News

A Letter From Wickstead Farm

“Stepping Back”

Shared directly with our clients — and with everyone who has been part of the Wickstead story.

Tempus fugit, and I find myself beginning my 8th decade! It has been quite a journey that started in 1986 from diversification from a dairy business to an equestrian business. At that time the indoor school was a cow shed, and there were 5 cattle boxes and a few feed stores on site!

Fast forward 40 years and I could not be more proud of Wickstead Farm and all that has been achieved since those early days.

It is now time for me to take a step back. With Georgina and Hannah already on the tenancy, the future of the farm is in good hands. The girls already run their own businesses, and through their own work and determination their achievements are a reflection of their dedication, resilience and passion — and this is now also a joy to watch in the next generation too.

So — to the future of Wickstead Farm Equestrian Centre.

Georgina will continue to run the highly regarded Tapner Eventing Academy alongside her busy Georgina Tapner Equestrian and Tapner Eventing Team businesses.

With Hannah’s children growing up, she is delighted to now be in a position to run the Livery element of my business — for many of our clients she is their “go to” person for help and instruction, so I am sure this will be a very popular transition. She will trade under the title H G Equestrian Services.

Jo has been at my side since she started with me on a day release from college some 26 years ago. Jo is the glue that holds us all together. Jo is excited to have this opportunity to take up the reins of the Share Care and Instruction elements of my business. This will be her own enterprise, and she will trade under the business name of J J Equestrian and Share Care.

This does of course involve some change. To allow these two new separate enterprises to evolve and have clear boundaries within the yards, the Bottom Barn will be the base for J J Equestrian and the Top Yard stables the base for H G Equestrian. It is very much hoped that all the livery clients will continue to enjoy all that Wickstead has to offer, and that they will work with Hannah in the relocation of their stable, tack rooms and feed areas. Please be assured that your horse’s welfare and your happiness is hugely important to all of us.

Obviously we will keep you fully informed of new payment details, but we are hopeful that the Spring will herald the beginning of these new businesses. The timing of these relocations needs to be fluid — we will need to work with the weather to allow stables to change whilst the horses have the benefit of full turn out.

I am not going anywhere — I will be regularly at the cabin office, enjoying my dogs and my horses, and living in my beautiful barn! I step aside with pride — some tears — but in passing the baton I am confident that Wickstead Farm will continue to grow and thrive.

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