The Horses

Chance	Age:23 Height:17hh Breed:Irish Draught x Thoroughbred Colour:Bay Sex:Gelding Owner:Sarah and Zak	When we bought Chance 10 years ago he was described as a 'Perfect Gentleman' and that, we think, was a very good description. In his youth, he competed in dressage, showjumping and, especially, in one day eventing. He is schooled up to Medium level in dressage. He is one of a rare kind of horse who takes care of beginners but also enjoys showing off with the more advanced riders.
Vareck	Age:25 Height:16.2hh Breed:Selle Français Colour:Chestnut Sex:Gelding Owner:Sarah and Zak	Vareck is a very special horse; he has spent his life at the École Nationale d’Equitation (E.N.E), home of the prestigious ‘Cadre Noir’. The Cadre Noir of Saumur are famed throughout the world for their spectacular displays of the classical art of high school dressage. For 17 years Vareck spent 23 hours a day in a stable and one hour a day in intensive training. He lived side by side with 400 horses but never once set foot in a field! Vareck was trained as a ‘sauteur’ – a horse capable of the ‘airs above ground’. He performed in major shows with audiences of up to 40,000 people all over Europe. In October 2007 Vareck was retired and was destined for the abbatoir - we heard about him and decided to give him a home for the rest of his days where he can live as a 'horse' for the first time in his life. He is still fit and well and enjoys hacking out and 'playing' in the sandschool from time to time.
Ilona	Age:18 Height:15hh Breed:Friesian Colour:Black Sex:Mare Owner:Sarah and Zak	Ilona was bought from Holland where she had been used for breeding. She does do a little ridden work both in the school and out hacking but we are planning to breed from her too. She is a very friendly mare and loves human company.
Griotte	Age:18 Height:15hh Breed:Crossbreed Colour:Bay Sex:Mare Owner:Di Cattell	Griotte (meaning Morello Cherry) was bought from a french equestrian centre who were very sad to say goodbye to her. She is responsive and easy to control making her a very enjoyable ride both in the school and on a hack.
Hermine	Age:17 Height:14.3hh Breed:Crossbreed Colour:Strawberry roan Sex:Mare Owner:Sarah and Zak	Hermine (meaning Ermin), or Hermi, as we call her, also came from a french equestrian centre. She is very comfortable and calm making her ideal for novice or nervous riders.