About Us

Whether you are an experienced horse owner, a complete beginner or looking to get back in the saddle, all are warmly welcomed at Downclose Stables!

The vast years of experienced behind our knowledgeable team means you can rest assure you’re in safe hands.

Please contact Downclose Stables to discuss your requirements, individual needs and we will be delighted to assist and tailor your package.

Meet The Team Meet The Horses

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Meet The Team

Ella Coleman

Downclose Stables Manager

Ella has spent her life growing up around horses. Having owned her own for many years and competed regularly in various disciplines, Ella has successfully completed an Equine Business Management Diploma.

With a lifetime of experience and knowledge, Ella is a BHS Professional Accredited Coach and would be happy to discuss any enquiries you may have.

Favourite Breeds’ – Exmoor pony and Appaloosa.

Katie Beamson

Head Girl

Having worked for Downclose Stables since day one, Katie has successfully completed both Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications in Equine Studies and Horse Care.

Growing up living in the Somerset countryside, she has lived and worked around horses her entire life.

Katies favorite part of working at Downclose Stables is caring for the animals.

Ellen Wickenden

Guest Instructor

Ellen has years of experience in the saddle and is delighted to be able to offer a varied degree of classes whilst making the most of all our wonderful facilities.

Having been with us for a few years now, Ellen knows the facilities well and has a proven record of happy clients.

Please contact Downclose Stables to discuss your requirements’ and Ellen’s availability.

Vikki Pantling

Part-Time Yard Staff

Riding since the age of 8 years old and joining the yard during early 2024, we are warmly welcoming Vikki to the team.

When asked, she expresses she enjoys all aspects of working at the stables but especially the variety of horses; her favourite being the ex race horses.

In her spare time Vikki partakes in various Countryside Sports and has trained her own gun dogs for years.

Tilly Reynolds

Yard Staff

Returning to Somerset after working in Scotland on a Game Farm for a couple of years, Tilly grew up locally and has been riding since she was a little girl.

Having joined the team during 2023, Tilly loves to get involved in all equine duties.

Her own horse is stabled at Downclose and she enjoys watching him make friends with his new field buddies, Kevin and Tics.

Meet The Horses

Dotty

Dotty has been with us since she was 5 years old, when she came to us, she was very green and untrusting. Over the time we’ve have had her she has grown in confidence and loves her new home. She likes to be made a fuss of and have lots of attention, she dislikes loud noises or shouting.

Buzz

We were given Buzz by a lady who unfortunately couldn’t keep him anymore, he hadn’t been broken in or had much handling, we have taught him the ropes he is now the cutest little guy ever and wants to be everyone’s best friend. Buzz likes playing in the field with his friends, unfortunately he does suffer with sweet itch, so this must be controlled.

Rambo

Previously Rambo was a hackney driving pony, so he has completed carriage drives all throughout London. Now we have retrained him as a riding pony who loves to please, Rambo enjoys nibbling on absolutely everything and a good groom is his favourite thing, however he does wind suck when he is stressed, usually if he thinks he’s missing out on his tea.

Tics

Tics was previously a racehorse, unfortunately he sustained a bad injury, so he had to stop and have time off to recover, he was then re-trained to be eligible for ROR classes. We found him for sale, and he was such a gentle giant, we have since focused on developing the correct muscles and gaining weight. He is a gentleman in every way.

Sparky

Sparky has been there and done it all with children from games to pony club camps. He is very sweet natured and kind. Sparky enjoys going for speedy gallops through the field and a lovely long groom. However, you have to catch him first, he likes to play games when it’s time to be caught!!

Maggie

Maggie is as safe as they come. A wonderful companion for a lazy summer hack she enjoys a popping over a course of jumps. Measuring 15.2 Maggie’s unique piebald markings means she is easily recognisable with her traditional cob stature whilst grazing with her field companions.

Winnie

Currently on loan to DCS she had a previous career as a 14.2 Show Jumper. In her older age she’s now enjoying a quieter life with regular lessons and hacks. She loves her food however can be a bit mare’ish! Black with four white socks, she can be found often with her head in the feed bucket.

Duke

Another ex Show Jumper but was found with kissing spite and had a successful operation. He still loves to pop round a course of smaller fences, a good gallop in the fields whilst hacking and munching away in the paddocks throughout his day off.

Doodles

A field companion who can always be found with Buzz, we are unsure of his history however he’s a proven all-rounder. At 13.2 hands, currently being on loan, Doodles is a kind gentleman with lots of cuddles to give.

Fergus

One of our Stable Managers horses, Fergus is quite the character and enjoys everything about the hustle and bustle of being at Downclose. Being Appaloosa, Fergus is easily recognised and will make himself known to everyone; he enjoys all aspects of ridden life and coming up to 16-years old has lots of experience to offer any rider.

Paddy

Paddy belongs to one of our Stable Assistants and previously was a hurdle and point-to-point racer. Being an ex racehorse, he has the ability to compete in many equestrian fields, is a well know face around the yard and loves to show his true colours whilst expressing himself.