Willow Farm

NAF FIVE STAR RIDING CLUB OF THE YEAR

‘Sue’s passion has pushed her through and she is amazing’ LORA HAWKINS ON SUE EVANS OF WILLOW FARM

WHEN Sue Evans was left wheelchair-bound after a serious car accident 40 years ago, her passion for horses persevered and nothing was to prevent her from setting up the now-thriving Willow Farm riding school — this year’s recipient of the NAF Five Star Riding Club of the Year award.

“Sue has built the riding school up since her accident, her passion has pushed her through and she is amazing,” said senior instructor Lora Hawkins, who collected the award from eventer Jonty Evans on behalf of the team.

The Lincolnshire riding school prides itself on lending ponies to children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to ride. Alongside riding lessons, they also host riding holidays.

“Willow Farm is unique in that we only have registered native ponies,” added Lora. “In my eyes, Willow Farm has always been the best. Riding is a really important sport — it gives children a responsibility and something to look after.”

Based in Skegness, the school stables 13 ponies and a small team of staff make the set-up a success — somewhere children can learn and develop their passion for horses and riding. It’s also a Pony Club centre.

“I enjoy teaching the kids, I love their enthusiasm,” said Lora, who has been part of the team for 12 years. “I never had a pony when I was younger, so I suppose I get to relive my childhood through working at Willow Farm.”

Lora’s highlight of the riding school’s calendar is the annual camp, as well as their May Day show and inter-centre competition.

And she’s hoping to take the children on a visit to Hickstead next year, having met the Bunn family at the Horse & Hound Awards.