Meet the Team

We believe in providing an exceptional service for our clients, and it’s our team of friendly and dedicated professionals who help us do this.

Every member of our team is talented, knowledgeable and they love what they do. Have a browse and get to know us a little better!

If you are interested in joining our team, have a look at our vacancies page to see what is currently available. We look forward to hearing from you.

Lucy Thomson, Lucy Thomson

Lucy Thomson

Business Owner
Equestrian Qualifications
BHSI (Sm) List 3 Dressage Judge
Lucy Thomson, Business Owner

Lucy Thomson

Business Owner
Equestrian Qualifications
BHSI (Sm) List 3 Dressage Judge
Brief

With two completely separate backgrounds in both business and equestrianism, Lucy combined the two from 1998 when she took over the leasehold of Lavant House Stables, and the business has bloomed consistently ever since.  The freehold was purchased in 2008, with extensive planning permission being granted in 2009 to create a high-end equestrian complex.

Her equestrian background includes three-day-eventing, advanced dressage and grade B show jumping, some of this being under professional sponsorship.  Her primary coaching mentors were The Training the Teachers of Tomorrow Trust and Captain Mark Phillips, with the classically correct methods of these internationally respected training sources being passed on to everyone who develops their riding skills with us here.

Lucy no longer rides due to injury, and sadly has no time now to coach, something she enjoyed enormously in the past, seeing the ongoing development of horse and rider – but does occasionally dressage judge when time permits.  Otherwise, she has the enviable position of running the business, which means desk based, not easy for someone who always wants to be outside, regardless of the weather!

Tony Thomson, Tony Thomson

Tony Thomson

Joint Owner of Lavant Equestrian
Equestrian Qualifications
IT and Communications
Tony Thomson, Joint Owner of Lavant Equestrian

Tony Thomson

Joint Owner of Lavant Equestrian
Equestrian Qualifications
IT and Communications
Brief

Married to Lucy Thomson for over 30 years, with children Charlie and Amelia, Tony Thomson has always provided the support-structure any business needs in order to thrive, but especially so an equestrian one! Horses break/destroy just about everything, so constant repairs are definitely on his list, however Tony’s real skills lie in IT and telecommunications.

As a result, Lavant Equestrian has an enviable IT and telephone system, certainly beyond the standard to be found in most equestrian centres.

Full-time employed elsewhere, Tony spends his free time keeping the systems updated at Lavant, repairing the latest breakage, adding illumination – and being generally helpful when you find yourself in a bit of a bind!

Amelia (Mills) Ayling, Amelia (Mills) Ayling

Amelia (Mills) Ayling

Business Partner & Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
Stage 4 Coach in Complete Horsemanship; British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor; UKCC Level 2 Coach;
Amelia (Mills) Ayling, Business Partner & Accredited Equestrian Coach

Amelia (Mills) Ayling

Business Partner & Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
Stage 4 Coach in Complete Horsemanship; British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor; UKCC Level 2 Coach;
Brief

Daughter of Lucy, Amelia has been brought up surrounded by both horses and a family business. A keen and bold rider who loves to event, hunt and jump, but who also needs to knuckle down to the discipline of dressage if to excel as an event rider, which is what Amelia really wants to do.

Amelia is currently eventing her two young horses Q and Kevin, who are gradually working their way up through the grades, whilst Amelia herself continually moves up the ladder of the British Horse Society and UKCC professional qualifications.  Her next qualification target is the highly respected BHS Instructor qualification.

Charlie Thomson, Charlie Thomson

Charlie Thomson

Handyman
Equestrian Qualifications
NVQ Level 1 Agriculture & Horticulture
Charlie Thomson, Handyman

Charlie Thomson

Handyman
Equestrian Qualifications
NVQ Level 1 Agriculture & Horticulture
Brief

Charlie is Lucy’s son and on completing two years of further education at Hartpury College, learning relevant agricultural skills, he came and joined us under the title of “Handyman”. This really means Charlie does just about anything and everything we need him to do within his range of skills!

The most important by far to Charlie is his Kubota tractor, trailer and Kubota ATV, which he uses to oversee the collection of 1,100 droppings our horses produce every day – this is a lot of poo!

Charlie also strims, mows the grass, cleans and maintains the vehicles, and gets on with pretty much any task the rest of us ask him to do. He also, without fail, makes a cake every weekend for the team to eat over the following week. Like us all, Charlie rides regularly having had ponies at home from a young age and has a riding lesson each week at Lavant.

It is impossible not to warm to Charlie with his gentle kindness, lovely manners, natural empathy with the animals and rather silly sense of humour!

In honour of our Charlie, the chosen charity of Lavant Equestrian, which we have supported since 2001, is the registered charity “Charlie’s Challenge”, which has done an amazing job over the years raising both awareness and serious funds for research into children’s brain tumours.

Jacky McPherson, Jacky McPherson

Jacky McPherson

Coaching Advisor & Activities Assistant
Equestrian Qualifications
BHS Horse Owner’s Certificate Level 1 BHS Stage 1 Riding and Stable Management BHS Stage 2 Stable Management BHS Riding and Road Safety Certificate of Education – (Lancs.) Master of Arts - Education – (Ply.)
Jacky McPherson, Coaching Advisor & Activities Assistant

Jacky McPherson

Coaching Advisor & Activities Assistant
Equestrian Qualifications
BHS Horse Owner’s Certificate Level 1 BHS Stage 1 Riding and Stable Management BHS Stage 2 Stable Management BHS Riding and Road Safety Certificate of Education – (Lancs.) Master of Arts - Education – (Ply.)
Brief

Jacky McPherson has been at Lavant longer than anyone else, other than Lucy Thomson – joining us as a riding school client in 2000.

Over the years we have learned to truly value Jacky’s expertise and passion as a full-time teacher in state education. Jacky has helped us immeasurably with improving the quality of the instruction we supply – particularly with regard to children. Teaching children is more complex than adults, as each age group requires a slightly different approach. With very little guidance within the equestrian industry itself when it comes to teaching children, it is understandable just how high a value Jacky’s input is, particularly when linking us into the structure of the educational system.

Anna-Louise Chantler, Anna-Louise Chantler

Anna-Louise Chantler

Sales & Accredited Riding Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Preliminary Teaching Certificate; British Horse Society Stage 2 (distinction); British Horse Society Riding & Road Safety
Anna-Louise Chantler, Sales & Accredited Riding Coach

Anna-Louise Chantler

Sales & Accredited Riding Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Preliminary Teaching Certificate; British Horse Society Stage 2 (distinction); British Horse Society Riding & Road Safety
Brief

Anna-Louise Chantler joined us initially as an apprentice, with a solid background in horsemanship from a young age.  With good GCSE results, a proven work ethic, a passion for all animals coupled with her sunny, bubbly personality, Anna is very much a valued addition to our team.

Anna has worked hard to improve her knowledge and skills with horses, her riding has come on tremendously thanks to her natural empathy and desire to learn, she now rides the young horses to help bring them on for the school. Anna has also proved to be a hit with the young children so consequently she oversees all of our Activity and Pony Owning Days.  Anna is now a passionate and encouraging riding coach, proving popular with all ages and standards of riders.

In 2017 Anna became our Deputy Yard Supervisor and in 2019 she moved up another gear to concentrate on specific areas of the business, which are carrying out the Introductory Sessions for all new clients and as the new role of Livery Consultant – being the go-to person to ask about anything to do with keeping a horse with us, whether this is loan, buy or seeking livery for your own horse.

For unbiased, straightforward advice, a thorough knowledge of this business and her subject, Anna can answer all of your questions regarding possibly having your own horse with us and without any concern of commitment, as the choice will always be yours.

 

Lauren Hughes, Lauren Hughes

Lauren Hughes

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 in Complete Horsemanship
Lauren Hughes, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Lauren Hughes

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 in Complete Horsemanship
Brief

Lauren took up horse riding at the age of 14 and was instantly smitten, taking it up as a career by joining Lavant in 2007 and working her way through the British Horse Society Stage levels to become a fully qualified riding coach.

Remaining with us for 6 years, Lauren became one of our most popular senior instructors by the time she moved to the West Country to get married in 2013.  This senior role included training staff for BHS exams, overseeing Horse Owner courses and organising Pony Club activities on our behalf.

Amongst her own trainers were the esteemed Captain Mark Phillips and Robert Pickles FBHS, plus Rio Barrett, who taught Lauren how to back horses gently by passing on her Natural Horsemanship techniques.

Whilst with us Lauren discovered a passion for Hunting, frequently attending days out with the Chiddingfold and Leconfield Hunt on a variety of Lavant horses.  This interest followed her down to the West Country, where she continued hunting with a wide variety of different packs.

Lauren set up a successful livery yard from scratch in Bridport, which is still thriving today.  She also enjoyed a successful competition career within the three Olympic disciplines, plus Ridden Hunter success at County Shows.

As soon as Lauren returned to this area with her young daughter Ruby, we snapped her up.  We were not going to let this previously fantastic member of our team go anywhere else – a big welcome back Lauren!

Polly Walters, Polly Walters

Polly Walters

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Level 3 Preliminary Teaching
Polly Walters, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Polly Walters

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Level 3 Preliminary Teaching
Brief

Polly rode with us for years as a child and then came back to join us in order to gain her British Horse Society teaching qualifications.

Polly is a fun, emphatic coach who teaches all ages and is particularly good with children, so as a consequence also oversees our active and large Pony Club Centre.  When Polly is not at Lavant she concentrates on competing her string of show jumpers with some success at national level.

It is never hard to spot Polly when she is around with her trademark beaming smile and wonderfully vivacious character!

 

 

Hannah Walters, Hannah Walters

Hannah Walters

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
BHS Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship; Intermediate Stable Managers Certificate; BHS Stage 4 Ride (flat & lunge); NVQ L3 Horse Management; HND Equine Management
Hannah Walters, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Hannah Walters

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
BHS Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship; Intermediate Stable Managers Certificate; BHS Stage 4 Ride (flat & lunge); NVQ L3 Horse Management; HND Equine Management
Brief

Hannah qualified as a riding instructor in 2009 and has since taught in the UK, Germany and Spain. She enjoys teaching all ages and abilities – focusing on correct core skills needed for seamless progression, developing a partnership with the horse and ultimately having fun! Hannah has an ex-racehorse and an Iberian of her own whom she drag hunts and events. She is well-loved by both our child and adult clients.

Rachel Cargill, Rachel Cargill

Rachel Cargill

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship
Rachel Cargill, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Rachel Cargill

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship
Brief

We were hugely chuffed to welcome Rachel back, whom we had taught to ride as a child and who then went on to become an equestrian competitor and professional in our chosen sport – we couldn’t have asked for a better result to now have her back again with us!

With her passion for eventing and Pony Club coaching, Rachel brings a raft of skills and expertise that will particularly appeal to our young, competitive riders.

Lovely to have you back Rachel!

Candice Dunlop, Candice Dunlop

Candice Dunlop

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship Equine Sports Science Degree Equine Management Diploma Professional Competition Rider
Candice Dunlop, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Candice Dunlop

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship Equine Sports Science Degree Equine Management Diploma Professional Competition Rider
Brief

Candice Dunlop has owned and been working closely with horses for 30 years, first competing in Pony Club events whilst still at school.  On completing her early education Candice then opted to complete a National Diploma in Equine Management at Hartpury College before moving on to the University of West England to study successfully for a Degree in Equine Sports Science.

Upon graduation Candice gained practical experience working as a groom for international event riders Tina Cook and then Nana Dalton based in Haslemere where, as Head Girl, she assisted at European events as well as the world’s top two 5* events, Badminton and Burghley.  At the same time Candice looked after her own livery yard and team of event horses, coaching private clients, and planning their forthcoming eventing seasons.  She is also a popular coach amongst many regional Pony Club Branches.

Candice currently competes some wonderful horses in British Eventing and British Showjumping, having produced them all from a young age.  Some of these are aiming for Badminton Grassroots and then International 2/3* events.   She is also second rider to Tina Cook (based in Findon), and is aiming to complete her BHS Stage 4 Coach in Complete Horsemanship qualification this year.  On a personal note, Candice has a wonderfully supportive family, comprising of an understanding husband and an adventurous little boy.

She has a passion with teaching all types and ages of riders and wants to share the love she has for our wonderful 4-legged friends.

Lizzie Lovett, Lizzie Lovett

Lizzie Lovett

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach

Lizzie Lovett

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach
Brief

Lizzie trained and qualified around 18 years ago at Summerhouse Equestrian Centre in Gloucestershire. She has owned and produced her own horses over the years successfully competing in British Show Jumping, British Dressage and Eventing.  And also Team Chased to Intermediate level within a team of 3, which included her husband and best friend which sounds like great fun!

 

Helen Cuninghame, Helen Cuninghame

Helen Cuninghame

Riding Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship; BHS Stage 4 Ride and Care; BSc Equine Sports Performance;
Helen Cuninghame, Riding Coach

Helen Cuninghame

Riding Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship; BHS Stage 4 Ride and Care; BSc Equine Sports Performance;
Brief

Having learnt to ride at the age of 7, Helen started teaching at the age of 18 and has mostly taught in riding schools similar to our own.  Helen is happy to teach all ages and abilities, aiming to bring out the best in all she teaches, and would be described as a motivating and enthusiastic instructor.

She also has extensive experience as a rider, having produced a wide variety of horses in all three of the key disciplines: show jumping, dressage and eventing.

Matteo Sancin, Matteo Sancin

Matteo Sancin

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
BHS Stage 4 Coach in Complete Horsemanship FISE International Level 2 Instructor FISE First Degree Competition Rider
Matteo Sancin, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Matteo Sancin

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
BHS Stage 4 Coach in Complete Horsemanship FISE International Level 2 Instructor FISE First Degree Competition Rider
Brief

Born in Italy, Matteo grew up on his parents’ stable yard where both were instructors and has been riding, competing and teaching ever since.

Matteo has competed in a range of equestrian disciplines, in particular Show Jumping, Eventing and Horse-Ball in various countries.  He has been placed in the Italian Regional and National Championships and in Horse-Ball at the prestigious European Championships.  Matteo has also been coaching other competitive riders for the past 25 years.

From having his own equestrian business in Italy Matteo moved to the UK 5 years ago and has worked in various British Horse Society approved centres both as a manager and Stage 4 coach, as well as continuing to act as a translator for the British Horse Society Head Office. He has now settled in Sussex with his wife and 5-month-old son.

“I really enjoy creating good relationships with my customers and helping them achieve their equestrian goals.  I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey.”

Sally Spaarkogel, Sally Spaarkogel

Sally Spaarkogel

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship UKCC Level 2 Coach
Sally Spaarkogel, Accredited Equestrian Coach

Sally Spaarkogel

Accredited Equestrian Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 3 Coach in Complete Horsemanship UKCC Level 2 Coach
Brief

Since gaining her BHS teaching qualification with Virginia Peters in Somerset, Sally has acquired considerable experience working with horses in a variety of equine areas, including Dressage, Eventing, Carriage Driving, Racing, Breeding, Showing, Breaking/Schooling yards, both in England and in the Netherlands.

As well as over thirty-five years of teaching individual clients within the excellent BHS system, Sally also regularly instructs at Pony Club Camps and Rallies, including training and examining up to Pony Club C Test standard.  In addition to this Sally has had several years’ experience as an instructor for the Riding for the Disabled Association and has also coached a young Para-Rider.

Sally loves to teach clients over a wide range of age and abilities, and her aim is always to encourage and nurture positive partnerships that can help riders to work towards their goals and enjoy the wonderful experience of riding.

And for newcomers to the horse world Sally also offers fun, theory based BHS Essential Horse Knowledge Certificate courses that help people become more informed owners of horses and ponies.

 

Antonia Stinger, Yard Supervisor

Antonia Stinger

Yard Supervisor
Brief
Lillie-Jay Hayter, Lillie-Jay Hayter

Lillie-Jay Hayter

Yard Supervisor/Trainee Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 1 and Ride and Road Safety
Lillie-Jay Hayter, Yard Supervisor/Trainee Coach

Lillie-Jay Hayter

Yard Supervisor/Trainee Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 1 and Ride and Road Safety
Brief
Matilda, Matilda

Matilda

Yard Assistant/Trainee Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 2 Complete Silver Challenge Awards
Matilda, Yard Assistant/Trainee Coach

Matilda

Yard Assistant/Trainee Coach
Equestrian Qualifications
British Horse Society Stage 2 Complete Silver Challenge Awards
Brief

Matilda has been a member with us for nearly 10years. She learnt to ride her progressing gradually through the levels, and then loaning the handsome King back in 2019 for just over a year. In that time she also started volunteer working with us on Sundays, before taking up employment with us after the first Lockdown in June 2021. Since then her riding progressed and she moved onto loaning Pluto and became an unstoppable duo.

It was during lockdown Matilda also started her BHS Bronze challenge awards with Sally online. Once completed these after lockdown, Matilda went on to complete with BHS Silver Challenge awards.

Now Matilda is currently studying Level 3 Equine Management at Plumpton College, whilst continuing to work at Lavant part-time. She has just been selected to start the BHS progressive training programme.

Having grown up at Lavant, Matilda is quite knowledgeable so do feel free to ask her anything if you see her on the yard.

Where People and Horses thrive is our moto, and Matilda is the perfect example of this.

Leigh Sullivan, Groom

Leigh Sullivan

Groom
Brief
Judy Kingham, Groom

Judy Kingham

Groom
Brief
Lucy Elswood, Office Administrator

Lucy Elswood

Office Administrator
Brief
Karmen Tapson-Hall, Office Administrator

Karmen Tapson-Hall

Office Administrator
Brief
Rachel Stock, Lesson Assistant/Groom

Rachel Stock

Lesson Assistant/Groom
Brief

Ella

Groom
Brief

Hollie Tate

Field Maintenance
Brief

Poppy

Brief

Evie

Weekend Assistant
Brief
Clare Lock, Maternity Leave

Clare Lock

Maternity Leave
Brief

From a farming family with a life immersed in ponies since a small girl, Clare joined us several years ago as our weekend field dropping collector – the only way she was going to manage to continue to get her “horse-fix” when employed full-time in a totally different occupation.

The pandemic did for Clare what it did for many and helped her to re-evaluate her life and what was important to her. Luckily she made the choice to get outside and be with the horses full-time. With her natural authority and fair manner when helping other people, she has become our Senior Yard Supervisor and is well liked and respected by those who follow her guidance and instructions.

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