08/14/2025
Dear beloved clients (both past and present), silent onlookers, incredible mentors, supporters, critiques, on the fencers and the rest of the surrounding horse industry,
For those of you who may not know, the current facility we call home has unexpectedly come up for sale at the beginning of July. Rightly so, this shock has created instability, tension, and uncertainty for us, our clients - the owners who entrust their horses in our care and our collaborators, and shaken the continued business operations and plans for 13 Shillings Equestrian Centre.
Throughout our nearly 2 years since opening the doors on this dream come true since my first introduction to horses over 15 years ago, we have built a place where horses and people could come to be seen and heard, feel safe, recover, rehabilitate, reconnect and centre themselves once again. An environment where you’re free to express here what you’re afraid to express out there in the face of a rather difficult industry to partake in. Albeit, it came with many learning opportunities, long days, difficult moments, and considerable change and growth along the way - as to be expected (and honestly hoped for) with any sort of animal-related service and care. Because change is growth, and growth usually comes with tough times, doesn't it?
But this dear farm has also brought forth the most incredible experiences as well; from the people it attracted, the community it created, the horses we were able to help, the change we were able to ensure, and the seeds for change we were able to plant. All the way to the profound, breakthrough, special, and quietest moments of peace, presence, and purpose had here...
After careful consideration, I have decided that the next step for 13 Shillings is to relocate our aligned group to a well-managed boarding facility that shares our values and understanding for sustainable horse care. As well as a place that will welcome myself as a trainer; with ethical practices, rehabilitation, complex care solutions and a vision on further collaboration with a pre-established facility.
This is not the end of 13 Shillings — we are simply choosing to evolve with our circumstances, rather than succumb to them. This shift in how we operate will help us continue to grow without the uncertainty that comes with running a facility under changing ownership, and our commitment to ethical horsemanship and genuine care for horses and people will remain exactly the same.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be working hard to find the right facility whose interested to work with, and welcome us into a mutually beneficial opportunity. A barn owner who values quality care, supports ethical training, and would be keen to welcome a group of respectful, responsible boarders and a reputable training program. If you know of such a place — or someone who might — please reach out, as we do have a nearing deadline of October 31st 2025.
To my clients, friends, and allies in the industry: thank you for trusting me, challenging me, and standing alongside me. The scenery may change, but the heart of what we do — and why we do it — will not.
Here’s to the next chapter.
- Ally of 13 Shillings Equestrian Centre
"Flow is essentially what happens when we become so completely engaged with what we're doing, all ideas or worries dissolve and we're just completely present in the task"
