About Us At the Ranch 

laine Evans, along with her husband Nick and two young sons, Thomas and Lewis, bought "The Sycamores" an 80 acre dairy farm eight years ago, subsequently it had no horse facilities.

In the first year of ownership stables were built, and during that time horses were bought in and Sycamores Ranch was born.  In the second year a 60ft roundpen and then more recently, one of the largest outdoor arenas of it's type in the country. During that that time, Sycamores Ranch Western Riding Centre was born.

Elaine who originates from Chelmsford in Essex, has over 26 years of experience with horses and before she concentrated on Western riding used to compete in Showjumping, Dressage and Cross Country.  She also managed her own livery yard in Essex.

She holds her Approved Instructors Certificate under the Western Equestrian Society (W.E.S.) and enjoys teaching riders and horses alike.  One of her passions is also competing her Western horses in AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and W.E.S. Shows.

Damian Jones - Trail Leader/Yard Assistant

amian Jones is our new member of staff. Damian trained as an Electrician on leaving school.  Fortunately he had the opportunity to travel and during his time spent in South Africa he ended up on a job involving 20 or so horses.  After his encounter with the horses, he was completely hooked on them.

Since then, Damian has been out to America and done some training in the ways of Natural Horsemanship.  He is very interested in the mind of the horse and the ‘kinder’ methods of training. He has come to the Ranch as Trail Leader and Yard Assistant and during his time with Sycamores hopes to learn more about the technical side of Western Riding.  I am sure Damian will prove to be a valued and trusted member of our team!

Alfie Latham - Groom & Trainee Competition Pupil 

lfie Latham joined Sycamores about 18 months ago.  He is 15 years old and is an important member of the team.  He comes up to the Ranch every weekend and also during the school holidays.

Elaine has been teaching Alfie and along with him riding new inexperienced horses on the trails and he is proving to be a very capable and dedicated horseman.

Alfie has entered various Western shows at Sycamores and has always been placed in his classes. WELL DONE Alfie.

Our Four-Legged Friends

OLO -  is a 5 year old black and white collie bitch who loves to herd the horses whenever she can! She is an extremely friendly dog who is always happy to meet new customers when they come up to the Ranch, especially if they throw her lots of sticks.
LIVER - is a golden retriever and a real cheeky chap who we rescued 4 years ago. He was attacked by his mother at 5 weeks old and nearly killed. Thankfully he was brought to us and has been with us ever since. He is full of fun and loves to lie in the biggest, muddiest puddles he can find!
UTTON - is a real cutie. She is 3 years old and is a miniature Jack Russell. She is a very cuddley dog and loves to be pampered. She adores people, especially children. Her special trick is that she will sit up and beg (even when we don't want her to). We call it her Meer-Cat impression