the team

Nick Gauntlett

I am currently ranked 19th in the world and I’m aiming at London 2012. My string of horses and results show me to be well on course. I compete on the national and international circuit and am a member of the British Eventing’s Sport Committee. I’m also a British Eventing accredited trainer with BHS Instructor qualifications. Based on the edge of Badminton, the team and yard are outstanding. It’s the team’s spirit and humour that fuels our success. I’ve got every reason to realise my ambitions now, for London 2012 and beyond. A good balance of work and play keeps me level headed. Except after a win, naturally!

Lewis Gudgeon

Lewis is our Yard Manager, having been Head Lad for South West show jumper, Justin Tuff. Only 23, he’s mature, fair and firm. He rules the yard with a tight rein and finds it easier to organise than Nick. The team know that Nick can win a few battles, but Lewis will win the war!

Georgi Neumann

Georgi has joined us from Hampshire, but says that she has lived everywhere! She comes with a lot of practical experience, having worked on livery yards since she left school. Georgi has high hopes and wants to further her riding and hopefully compete at B.E. Level soon. She classes herself as outgoing and a little too chatty - let's see if she actually gets a word in with all us lot around! Favourite rider -Oli Townend "because I love him...& he is quite good at XC!"

Bernie Davis

Bernie is our 'Apprentice' with a brilliant secret – he’s doing his Equine Sports Massage Therapy training. Other secrets include speaking fluent French, previously owning racehorses and once being a shepherd. We could tell you more but he’s hardcore and was in the army! Bernie’s best advice? “Never back down – never surrender.”

Kate Greenhalgh

Kate comes from Brighton and has spent time gaining her qualifications from the Huntley School of Equitation; she now has both her BHS Stage 3 and her BHS AI! Kate has a large and varied role with us to keep her busy; she rides and produces our youngsters and delivers and helps assess our NVQ syllabus as well as working on the yard ! Well, she doesn’t help herself by claiming the desire to achieve “World Domination!” She adds both humour and vitality to the yard and her antics make her the one to watch! Kate’s philosophy is to be admired “I want to have taught something to everyone that comes to work and improve each horse that I am given to ride.” Now ....if only we could stop her falling off!!

Luke Prior

Luke hails from Peterborough - he tells us it is East of England! Luke is a bit of a natural and already impresses his trainers with his good seat and gentle hands. He would like to progress to competition level and sees himself as a potential Show Jumper or Eventer - either will do apparently! Best characteristic? - Staying calm under pressure and dealing well with a variety of different situations - it is obvious then that Lewis is still on holiday!! Favourite rider - W Fox Pitt - Ummmmmm - don't let Gauntlett see this!

Associates

Greig Elliott

Farrier to our equine stars, Greig is loved by all. His style of shoeing is modern and effective, and he applies the greatest of care and professionalism. He’s determined to make a difference and does so. Our team simply wouldn't be as successful without his support and skill.

Bourton Vale Equine Clinic

Mark Lucey and Tom Campbell are our regular vets and they are fantastic. The horses’ care is always paramount. The vets and staff continue to support us through our trials and tribulations and we’re very grateful for their excellence.

Leigh Miller

Leigh is a professional equine chiropractor with extensive experience. She works with a number of owner and travels to competitions to treat problems. She makes a palpable difference and we are delighted with her involvement in the health of our horses.

Julian Sheldon-Smith

Julian is probably the world’s best handyman. His mission is to maintain our great facility, keeping it beautiful too. He’s worked on a hunt yard, a film set and has a big JCB. Yes, he stays calm under pressure. So yes, you can ask him about the film. There was jousting!