About Fen Property Services
Fen Property Services are a family run, Gas Safe registered, plumbing and heating business covering the March and Wisbech areas in Cambridgeshire. Owner/operators, Ellen and Stuart, are often looking for fun and inspiring ways to develop their team which includes Plumber and Gas Engineer, Alex and Plumbing and Heating Apprentices, Hamza, and Josh.
Seeking a Unique Corporate Team Building Experience
Fen Property Services slowly learnt about Sovereign Quarter Horses when carrying out plumbing and maintenance jobs at the ranch over the past few years. During summer 2021, complete horse-riding novice, Stuart, decided to take up Western riding, progressing rapidly. Stuart shared with his team of workers how easy and enjoyable it was, sparking their interest.
Ellen and Stuart are firm believers in building their team’s morale as part of growing their business and look for unique ideas that engage. Recently, when it came to organising their next ‘team building’ event, they approached Sarah about hosting a Western horse-riding team building event so, for one night only, the Fen Property Service team became Cowboy Plumbers for all the right reasons!
Plumbers on Horseback
Alex, Hamza, and Josh were understandably nervous, having never ridden a horse before but they really needn’t have been. They were matched with a suitable horse, fitted with safety hats, and given a safety briefing. Each had their own unique experiences, supported by the Sovereign team on hand, with Hamza and Alex taking it in their stride and rapidly gaining confidence. Josh was the most nervous at the start, but the nerves soon disappeared, and he became more comfortable.
After enjoying time in the indoor arena, including an hour or so of riding, everyone was taught how to safely dismount.
Refreshments at the Ranch Saloon
The team were then invited to the fully licensed authentic saloon bar with dining area, greeted with a welcome beer and homemade Lasagne (complete with Garlic Bread and Salad) and followed by Cheesecake. Together they created a wonderful atmosphere sharing their thoughts and feelings about Western riding and relaxed over a hearty meal.
The Fen Property Services team enjoyed a wonderful and unique experience as a unit, learned that riding a horse is both within their reach and an enjoyable experience. Being thrown out of their comfort zones was a great way to learn new things about themselves as individuals and about each other too. The learning and fun will strengthen the team bond and live with them throughout their lives.
What's Next?
The Sovereign team are naturally delighted to welcome the Fen Property Services team back for a similar event at any time. Not only that, anyone who wants to continue developing their Western riding skills can, as a first step, attend regular riding lessons. If they go on to buy their own horse then there are regular clinics to join and friendly competitive events to aim for.
The Sovereign team love creating a very different experience which any business can build a corporate event around and would be happy to adapt the programme to suit wherever possible.
Testimonial
Ellen Arkle and Stuart Clarke said:
“The entire evening was a huge success and enjoyed by all. The on-site facilities and their ability to cater for all riding levels makes the Sovereign Team Building event perfect for any company looking to develop their team and create strong bonds. A week or so on, the team are still buzzing from the experience, and we don’t think it will be too long before we are back! “