THE VERY BEST EQUINE
SERVICE AND CARE
Northcote Stud is continuing to show why it is the North of England’s premier equestrian centre. Gail Bailey met with owner Emily Whiteside to find out what’s been happening since lockdown, and the plans ahead. Photography: Robin Lydon
While the horses may have had some rest during lockdown, it has been a busy time for Emily Whiteside and her dedicated team at Northcote Stud, who have been forging ahead to make sure they had everything ready to re-open as soon as the green light was given in June.
“We have a first-rate team here at Northcote Stud who have worked hard over the past few months caring for the horses and completing works to ensure the yard and arenas are in prime condition ready to welcome everyone back,” Emily says.
All the buildings have been painted including the stables which have been varnished and power washed too. Fencing works have all been completed externally and this meant the team had to learn new skills: “We have created a stallion pen so had to learn how to construct an eight-foot fence fairly quickly,” Emily explains.
As lockdown sadly meant that shows and events had to be cancelled, Emily and the team ensured everything was safe, ready to open as soon as they were able, adhering to British Show Jumping rules and government guidelines. Northcote Stud was the first centre in the North of England to host a training show and a British Show Jumping event since before lockdown: “It was so good to be hosting an event again,” Emily says. “We had to close entries two days before the closing date due to restrictions on numbers, and because of how many riders were keen to be competing again!”
“The cancellation of the Young Horse Show in May was a devastating financial loss but we are optimistic and look to a positive future – and it is already back in the calendar for 2021,” Emily adds.
Northcote do have Senior Show Jumping events booked for this year along with unaffiliated jumping events. The website is updated regularly with a full listing of the shows the stud will be holding this year. The indoor arena can also now be used for up to five riders for warm up prior to the events.
Sharing her skills with other riders, Emily offers show-jumping lessons on-site which are proving to be hugely popular.
With capacity for around 46 horses and offering a first class service of full livery, breaking livery and schooling livery, owners and riders can have complete confidence that their horses are cared for at Northcote Stud: “We are able to provide outstanding facilities and our stables are large and fully equipped with the benefit of CCTV monitoring and staff on site 24 hours, so owners are able to have full peace of mind,” Emily explains.
For further information on the upcoming events and the amazing facilities Northcote Stud has to offer:
Northcote Stud
Northcote Road, Old Langho
Blackburn BB6 8BE
01254 790025
07774 968006
northcotestud.com
