Stables are a perfect horsey environment

SITUATED in an area of outstanding natural beauty, little-known Southend DIY Stables (near Fawley) is run by former world championship working equitation rider, Rebecca Richardson (née Young) who went to school at Gillotts.

With 40-plus years of equestrian experience, Becky opened the yard in April 2014 when she had difficulty finding the right place for her lovely Welsh Sec D.

She wanted somewhere that was large enough to accommodate his vast eating ability in safe fields, small enough to offer peacefulness and tranquility, but also having superb facilities usually associated with larger yards.

With a lovely manège for schooling which never floods, Becky trains with international dressage riders and trainers Diane and Samantha Thurman-Baker who are based just a mile or so away at Turville Valley Stud.

“I’m so lucky to have such fabulous trainers close by,” says Becky. “I can either hack there for a lesson or they come up and teach here.



“Also important was to have really good off-road hacking to keep my horse fit. The estate was superbly located for all my requirements so I decided this was the perfect place for my horse and to offer DIY livery facilities.

“I’ve heard it said that we are Henley’s best kept secret.”