Hugh/Alfie & Sheila/Tez on a rare ride out together!
Candy, Merry & Sheila - a team!
Candy & Oscar - the Security Guards
the Cat
About us!
What you will find at Gilfach
Gilfach Equitation is a small BHS-Approved riding center that prides itself on the quality of care given to its horses and its clients.
We (uniquely) only cater for up to four riding guests at any one time and are thus are able to pay attention to detail and offer a professional, yet flexible service - all within a very relaxing & friendly atmosphere.
We cater for a wide range of guests, from the more advanced rider right through to those who have never been anywhere near a horse before (but wish to do so!)
The Instruction...
Ridden instruction within the manege is given by Sheila Macmillan - who brings a wealth of experience in horsemanship (and other skills honed along the way) to her teaching. Trained formally under the auspices of the British Horse Society, Sheila's methods also dip into the multitude of techniques practiced by horsemasters of our time, and before. Sheila, who as well as being an experienced, qualified, registered and insured riding instructor (BHS AI Reg. Int SM), holds First Aid at Work and Child Protection qualifications and certificates.
Trainees and staff, considered suitably talented/qualified/experienced, assist Sheila with some of the instruction if deemed appropriate.
Other things we are good at!...
Sheila also regularly takes horses and ponies in for training - whether it is remedial or starting from scratch; under saddle or in-hand; in preparation for sale or for current owners to benefit from. Sheila's ability to quickly identify the cause of the "problem", or the training that needs to be done, and the patience and know-how to do it - always leading to the horses leaving Gilfach as confident, well-mannered, better educated and contented. Sheila's methods follow the Classical principles of horse training and therefore no short cuts are taken and no horse or rider is rushed beyond their own capability at the time.
The "Team"...
We at Gilfach work and live as part of a team. No matter how insignificant a task may seem to our visitors, each and every one of us at Gilfach is vital in enabling us to provide the first-class service we offer to our clients and our equine friends!
Our team consists of ... Sheila (see above) and a "crew" full time and part-time staff, and some very generous volunteers who are willing to help out as and when needed. All are essential members of our small team. The enthusiasm and conscientiousness of all of our staff are evident in the health and well being of our horses, the quality of our service we offer to our guests and the smooth running of the farm.
The One who does everything else...
Gilfach has fabulous horse and horse-people facilities - all engineered to make equestrian life at Gilfach as professional, safe and enjoyable as possible for all concerned.
All of the work that has been done, and that is on-going on the farm, is carried out by Hugh - mainly during his weekends off! From stable building to fencing; from harrowing of fields to arena making; from pot-hole filling, to mountain-moving... Hugh's the man!
Hugh is also responsible for, and indeed thoroughly enjoys, taking our guests on our hacks out. Hugh is also a qualified First Aider and has had training for using a Defibrillator (although we at Gilfach do not have one!)
Our other Domestic Residents
As well as the horses, we have 'Candy'- a rather lively young Springer Spaniel-X, an even livelier young Choc Lab, and 'Merry' a very sweet Lab x senior citizen who keeps the latter two in order. The Cat keeps the mice in order!