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 equestrian activities with the building of the original cross country course. Since then it has developed extensively, now running over 150 acres of natural terrain providing an excellent variety of fences, both portable and permanent,  including two water complexes, banks, a sunken road, three sets of steps and various ditch combinations; obstacles range from Intro through Pre Novice up to Intermediate. The cross country facility is further complemented by two dedicated schooling areas, one devoted to mini fences at approximately 1’’6” ideal for young children and the novice rider and horse, the other from 2’3” upwards.

The course is open for about ten months from February to November for schooling and pleasure hacking, subject to ground conditions and 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 on site accommodation for both horse and rider, residential camps occur throughout the season for both self catering groups or groups which prefer onsite catering, many Riding Clubs, Pony Clubs and other groups regularly return to Stockland Lovell year on year. A full schedule of events and clinics taking place in all disciplines as well as its own on site saddlery which stocks a full range of equipment and clothing for horse and rider, Stockland Lovell Manor 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 was at the forefront of Stockland Lovell for 20 years and, together with Gill Dibble,  combined vision and enthusiasm to develop a cross country course out of farm land that has become one of the best schooling facilities in the south west. Both Andrew and Gill have stepped back from this leading role although both are still there to encourage and advise if the need arises.
   
  Tamsin Spens is our Equestrian Secretary and has come back to Somerset after having spent 11 years working in Agriculture in Staffordshire. For all of her childhood Tamsin lived locally, participating fully in all of the equine opportunities available at the time including most pony club activities, hunting, teamchasing, eventing, point-to-pointing, all of which gave her the expertise to spend a year mustering on an Australian cattle station! Following a post at Mole Valley Farmers, Bridgwater, Tamsin worked in the South West for a further 5 years before moving North where after 6 years as a Sales Manager she decided to leave life on the road opting for more local employment in a very busy office, before deciding to migrate back to the sunnier climes of Somerset!
   
 

Teresa Plowright 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. So you will be sure to get to know Teresa during your visit.
   
  Sue Young joins the equestrian team for one day a week to assist with administration and secretarial duties.
   
  Shirley Balaam is the catering manager heading the team who provide meals for residential camps and refreshments served at arena events throughout the year.