Higher Mainstone Equestrian

Professional and experienced staff members to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the horses.

Higher Mainstone Equestrian, located in Barnstaple, North Devon, is a highly regarded and family owned training and livery yard. Boasting magnificent facilities and situated in the picturesque North Devon countryside, it is conveniently located just three miles from both Barnstaple Town and Braunton. The proximity to Exmoor and stunning beaches makes it an ideal location for horse enthusiasts and riders of all levels.

At Higher Mainstone Equestrian, the team is led by Mick and Mary Oldham, along with the dedicated yard manager, Adele Oldham. Adele is a qualified professional who obtained her qualifications in Business, Equitation, and Science from Hartpury College. Her vast experience includes working at various professional yards across the globe, such as Hunter Equitation and Jumper Yard in Florida, a Dressage Yard in Chicago, a Show Jumping Yard in Belgium, and an Eventing Yard in Germany.

The highly esteemed Erica Oldham, a well-known and fully qualified UK Level 3 coach, B. S. A. I.

, is part of the team. Erica holds extensive experience in coaching successful affiliated dressage riders, international event riders, and show jumpers. She also coaches at the BS Junior Academy and Confidence Camps. Erica offers regular individual sessions and group training clinics at Higher Mainstone Equestrian, but also provides coaching at outside venues and private yards.

The facilities at Higher Mainstone Equestrian are second to none. The equestrian centre features an outdoor 70 × 35 rubber and sand school complete with a full set of show jumps, available for private hire. Additionally, there is an indoor 35 × 20 sand school with lights, also available for private hire. The centre provides comfortable accommodation for horses with 14 × 14 American-style loose boxes featuring rubber matted floors and automatic drinkers.

A covered horse walker with a rubber-matted floor, all-weather turn out slips, and individual turn out paddocks are also available. Furthermore, the centre is equipped with a secure humidity controlled tack room, tea/coffee facilities, heated WC with hot water, washing machine, and WiFi access. Trailer and lorry parking is available, along with the option to purchase hay, straw, and shavings at an additional cost. The centre also has an on-site handyman/groundsman and is fully gated and secured with CCTV, while the owners reside onsite for added security.

Higher Mainstone Equestrian offers a range of livery options to suit every horse owner's needs. The options include DIY livery, where the owner is responsible for the care and expenses of their own horse. Assisted part DIY livery is also available, which provides owners with additional support and services. Full holiday services are offered during holiday times, including Christmas, New Year, Bank Holidays, and any other owner holidays, ensuring that the horses receive proper care and attention in the absence of their owners.

The centre offers a variety of services, including backing, schooling, and rehabilitation. Horses and ponies can begin, restart, or continue their training at Higher Mainstone Equestrian, with individual programmes tailored to the specific needs of each horse. The centre also offers competition services, where horses can be competed in their chosen disciplines or prepared for sale. Higher Mainstone Equestrian ensures a high standard of care and turnout throughout the competition process, including arranging videos, advertisements, and trials on behalf of the owner.

Expenses such as competition, travel, farrier, and advertising costs are additional and can be arranged through a pre-arranged full livery agreement.

Throughout their time at Higher Mainstone Equestrian, horses at livery are exclusively ridden and handled by professional and qualified staff members. The centre prides itself on maintaining a clean, tidy, and friendly environment, ensuring both horse and rider feel safe and comfortable. Whether you are a competitive rider, an owner looking for top-notch facilities, or a novice rider seeking professional training, Higher Mainstone Equestrian is the all-in-one destination for all your equestrian needs.