Posted on 10th May 2023
“Having always loved ponies, earliest memories are with my Nan seeing the donkeys in Hurley and having to take them polos every weekend when I stayed with her. Having lessons for many years as a child and taking a few BHS progressive rider exams in London where I grew up.
“I then studied Criminology at Uni and was fascinated by how animals work alongside both sides of the law! Then worked in P.R.
“After marrying and having 2 children one being a pony mad daughter! And getting back into riding after moving to the Isle of Wight for a quiet life! We then purchased this derelict farm, then it all began… Island Riding Centre.
“My interests are really the care and welfare of ponies and I’m interested in ‘modernizing’ old school equine theories. I have studied and particular areas of interests are Equine Psychology, zoopharmacognosy, which is a great way of observing and understanding horses better in a natural environment and their dietary/social needs. I have a NVQ level 3 horse care, BHS level 4 management, Managing Safely certification and various industry skills qualifications. Such as HCCAP level 3 (For the restaurant side, not the feed room!)
“Of course, the environmental side of the business, sustainability, diversifying and growth all play a huge part in the day to day running of the business.
“I’m passionate about the education of young people (here on the island) helping them understand and look at horses with a different view. I don’t want to teach them ‘just’ to ride but to see them as stoic, sentimental, social creatures who absorb our feelings. And to promote good standards of care in the most natural ways we can.”
We are looking forward to hearing more from Louise about ideas that other business owners can implement to reduce their own costs, their impact on the environment and improve the sustainability of their centres.
You can attend the conference virtually via zoom for as little as £15 for ABRS+ members and £20 for non-members.
