Stockland Lovell Manor - a 900 acre estate comprising of a mixed dairy/beef and arable farm - has been in the Hill family since 1907 and is beautifully situated, nestling in the shadow of the Quantock Hills, with panoramic views stretching from the Mendip Hills across Bridgwater Bay to Wales.

There is excellent viewing of the cross country course for spectators.

1989 saw the beginning of the Equestrian activities, with the building of the original cross country course. Since then it has grown extensively under the careful eye of Andrew Guilding, Farm Manager and Gill Dibble course designer. Running over 150 acres of natural terrain, the course provides an excellent variety of fences, including two water complexes, banks, a sunken road, three sets of steps and various ditch combinations as well as a large number of both permanent and portable fences from 2ft to 3ft 9'ins. There are two main schooling areas; one devoted to mini fences from 1’6’ ideal for children and the novice rider and horse and the other from 2’ 3’’ upwards. A third schooling area is dedicated to a range of more technical fences from Pre Novice up to and including Intermediate level.

The course is open throughout the year (subject to ground conditions and major events), and hosts a full diary of events. .

The all weather arenas, one 60 x 50 metre show jumping arena and an adjoining 50 x 50 metre dressage arena are available for hire throughout the year. The arenas can also be utilised as one 110 x 50 metre area, the largest in the south west!

With a full schedule of events, residential camps and a number of clinics taking place in all disciplines as well as its own on site saddlery, stocking a full range of equipment and clothing for both horse & rider, Stockland Lovell has something to offer for everyone.

The Team
   
 

Owners Lavinia & Michael Hill, with their sons Martin & Mark and the dogs Bob & Marley.

The Hills generously let the equestrian activities take over their farm, and their lives, for most of the year. Lavinia worked closely with Andrew from the outset and looked after the first of the residential camps, sadly in February 2009 she lost her battle with cancer, she is very sadly missed but her husband Michael and two sons Martin and Mark are ensuring that her hard work was not in vain, continuing to ensure the successful running of the Equestrian Centre.

Martin mainly deals with the accounts but you will often see him out on the course mowing and strimming, keeping everything looking immaculate! Mark it has to be said is much fonder of cows than horses and tends to be on tractor somewhere! Michael in his retirement is enjoying his love of cricket but if you come to stay you are bound to see him out walking the two dogs Bob & Marley of a morning.
   
  Andrew Guilding has been at the forefront of Stockland Lovell for 20 years and it was his vision that saw the cross country develop out of farm land into one of the best schooling facilities in the South West. From 2010 Andrew is stepping down as organiser although he will still be the acting Farm Manager and as such will continue to ensure the best going out on the course and we are sure he will still keep a close eye on the equestrian activities!
   
  Sarah Tye, the Equine Manager, has overall responsibility for the day to day running of well, everything, really....organising the clinics, events and camps, if you are visiting Stockland Lovell you will definitely be talking to Sarah before you arrive and seeing her when you get here. Sarah also deals with all of advertising, publicity, sponsorship (that sort of thing)
   
  Lynda Ayre is our Shop Manager, and will probably be one of the first people you see when visiting us as the shop also acts as our reception for schooling customers as well as being a favourite spot for resident campers. She does however take on many other roles including recruiting all the helpers needed for the events and is also our friendly and helpful event secretary on our main event days!
   
  Sue Young pops in a couple of days a week to keep our admin and secretarial chores up to scratch. She’s the only one of us who isn’t into horses, but I don’t think the computer objects to that!
   
  Shirley Balaam heads up the catering team – a lot of us think she’s the most important person here. We’re pretty sure that all the repeat business we get at our camps is not necessarily for the riding, but could definitely be for the ‘grub’! Her cakes are to die for….