Scotts of Thrapston designs, manufactures and installs bespoke Timber Stables, American Barns, Equestrian outbuildings and Field Shelters with an unrivalled reputation for design, quality and customer service. So, whether it’s a bespoke new build, self–build or refurbishment of your stable or yard, Scotts can help

Scotts also has a range of specialist stable accessories for your stable yard including wooden stable doors and windows through to clock towers and timber roof trusses. Scotts regularly supplies these accessories to customers building their stables in brick or block or to customers refurbishing older timber stables.

Every stable, however small or large, is individually produced and along with the Scotts experience and personal service you can be assured that you will gain the perfect stable to meet your needs and those of your horse(s).

James Scott, Director at Scotts of Thrapston, said: “By setting up our squad we aim to raise the profile of training and development for amateur riders and give two riders the framework and incentive to develop in the sport. After 90 years in business we were looking to give something back to riders who are the very foundations of the sport. Amateur riders often get overlooked when it comes to funded training and development opportunities, but securing the correct training is vital to success, as it enables them to enjoy their sport safely and helps sustain them in the sport by avoiding mistakes that can lead to them becoming disheartened in the long term.”

The riders Henry Beasley (16) from Malmesbury, Wiltshire and Janet Hammond (43) from Chesham, Buckinghamshire, will receive half price places in clinics run by Nick Turner and Caroline Moore (both of whom are part of the BE Coaching Development Team), squad kit, and free entry for the Carlton Horse Trials (worth in excess of £200). Scotts will be following each rider’s progress via social media sites Facebook and Twitter, helping to raise the rider’s profiles on the Eventing circuit.

The clinics run over four sessions include XC schooling, event preparation such as sport psychology, rider nutrition and a course walk.

“We were delighted with the amount and quality of applicants we received, but the two riders who made it through the tough selection process, Henry and Janet, clearly stood out as individuals who are extremely committed to the sport of Eventing. Henry has already been very proactive in developing his career by securing work placements with professional riders, whilst Janet travels extensively for high quality training opportunities and competitions. She’s also an ideal ambassador for those wanting to cross the border into affiliated events. We are looking forward to becoming part of their support network, helping them develop and fulfil their ambitions” added Julia Berrie, Scotts Marketing Manager.

Regional Director for BE, Chris Farr added: “The concept of encouraging the amateur riders to get involved in training initiatives is fantastic, and one that I applaud. Congratulations to Scotts of Thrapston and Carlton ODE for coming up with this idea.”

This week has gone really well, It started with work at Paul Tapners yard where I learnt a lot about teaching youngsters to jump. The first very exciting clinic was on Saturday at Carlton with Nick Turner. My first impressions of Carlton Cross Country were very good, Sara Tusting came over and introduced her family and explained the course and what it will be like at the British Event. Sara couldn’t have been more delightful to meet she made us feel completely at home and the day went on to be a great one. Sara had clearly gone to a lot of trouble to get us more information on British Eventing so thank you for that. Nick was very thorough with his teaching, he started with simple exercises to build the horse and riders confidence in water and on gradients.

We started by all walking round the water complex to get the horses used to the splash, then we worked on steps up and down to get control of speed and rhythm. Nick was very clear about the approach to a fence, it had to be straight and steady. He also picked up on some aspects of my riding which haven’t been spotted before. I also went to Weston Park British Event with Paul on Sunday where he did the advanced classes, it was very interesting, walking the course with him and learning about the structure of the event. I am now looking forward to the next clinic at Carlton but also will be looking for a place on the Riding club team for the Horse Trails at Broadway.

Nick was brilliant, starting the session very low key with walking up and down steps, and in and out of the water, then gradually building up to ditches and bigger steps, and stringing together 7-8 fences.

His advice is always practical and relevant – “it doesn’t have to look pretty, it needs to be effective”.

I had a couple of heart stopping moments, not least when we had to jump up 3 steps (Tara bounced up those like an old pro) followed by two big steps down. I hadn’t appreciated the drop until I arrived there. I was having second thoughts, but nothing was stopping Tara, and she popped down beautifully. She was an absolute star the whole day.

I thought we were getting a bit of a breather when we had to jump a “straightforward” round top, until Nick told us that statistically more falls happened at round tops last season than any other type of jump. Apparently most riders under-estimate these as they look so inviting. It made me realise that actually no cross-country jump is “easy”.

The drops and downhill sections are always my least favourite, but we practised a lot of these, and my confidence was really starting to grow by the end. Training clinics are so useful to help iron out any concerns.

A big thank you to Sara Tusting who provided such a warm welcome, and lots of information to help get this eventing season started.

And the best bit of advice for the day - “sit up and wait for the jump to come to you”.

Henry Beasley aged 16 from Wiltshire

This opportunity means the world to me, it’s a dream come true. I am so thankful to the founders (Scotts of Thrapston and Carlton Cross Country) for selecting me and I hope to secure a strong relationship with them. I intend to make the most of every second of this experience, which is why I have created a dedicated training programme for me and my pony ‘Bobby’ with Carlton Horse Trials at the top of my agenda. Bobby is a 7 yr old 14.2hh welsh chestnut. In the last year we have developed a strong bond and I now feel ready to start this season competitively. My big ambitions are to become an International Event Rider representing Great Britain and compete at Badminton! I have worked for various Event Riders and I’m currently working at Paul Taper’s yard. Mixing GSCE’s with riding isn’t an easy task, which is why I am grateful to Scotts for a workable training programme which will allow me to pursue my Eventing career. This will be an amazing year with British Eventing and B.S.J.A. This weekend is my first Cross Country clinic and I’m very excited. I will keep you informed of any future developments.

Janet Hammond

I’m Janet Hammond, a 43 year old amateur rider based on the Bucks/Herts/Beds borders who enjoys everything equestrian including hacking and competing in all disciplines. I have been riding for more than 30 years but have actually only had my own horse for 3 years. Tara (Moon Music) is a 16.3hh Irish Sports Horse just rising 9 years. We have particularly enjoyed the Indoor Hunter Trials at Addington over the winter, and being selected for the Old Berkeley Hunt Riding Club show jumping team, but my ambition has always been to try affiliated eventing.

Starting a new discipline, and affiliating, are both daunting prospects so it is a huge thrill, not to mention relief, to have been selected as part of the Scotts of Thrapston development squad. The practical help and expertise will be invaluable, and the clinics will provide a great opportunity to increase our skills and experience. Everything I now do will be with the Carlton event at the end of July in mind. I plan to enter the BE80(T) class – this will provide maximum support for someone just starting out. My first Carlton clinic is on 10th April. I’ll let you know how that goes.

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