About us

Steph is the owner and founder of Country Treks in the early days when it was just going to be 6 ponies at Ginny Hole. Now its more like 46! In the early days Steph did everything, from teaching to full time horse care to taking the rides. Steph has two daughters, Heidi who works in the summer and Holly who works for the Adventure Centre, as well as twin boys, Steve and Dan with her husband Ant who runs the Adventure Centre, which is the sister business to the horse riding. Steph's all time favourite horse is Paddy, who is a superstar who jumps everything and anything and will never leave Country Treks. Steph loves running the business but is very glad to have such a competent set of staff who you will read about below.

Helen has had a long history on horse yards and has an excellent reputation as yard manager at various competition and hunting yards. After a 'horsey break' when she had Holly and Lucy and started her own nursery, she finally relented to Steph's pressure and came back to her horsey roots leaving her own business under capable management. Helen loves hunting, jumping and taking her daughter Holly off to local shows. You are most likely to find Helen out on a trail ride talking customers through the historic heritage of our local landscape! Helen loves exploring the local area and knows some fantastic routes and her local knowledge really comes in handy.

Anna left college and decided to pursue a career in horses. Anna learnt to ride at Country Treks at the tender age of 7 years old. She was a regular at Ginny Hole and when she became a teenager she enjoyed helping on Saturdays. Anna loves hunting with the Wheatland (Mostly on Spritzer who is her confirmed favourite) and she is looking forward to doing some show jumping and cross-country this year as she loves jumping. Anna loves running the Saturdays and helping the children at achieve their Pony Club badges and certificates. She is a favourite with all our children and loves teaching in the school.

Harriet learnt to ride at Country Treks with Steph when she was just 9 Years old! After a few attempts at life without horses after leaving school, she has decided that Country Treks is where she wants to be. Harriet is now in her 3 year with Country Treks and hopefully here for many more years! Harriet has a real soft spot for James. Harriet and James make a great team and take part in various fun rides when they get the chance! Harriet loves being the first to try out our new horses. Harriet is now a key instructor for taking our adventure trail rides and this is her favourite thing to do at Country Treks. When Harriet is not looking after the Country Treks horses she is at home with her many pets.

Louise is formerly an Old Vicarage employee but her roots have always been horses, so when she had her daughter 'Daisy' she decided to come back and join the Country Treks crew! Steph was delighted as Louise has successfully produced lots of horses to high event level and one of her jobs is to school the Country Treks new arrivals. She's also an old hand at yard work! Louise also loves teaching and helping customers progress to a higher level. Louise is now in her 5th year at Country Treks and regularly gets excellent testimonials from delighted customers. You will also see Louise helping out with the RDA (Riding for the Disabled), as she loves working with our disabled groups.

Heidi is Steph's daughter and has earned her place on the staff by doing 3 full summers, and before University, every Saturday. A lovely personality, very popular with the kids and her favourite place is teaching in the school. After years of being taught by Pat Crann, Heidi has a super career at Pony Club National level and BSJA and her pony Danny progressed so well he is now top money winner in Sweden. Her horse, Paddy, she reluctantly gave to her Mom when she went to University to study law, after Paddy had won pretty much everything he was entered in. Heidi works the odd Saturday when she's back and is looking forward to a full summer at Country Treks when she finishes University. Heidi loves teaching and helping adults and children reach their goals.

Chloe has joined us working in the office taking your calls and answering emails. Chloe came on work experience at The Old Vicarage when she was just 15, and after trying her hand at a few different jobs, has decided that her love really lies in outdoor adventures and horses! Chloe has ridden since the early age of 5 years and has previously owned her own horses. Chloe is a bubbly and chatty member of our team and is in the office 5 days a week to answer any queries you have and to take your bookings. So give her a call if you have any questions. Chloe loves working on Saturdays with Anna and helping with the childrens lessons. Chloe also organises our fantasic 'Teddy Bears picnics' and 'Princess and Pirate treasure rides' so you will quite often see her dressed as a Pirate!

Thea has returned to us from Cornwall, after previously working for Country Treks for 6 years. Thea has worked with horses for 10 years and has a HND in equine studies. Thea loves exploring the beautiful Shropshire countryside (which is one of the reasons she has moved back to Shropshire) taking day rides and trail rides. She is now a regular part of the team at weekends and as a local girl has some great local knowledge and can tell you a story or two! Thea loves nothing more than ditching her corporate suit and popping on her Jods! Thea is a real fitness fanatic and regularly takes part is crazy challenges like Tough Guy! She has also been featured in the YOUR HORSE magazine on the lovely Paddy.

Gemma has recently returned to Country Treks after completing her degree in equine studies, as well as her BHS level 2 and is working currently towards her level 3. Gemma has two horses of her own, Illusion and Tilly, who she is currently schooling and training as they are only babies! Gemma loves pony camp, and particular likes helping the younger pony campers to achieve their goals. Gemma is a member of the Pony Club and is a qualified Pony Club instructor. Gemma’s favourite horse at Country Treks is Rosie and can’t wait to take her on some fun rides over the summer. Gemma can also been seen at The Old Vicarage Adventure Centre in the kitchen were she helps prepare some of our fantastic homemade meals and picnic hampers.

Isobel returned to us in 2010 and has just completed her level 3. Isobel has been around horses all her life and has even run her own trekking centre in the past. Isobel works with us every Saturday and helps Anna and Chloe run our Saturday sessions. Isobel is a favourite with the children. She loves teaching and all the teenagers love her, as she encounrages them to jump really high!! Isobel also helps out on our Pony camps and enjoys taking the adventure day rides. When Isbobel isn't at Country Treks she is busy looking after her own horses and her little boy!

And not forgetting.... Coco the family pet!