Classic Dressage has moved from its home counties base in Chesham, Bucks, to an alternative site in Warwickshire. The Buckinghamshire yard has re-opened as Two Counties Equestrian and will soon host become a venue for unaffiliated shows.
Classic Dressage’s new base is an 18-acre farm on the Fosse Way, six miles from long-standing business partners Rebecca and Gareth Hughes. Owner Julia Hornig has plans to build new state-of-the art equestrian facilities this year for the successful training yard headed by Rebecca. The specialist retail business will have a purpose built showroom and warehouse.
“Gareth, Rebecca and I own a team of outstanding horses,” Julia told H&H. “We bought our flagship horse Classic Briolinca as a three-year-old and she is now a rising 10-year-old grand prix horse. And we have many more stunning prospects behind her.
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“Moving our business to be close together has made sense from every perspective. We look forward to growing our training and sales base and producing many more champions!”
At the Buckinghamshire site, Charlotte Ward has opened Two Counties Equestrian as a livery yard and unaffiliated competition centre. The venue is so-called as the land spans Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Charlotte’s partner Paul Webb’s family owns the adjoining land, called Bury Farm, and Two Counties has already expanded from six acres to take in an additional 33 acres of land.
“We’re also hoping to extend the outdoor arena,” Charlotte told H&H. “And our brand new polyjumps are on their way, too.
“There’s a huge market round here – especially given the number of centres closing in the area – for a fun and friendly yard offering area hire, a set of jumps and unaffiliated shows. We’re also looking to add a cross-country course in due course.”
Sam O’Brien of Elite Dressage Sales is still based on-site.
Charlotte, who does a lot of Pony Club teaching and is passionate about eventing, is looking to start holding unaffiliated dressage in March, and plans a championship show for next January.
“We’re not likely to go affiliated; you have to pay out so much to do that – though we’ve not totally ruled it out. But there is such a big market for kids, teenagers and unaffiliated round here,” she added. “We’re aiming for a fun, friendly and open to everyone attitude.”
