MEET THE TEAM

Poplar Farm's horse loving humans!

Kay

Owner & Instructor

Kay, the owner and head instructor of Poplar Farm Riding School, brings nearly 50 years of teaching experience and a lifelong passion for horses. Having owned and operated the school for over 30 years, Kay has competed extensively in show jumping, cross country, side saddle, dressage, and even racing. She earned her BHS Certificate in Horsemanship in 1978 and achieved her BHSAI qualification in 1995, making her a highly skilled and knowledgeable instructor dedicated to sharing her expertise with riders of all levels.

Rachel

Yard Management

Rachel began riding 28 years ago, starting lessons with Kay at the age of 14, where her confidence and ability really developed. She owned horses throughout her late teens and early 20s before taking a break to focus on her career. Nearly three years ago, Rachel returned to riding and rejoined Poplar Farm in March 2023. Since then, she has reignited her passion for all things equestrian, achieving her BHS Stage 1 Riding and Care qualification in April 2024.

Louise

Yard Management

Louise has been an integral part of Poplar Farm for over 10 years, initially starting by caring for the dogs but quickly discovering a passion for horses. Over the years, she has gained invaluable experience in the care and wellbeing of the horses, becoming an essential part of the team. Louise is dedicated to ensuring that every customer at Poplar Farm has a safe and enjoyable experience. Her commitment and enthusiasm is shared by her daughter, who is now one of the senior helpers at Poplar Farm.

Helpers

Our Senior Helpers

Poplar Farm’s Senior Helpers have trained under the guidance of experienced staff to help provide a safe and supportive learning environment for customers. They continually build on their knowledge of horse care and riding skills, and are a crucial part of the team. These dedicated helpers are often the first to ride new ponies before they enter the riding school, and are well on their way to becoming accomplished riders. Passionate, enthusiastic, and very much appreciated by management, they can always be found smiling—especially when they’re in the saddle!