I'm just about to buy a 2 year-old QH youngster who is ready to start. I'm looking for a long-term western training livery for her as I don't have my own facilities. I would like her to have daily turnout plus an environment where, after she's backed, she'll be hacked out a bit and exposed to new things rather than just concentrating on arena schooling. I'd quite like to do some in-hand showing, such as trail. I don't want to find a local 'english' yard to keep her as I'm new to Western, plus don't have time myself for daily training so would prefer that for the next couple of years at least, she's in a training environment.

I live in Bucks/Oxon borders but would obviously travel to the right yard. Any recommendations would be appreciated. I know some trainers only have horses to start, but I need something more long-term.

Have you tried Jeannine March just outside Leighton Buzzard. or Catherine Wright at Hook Norton? I live just outside Aylesbury and know of no western livery yards in the immediate area. Luckily the yard where I am there are 2 others doing western so I get help and support from them. Good luck with your youngster. Trish

Hi there.  We are located on the Oxon/Warks border just outside Stratford upon Avon.  We specialise in starting 2 year olds and have a very high success rate.  We would be glad to help if you thought our facilities and services we provide meet your requirements.  If you would like to contact us please do so either via our website www.borlandquarterhorses.com, call Shane on 07979966806 or you are more than welcome to visit us.  We look forward to hearing from you.

We are based in Cliffords Mesne, between Gloucester and Worcester. We only take a limited number of horses and specialise in training youngsters. There are about a thousand acres of woods and open land to hack out on and we have a very large open field as well as an arena to school the horses.

The best bet would be to visit a couple of places and see for yourself.

I would also highly recommend Shane Borland, who I am sure would suit your needs

Hi! Shane Borland is not too far from you and he is excellent with youngsters - we've been to his place a few times now and love the fact that all the horses get some turnout time, and he hacks them round the farm as part of their education. The horses get really laid back and calm, and well behaved, and he keeps them nice and relaxed.
How is your filly bred? Great idea to do some in hand stuff with her, it really helps both in the short and long term.
Good luck!

I would also like to say that Bruce Lawrence in Worcestershire is excellent with starting youngsters. Many have gone on to great things! I have my youngster with him at the moment and she gets plenty of turnout and he hacks her out both on the road and in the woods. All the horses are well handled and well behaved when they leave his place. Check out his website on http://www.equineresources.co.uk/

There are many trainers, but be sure to select the one that suits your needs as well as your horse. Bruce trains my horses for ME to ride, not just so they go great for him, but that I can get them to go great for me as well! That is very important.