Posted on 25th October 2022
Congratulations to long-standing ABRS+ members, Houston Farm Riding School, who celebrated their 50th birthday last week.
It’s been a particularly challenging few years for riding schools and so it is with great pleasure that we join the team at Houston Farm Riding School in celebrating a very big milestone.
Houston began on the 15thOctober, 1972 with three ponies from Kelso Horse Sales. Prior to the riding school’s beginning, Ian and Elizabeth Comrie taught riding on client’s own horses while running a busy pig farm.
A change in the economy prompted a decision to grow the business in a different direction, the pigs were sold and Houston Farm Riding School gained their Riding School License. Joining the ABRS in 1973, they continued to grow and now have 54 horses and ponies.
Although the riding school has dramatically increased in size, the ethos of providing a fun, friendly, and supportive environment has remained. Their horses are at the heart of what they do, are treated as part of the family, with many of them retiring on the farm.
The Comrie’s passion for horses shines through, alongside a successful family line of competitive riders, who have won several UK National Championship titles between them.
But, it hasn’t always been easy going; for many years Elizabeth juggled working at the local hospital, teaching and raising their family for several years.
Like many riding schools, Covid came a big challenge with five and a half months of closure taking its toll on life savings. Luckily, the centre survived and they are back doing what they love best – putting smiles on clients faces.
Houston celebrated their fiftieth birthday in style with a party for 150 clients, past and present. With a band and lots of time for dancing and reminiscing with old friends, including four generations of riders, it was a great way to celebrate this incredible achievement.
The ABRS+ team would like to say congratulations to everyone at Houston Farm Riding School and wish them all the best for the future as we looking forward to working together.
Find out more about Houston Farm Riding School here: https://www.abrs-info.org/listing/houston-farm-riding-school/
