rider

My name's Alex Higson, I am 14 years old. I started riding at M.E.C when I was about five, and was taught by Paul. I then left at the age of 7, but found, that I missed the pony's and riding, so I came back to M.E.C at the of age 9. I now ride horses on a Monday night group. When I was riding the ponies I entered myself into a jumping competition, I took a fall and it knocked my confidence, Paul helped to gain back my confidence and I can now jump with not so many nerves. My favourite horse is Ronnie he is fun loving and a great horse to ride. He is a safe jumper and is fun for flatwork. This year I went to the M.E.C pony camp it was great fun as I got to look after my favourite horse Ronnie for the week. It was amazing as it gave me a taste of how it would be to have my own horse. I made lots of new friends and found out that they go to Markfield pony club and I am now hoping to join. If you have a great love for horse's and love looking after them then go to the next pony camp. I would just like to thank M.E.C and all of the teachers who have taught me for supporting me and giving me the help and knowledge about horse's and horse riding throughout my7 years of riding at M.E.C .

Hello.  My name is Bethany Freer, I am 10 years old and ride at Markfield Equestrian Centre. My favourite horse is Ronnie because he is really good at jumping.  I love jumping especially when we do doubles and bounces. We sometimes get to jump a course as well!

Hello. My name is Bradley Freer, I am 10 years old and ride with my sister at Markfield Equestrian Centre.  My favourite horse is Maisie, she was the first horse I ever rode whilst at my sister's birthday party which was held at Markfield Equestrian Centre. I like the lessons because one week we do flatwork and the next week we jump.  I like jumping the best especially when we get to jump courses.

Caroline Bunting. Tuesday night group and private lesson. Adult rider.

I have ridden at Markfield for 10 years, having both a weekly private and a group lesson. I learnt to ride as a child, and came back to riding as an adult after watching Paul teach a children's beginner lesson. MEC has a big advantage over many riding schools in having 2 indoor arenas so there is no need to ride in the rain. The adult group lessons are a great way to meet like-minded friends. Over the years I have ridden the majority of the horses that have been on the yard. The variety of horses I have ridden and the quality of the teaching I have received has given me the ability to experience a range of equestrian activities, from hacking in the countryside to galloping around a polo field.

Harry Anderson. Saturday afternoon group. Child rider.

My name is Harry Anderson, and I've been riding at M.E.C since 2002. I started riding on the ponies at 1pm on a Saturday with Paul. The first pony l rode was Tommy. I love riding the fast ponies, and jumping. I have been to lots of summer activities, like the pony week, the pony club week and the pony camp. I used to be a member of the pony club. I am now on horses at 3pm with Paul.

Julie Dutton. Saturday morning group. Adult rider.

Horse riding, it's rewarding and fabulous fun. I've been riding at M.E.C each week for the past 8 years. Riding lessons are varied and enjoyable. No matter your riding ability, there is something for everyone. The centre has superb facilities and you will receive a high standard of personal tuition from a team of professional, qualified and friendly staff. A chance to ride a variety of quality horses and ponies. You're riding ability and knowledge will improve vastly, from dressage to show jumping, and there are even competitions for those wanting to take up the challenge. Why not join in; you'll have a great time.

Oliver Anderson. Saturday afternoon group. Child rider.

Hi, I'm Oliver Anderson, and I have been riding at Markfield since I was six. I started in the 1pm lesson on Saturday's riding ponies. Now I am in the 3pm lesson with Paul as my instructor. In the summer I took part in the pony camp, which was really good fun. I won the show jumping competition. There are lots of good horses and ponies to ride. Paul makes the lessons fun and every now and then we do gymkhanas.

Katie McDermott. Saturday morning group. Teenage rider.

My name's Katie McDermott. I've been riding at Markfield since I was five years old. I am now seventeen! Throughout the years, my main instructor has always been Phil and he has watched me and helped me progress from lead rein ponies, right through to 16hh horses! My favourite horse at the moment has to be Riva; he's cheeky, fun and at times a little difficult, but this makes riding him exciting and gives you a feeling of achievement when you're working together with no arguments on his behalf. Throughout the years I've partaken in many of the courses run by Markfield staff over the summer, starting on pony days all those years ago, and then the pony week! They now run a pony camp, which is hugely successful. M.E.C is a fantastic place to learn to ride and to get to make friends. Everyone is friendly, approachable and helpful, and I would recommend it to anyone; young or old. In the future I hope to work with horses, either veterinary or more on the sport science side. Markfield have enabled me to show my love of horses, and I'm grateful for all their help, support and knowledge over the past twelve years. 

Jessica Smithson. Child rider and livery client.

My name is Jessica Smithson, I am 9 years old. I ride at M.E.C, I have been riding for two and a half years. I first started out just riding, but after a few months I joined Markfield's pony club, where you learn all about horses and ponies, and how to look after them. I have now completed 3 pony club badges and I am now about to take my fourth.

In October last year I lost my confidence, after seeing a friend take a nasty fall during a lesson, and nearly stopped riding myself, but Paul helped me get it back, he was excellent. I am so glad I didn't stop because in April 2008 my parents bought me a pony called Charlie. I have competed in several local shows this season and have won over 20 rosettes. I keep Charlie on livery at Markfield and it is a great yard, I love it there! During the summer Charlie and I joined in with a pony care week and even a pony camp! The camp was brilliant, we did lots of horsey things during the day, including lots of competitions with trophies to be won. In the evenings we went swimming, bowling, karaoke and lots of fun games. It was the best summer ever!

In the winter they do lots of competitions that I hope to join in with, on my little pony Charlie!

Natasha Kinton. Child rider.

My name is Natasha. My mummy and sister own a horse on livery at Markfield. I wanted to learn to ride, so I joined Paul's beginners class on Saturday at 9.00 and I think Paul is the best teacher ever! My favourite pony is Honey.