After 12 months of loaning the most wonderfully charactered, spirited and well mannered Pony from Kerry who went by the name of Paddy, I started to think that maybe it was time that I looked to invest in a horse that I could do more with.
Duchess had been with the yard only a few weeks and I hadn’t really taken any notice of her, well, one Saturday afternoon, she just caught my eye and on further inspection (by both me and her) I had decided that she was beautiful.

I then, in passing, mentioned to Kerry my new found adoration for Duchess and she swiftly informed me that there was a jump group that I could ride her in that afternoon, and looking back in hindsight, I can only compare what happened next, to what happens when you see that beautiful ‘must have’ pair of shoes in the shop – you look at them and adore them, you might even pick them up just to look over them, but you don’t put them on (or in my case you invariably do), because you know that as soon as you wear them, you will want them and buy them . . . . That is exactly what had happened with Duchess, and within 24 hours, lots of conversations with my wonderful Mum and Dad (who have been great throughout this whole process and I cant thank them enough) the decision had been made – she was going to be mine!

My 4 year old mare is just wonderful! She has stable manners to die for and has the talent to do very well for herself (shame about the rider!!!). She is still very green in many ways and has lots to learn, but in turn, so do I! Kerry had said to me when we had our “shall I, shant I discussions” that she would be a great little challenge and ‘project’ for me, and she wasn’t wrong!

Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t all been plain sailing since having Duchess, and I don’t for one minute expect that that will change as our relationship continues, but what I can say, is that through all of these ups and downs, you can rely on Kerry and her team to guide, support and give you all the help that you need along the way!

For this, I need to thank Kerry for finding me my beautiful little girl and for giving me the encouragement, kick up the backside, continued support and confidence that she has given me throughout this whole process, and for also loaning me Paddy, which without a doubt, had I not have had that opportunity, I wouldn’t be writing this now!

I would also like to thank Lewis once again, for helping and supporting me, for persevering with me in my lessons and once again, for being my fountain of all knowledge when I am asking him my obligatory 20 questions a day, generally focussed around “why would she be doing that” or “how do I stop that” or “what do I need to do when”  That’s not to mention the number of times the poor thing listens to my “ I cant do it” moments! Lewis, you really are a saint, as I’m not sure I could put up with me!!!!

My name is Major (Apollo's Sergeant Major) and I have been a long term resident at MEC since 2004 arriving from Wales to work in the school.  Having worked hard in the school for a couple of years I needed a change and cast an eye about for suitable humans to take over my care and elevate my status onto the livery yard.  A  nice but gullible couple came along, he used to ride me in the school and I quite liked him, we even learned to jump together, she, having ridden me a couple of times, I knew I could easily dominate. I had a few words with the school staff who painted an "if you don't buy him, he will be sold on to an unknown fate" picture and, as predicted, they fell for it and "rescued" me and suddenly became willing if slightly bemused owners - having never even thought about buying a horse previously.  I quickly settled into working livery life on the livery yard, and in those days there were only about 9 of us but my new parents circumstances changed unexpectedly and I soon became one of the elite - a full livery - my feed bowl overfloweth!  Quite literally as it turned out because dear reader, you are all aware of my Herculean struggle with weight issues initially brought on by box rest following injury and added to on my return to work by not actually being able to do much work, and now by just being a good doer (prone to getting fat)!  However, that is old news and I am now slimline super cob dressage star!  Personally however I go for the "does not want to work at all" approach which unfortunately holds no water with my now considerably more enlightened parents and our trainer Linda (she understands my issues) who with varying success have tackled my weight and fitness issues with dieting, lunging and training (available to all livery owners if desired) and use of the schools, cross country track and the Apollo lorry to motivate me and enrich my life and theirs with new experiences.  I am known for my aversion to trotting poles, love of swedes, for having a rug for every day of the week, wobbly saddles, regular sessions with a lady who specialises in "massage"(!!!!), farrier (ok), vet (hate him), dentist (tolerate her), saddle fitter (nice lady), full housekeeping and room service, secure turnout, 24 hour supervision and a herd of happy, well kept friends for company and a very full diary!  My parents having completed their baptism by fire are now more competent horse owners, able to rise to the challenges and limitations set by me and not afraid to ask for help from the considerably wiser and more experienced staff when needed, or indeed in times of complete bewilderment, from Mrs Apollo herself (she really is incredibly tolerant when faced with yet another "lets ask Kerry scenario”).  Help and advice is always available at MEC, you only have to ask for it, as all of us need to and should do at times.   

To complete my story, to answer the FAQ why do I consider myself an Apollo horse, I, lowly cob that I am, once became the chosen ride for Mrs Apollo at Solihull cross country when those big posh Apollo horses couldn't get out of bed!

Jul 2007 -

So with my first pony Shadow doing very well with his new owner, Fudge was next.

Unfortunately he got a bit too strong for me, then came Charlie didn't last long, only 2 days, vet said he had a bad leg. So dad has a little trip to Doncaster to see a dark bay mare called 'Lottie' - (Yuck Name!) He liked her. So on a nice Sunday morning, Dad, Kerry, Sally and myself set off to see her.

Dad told the person selling her that he had brought in the expert (Kerry). After riding and jumping 'lottie' and looking her over, Kerry said 'Yes I like him' we all said 'its a mare, Kerry!' Kerry replied 'Is it?! I don't look at them bits! - AS A JOKE!!!!' Anyway we all agreed, this was the one for me -  "Apollo's Tara Noir" or Tara for short.

She jumps WOW, Cross country WOW, Dressage  - well no-ones perfect! though now under training!!! Watch this space.......

April 2009.

We have owned Warrior for  just over 18 months. We quickly learnt that he has a great love of all things edible, so we can always keep a friend in him with an apple or mint, or … well anything really! On the whole Warrior is a very happy chappy. He is well looked after by everyone and spoiled rotten by us! We like to think he loves us for it though!!

Warrior can be found in the school when he’s well and is a really good boy generally and a dream to ride.  He loves jumping and cantering about and likes to learn new things and do lots of different exercises. He does like to try and guess what you want him to do though!!  He has also been known to go to the odd jumping competition , which he enjoys and has been known to do quite well, especially with slightly bigger jumps.  We are still hoping to enter him into the upcoming dressage competitions, but he always seems to be out of action when they are on!!  I wonder if he’s trying to tell us something??!

Warrior certainly doesn’t like to make life simple, or stress free for us, with his recurring bad backs, or the fear of them?!! Who knows?!  But we love him loads and wouldn’t swap him for the world!  Thank goodness for all the more knowledgeable “horsey” people around to help us, with lunging and riding and offering advice when Warrior will only do sideways and reverse gear!!!  Not to mention the bucks!  Gemma, the new livery manager, has been most patient with our ongoing texts since she started her new appointment and has been great at giving us all the information we need!  Thanks Gemma!

Love Ruth, Sarah and Warrior!

I love being at Middleton and thank everyone for doing such a good job of looking after me, in sickness and in health, and even when I’m a grump!   X

March 2009:

After two years of lesson at MEC, being a nervous returning rider, my first attempt being thirty-odd years earlier (in the days of ‘grip with the knees’), Lisa gave me the opportunity to share Millie with her.  Millie is a star, she built my confidence enough for me to take her to Solihull to jump, where we proudly got a clear round rosette – even though I was told my face was an interesting shade of white and I didn’t sleep for a week!! 

Nearly two years later at the end of 2008, I wanted my own horse.  After the ‘discussion’ (for discussion read pleading) with my long-suffering husband, I spoke to Kerry and the mission began in earnest to find ‘the horse’.  I had a long list of ‘what I want is….’ not an easy task.  Kerry and I scoured adverts, the internet and visited yards, tried some interesting ‘confidence givers’, thought we had found the right one, but it was not to be.  Emails went backwards and forwards with the words “what do you think of this one?”, but by the end of January nothing I fell for, which was one of the main criteria together with ‘must have a nice face’!  Then on the first weekend of February Kerry heard that Flint was for sale, she knew him and the current owners and sent me a note saying she would just like me to try him.  Little did I know she had already told the owners they would sell him as soon as I saw him.  That was it, I rode him in the morning, we raced to the bank before it closed and collected him in the afternoon.

Flint is a dream; he is gentle, has a fantastic attitude and manners, jumps and does flat work, everything I want him to do, preferably in return for his favourite pears!  He is forward, very patient, is teaching me and tries so hard to help me get it right.  He is exactly what I wanted and needed, complete with lovely face and is settling in at the yard so well.  He has become firm friends with Major, who is showing him the ropes in the field, and occasionally the hay!  We are progressing and having a ball doing so.  Once again, thanks Kerry.  Also thank you to Richard (leg on, more forward, and again..) other livery owners, particularly Viv and Steve for freely loaning me most of your equipment – shame your rugs are too big - and all the instructors and staff, your support has been and continues to be invaluable, I couldn’t have done it without you.  A special thank you also to Lisa and Millie for getting me to this point and to Dave for understanding and indulging the constant ‘I need’ and ‘Flint needs’ x

I came back to MEC in November 2007 after hearing about the changes that had been made. I was amazed at the improvements and wanted to continue my lessons, learn more about looking after horses and eventually have a horse of my own.. because of MEC that is exactly what I went on to do!

So, after completing a horse owner's course I started sharing Archie in
about May 2008 and was lucky enough in March 2009 to buy him!

Archie is 12 years old, he is a Thoroughbred, his real name is Absinther and he is an ex racehorse.

I am very lucky to have him and exceedingly proud of him. He loves
Attention and works hard to please and I think (hope) he enjoys show jumping just as much as I do! Arch is basically the most beautiful horse (inside & out) that I have ever known and I would not want to be without him.

So it's a pleasure for me to make sure that he enjoys the quality of life that he deserves and this is made an awful lot easier by the assistance that MEC provides. Thank you everyone at MEC for everything & I know Archie & I have more good times ahead! Jen.

The Premier Partnership between horse and rider.  It’s one of the ‘strap lines’ Kerry thought up to help define what it is that this yard does.  My testimonial describes my experiences and why I think this statement sums MEC up perfectly.

I am the very proud owner of Presto (Ico’s Prestige), a beautiful tri-colour KWPN Gelding with a bloodline on both sides that makes him Show Jumping royalty and stable manners to die for.  But you do need to hold your breath when mounting him!

I fell in love with him from the moment I saw him turned out in one of Kerry’s fields the day after she unloaded him from the lorry.  During a long time of hesitancy on my part, Kerry, and some of her staff, badgered me (nicely and carefully) that this was ‘the one’.  And then, after basically being told by my partner to stop being so bl**dy indecisive and buy him, he was mine.

You see, Kerry has a particular eye for a horse and knows when a horse just ‘looks right’ - which I admire.  But MEC also makes sure that the pairing off between horse and owner has a certain symmetry to it.  It’s not just that the horse is a good horse, it’s that they try to ensure that the partnership is ‘fit for purpose’.  Because of Kerry and MEC, Presto has been and is one of the best things that has happened to me and I wouldn’t change him for the world.  And for this, I really am truly and eternally grateful.

For anyone reading this and thinking about purchasing one of the horses for sale at MEC, rest assured that they will do all they can to allow you to make the right decision!

When I bought Presto, I thought we might stay on the yard for a few months whilst I got to know him, and then I’d move him to a DIY.  Two years on and we are still here!  Why? - because this yard and it’s staff care about horses and riders, and the livery community here is close-knit and friendly.  Presto has had some difficult times with injury, but without the support from the staff and the other liveries I would have given up.  And it’s not just the difficult times.  My time at MEC has taught me to be a far better and rounded horsewoman than I could have ever imagined.  If you want top class, caring, clean and personable surroundings for your horse, with facilities to match, then this is the yard!

As a riding school, it’s just a brilliant place to learn.  All the instructors here are always at the top of their form, whether you’re in a first time lesson, learning your first canter or facing your first 1.2m fence with Kerry loudly reminding you about your heel position! (If you fall off, try not to cry - Kerry has ears like a bat!).  My partnership with Presto has really been cemented under the guidance of these fantastic, award-winning instructors.

I can’t tell you how much this yard means to me and Presto.  I know he is being well looked after when I’m not there, I look forward to going to MEC to be with like-minded and friendly people, and Presto and I are ‘brought’ on by MEC’s careful attention to detail.  I’m sorry, but what more could you ask for.

And finally, I really need to say:

• Kerry, thanks for my horse, for the welcome and for you’re ongoing trust and friendship, (but it’s not all about you. haha!).
• Gemma, my chocoholic friend, deservedly awarded BHS Instructor of the Year and a true riding star in your own right, thanks for all the schooling - mine and Presto’s
• Mr Daniels (aka Diva Daniels), one of the best horsemen and dressage riders in the country (though you don’t realise it) and one of the most humble - thanks for teaching me so much, supporting me, and kicking my ass when I needed it.

Corina and Presto
(Team Apollo’s part-time Foster Mother of the Sacred Newfs & Home Carer for Arnold-Herrick Holidays).

Hi I’m Copper.   I am a 13.2 chestnut pony belonging to MEC.  I have been looked after and cared for by Abbie since October 2008.  She looks after me really, really well and comes up every single day to see me and to give me my daily pampering session.  I actually look quite beautiful!!  I look after her too.

We have been doing lots of competitions together and we are doing really well.  We are best friends (and I think her Mom quite likes me now too! Perhaps because I now let her in the stable without stamping and snorting at her!  And she even kisses me sometimes when no-one is looking!).  We hope to do some more competitions soon, especially as I have been so well behaved. 

Abbie has been riding at MEC since Kerry brought it and she has been coming up every day to see me and always with a smile on her face, except from when I am a bit cheeky and don’t want to be groomed but only so I can carry on eating my hay - always on my terms - after all, I am a man!!!!!!

Me and Abbie want to thank Kerry and all the staff and liveries for their help and support over the last year because without it Abbie’s Mom would have given up the first week!!
Abbie and Copper  xxx

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Hi I'm Abbie, a 15.1hh 6yr old dark bay mare. I came to Middleton not long ago and I have enjoyed every minute of it here since!

Paige was looking for a new loving, caring gentle horse to love loads! and Kerry pointed out that I was exactly what she was looking for. So Paige's Mom booked a lesson on me, after the lesson Paige absolutely fell in LOVE with me straight away! Paige went home and told her Dad about me, he wasn't quite sure about it first but then he changed his mind!
Next came along the hoof and woof which was great fun!!, Paige rode me really well and we both managed to get a clear round together which was great for my first competition!

Me and Paige are great friends she loves grooming me and giving me loads of  kisses and cuddles because i love them!

Our future goals are to compete in dressage tests at M.E.C, show jumping, cross country and going to shows like Solihul and Eland Lodge.

We'll be back with more soon  Watch this space...................
                                    Loads of love Paige and Abbie! xxxxxx

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I have ridden on-and-off at Middleton since the age of 10, coming back to MEC in September 2008 after a year away. It was in my weekly group lesson that I first met Tysor, a.k.a. You've only gone and Dun it!  
Richard brought him into the school and 'warmed him up' for me!  He looked very impressive and full of energy, and I was instantly attracted and excited by the challenge.  I rode him weekly for a couple of months, each week falling more and more in love with him, and whining about not being able to afford him - probably to the great annoyance of my fellow riders and Gemma!

The whining didn't end there...my poor boyfriend Nick knows this all too well.  I deliberated, budgeted, whined, reasoned, probably cried like a spoilt kid who wants a pony, and then deliberated some more.  After spending Christmas with my folks, I had made the painful decision that it was the wrong thing to do, the wrong time, and too much money - my life-long dream would have to wait a bit longer...  

...two weeks to be exact!  On January 11th 2009, Tysor was mine.  This day happens to be the birthday of my late Polish grandad - my reason for being horsey - and Tysor is a Polish Warmblood...you see where I'm going.  Tysor was officially a gift for my Dziadzia, and with this, all family arguments were won.

It was the shock of seeing a couple viewing him which kicked me into gear, along with some major encouragement from a friend I now hold partially responsible, Miss Whitaker.  That afternoon I made Kerry an offer she very easily could have refused.  Thankfully she didn't, and for which I will be eternally grateful.

Tysor is awesome, and thanks to my lovely sister Marianne for lending me the money, my biggest dream has finally been realised.  What are big sisters for?!  He is smart and very stubborn, a trait I like to call 'character'.  He is not a fan of flatwork, but makes up for this with his enthusiasm for jumping.  He lives to eat and won't work until he's had his breakfast - he'll buck and rear instead so don't even try!  He endeavours to find something edible in everybodies pockets; this can result in being pinned to the corner of his stable so watch out!  He can also be very loving and gentle and will stand for hours while I pull out his loose hair.

Tysor is officially my first horse after an upsetting false start years ago which seriously knocked my confidence.  Now I don't know what I'd do without him - oh yeah, be able to spend time with my boyfriend, go out late at the weekend, afford to buy things for ME!  I'm not sure what I'm going to do with him, but at the moment I am enjoying getting to know him and I think we're both coming along well together (touch wood!).

Thank you Corina for taking me under your wing and for all your advice on the 'bad days'.  Thank you to all the other liveries and MEC staff who have not made me feel stupid for asking probably quite stupid questions!  And another big thank you to Kerry and all the staff for the fantastic care you provide for my lovely boy.  I am very excited about our future together, and I'm really looking forward to our first summer at MEC.

Kate & the Tyse

After saving up all my birthday and christmas money, then doing 150 chores at home, i finally have a horse!

His name is Harley and he's a 9 year old skewbald, cob gelding with feather, a big bushy tail and a moustache. He loves his treats and will nuzzle his moustache into you to check that you don't have any.
 
I've only had him for a few weeks now and because his saddle doesn't fit very well I haven't ridden much. He's quite forward going and prefers to canter fast. I hope to do showjumping and cross country on him because that's what I really enjoy but maybe a bit of dressage too. I really can't wait till I have a new saddle and can ride him properly but am just enoying giving him lots of attention at the moment and he's happy going out in his field with his new friend Goldrush.