This year has been a year like no other for everyone has it not! A sudden lockdown forced us all to focus on many things we would not normally get round to doing. One of the things we put our time into was a complete website redesign for Sovereign Quarter Horses. We hope you like it as much as we do as we think it has turned out really great thanks to Colin Needham of TMorph.
Two Mares Started
We were very fortunate to have 14 client horses in training at the beginning of March which helped to keep us going despite the world going mad as the month drew to a close. This curious time also enabled us the opportunity to bring into work a couple of our own young horses too. We were very excited to start these two mares as they are the first-year crop by one of our stallions, Old Vaquero (Cowboy). Cowboy has certainly passed on his wonderful attributes to these foals.
Eight New Quarter Horse Foals!
May to June saw the arrival of no less than eight beautiful new Quarter Horse foals – seven fillies and one colt. Buyers were very keen to purchase as we now only have three foals left for sale as I write. Sadly, these foals will be the final crop of Old Vaquero. He gave us three years of awesome foals. We hold many special memories of Old Vacquero. Memories like David competing with him at the first FEI Reining World Championships 2008 in Manerbio, Italy when they represented Great Britain together.
New Stallion Already Has Mares in Foal
We now have a new stallion Gunnawantme (Angus) who arrived in October 2019 and our brood mares are already in foal to him for next year. No doubt some of you will be keen to adopt one or more of these when the time comes.
Client Horses in Training
Our Assistant Trainer, Olivia (whom has been with us for four years) has been busy starting a number of our clients’ horses. (For those that don’t know, this means Olivia has been teaching the horses to become accustomed to the saddles and bridles as well as having someone on their back for the first time.) Two of these horses were bred by Sovereign Quarter Horses: Jays Tender Star (Amber), owned by Alison Johnson, and Blazin White Light (Geoffrey), owned by Vicky Rooke. Both Alison and Vicky have ridden and competed at the clinic and show held on 24 and 25 October 2020, with successful results.
Riding School Re-opened for Lessons
In July we started back teaching a small number of lessons per day, allowing for social distancing measures at our Fenland District Council licensed riding school. All lessons are riding our Western trained horses.
New Dates Set for Western Experience Days
Our fairly new Western Experience Days are going down very well. We run them with groups of four to six riders starting at 10am to 4pm. The Western Experience begins with tea, coffee and pastries on arrival followed by a riding demonstration by the Sovereign team. It has proved to be a wonderful day out in the great outdoors for riders of all abilities.
Once everyone is settled in we demonstrate how to saddle up your horse for the day. Everyone rides together in the arena and learns the basics of Western riding. We also include a break for a cowboy inspired lunch. This often consists of chillies (for the brave), enchiladas, BBQ ribs and cheesecake. Once refreshed, everyone gets to ride again and have the chance to learn how to lasso Western style! We then return to horseback ready for an afternoon ride.
The Western Experience Day is rounded up with afternoon tea courtesy of Ginny from Sweet Things Savoury.
On-site Tack Shop Selling Western Tack and Cowboy Hats
We even have a good old-fashioned tack shop on site which is open by appointment. We stock Western tack by Dennis Moorland from the USA. This is exactly what the Sovereign team use on a daily basis so we can vouch for its exceptional quality and long term durability.
We are also delighted to be the only UK Stockist for Greeley Cowboy hats. We have a large range of cowboy hats for you to choose from. We are now offering both classic styles and custom made to measure as well as the most up to date colours. So if our riders would like to get even deeper into the Western experience these cowboy hats are a lovely authentic finishing touch.
We will be working hard to bring you more Sovereign news, horsey tips, tricks and insights so do check in from time to time and follow us on our blog and on our Facebook and Instagram pages. In the meantime, do what you can to stay safe and keep us in mind when you want to go horse riding and fancy a Western experience to lighten up these darkening days.
Riding Clinics Have Re-opened
Our popular clinics are up and running again for riding pupils who already have their own horses. The clinics start at 9.30am to 4pm and are taught by David, Sarah and Olivia. We run two small groups with two riding sessions; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These sessions include General Clinics as well as:
- Ranch Riding
- Trail
- Horsemanship
- Showmanship
- Halter and Preparing For In-Hand Showing
- Cattle
- Body Control
If you are interested to know more about our new stallion, our beautiful new Quarter Horse foals, riding clinics and our many events please do get in touch.