Caring For Lara’s Horses
Meet the Team behind Lara Edwards Dressage
Horses at Lara Edwards Dressage receive the very best care, both from Lara’s experienced team of staff and from the close attention of the vets, farriers, equine physio and equine dentist that are very much part of the team.
“The staff never take short cuts, every detail of each horses well being is thorough and if extra time is needed it is taken. I’d like to introduce you to my team members below.”
Lara xx
Jess – (Yard Manager)
Jess joined us with lots of in-depth knowledge having run & worked on many yards previously from hunt yards to event yards as well as been a lecturer for Equine. Jess is very on the ball and keeps the wheels turning smoothly for us. Jess is very supportive of Laras calm, kind and sensitive approach to training and caring for all the horses.
Mollie – (Assistant Yard Manager and Rider)
Mollie started an apprenticeship here with Lara in 2023 through Stubbing Court and very successfully completed it with a distinction at the end of 2024 and then took up a full time role assisting Jess and also helping Lara with the younger horses and hacking. Mollie enjoys the shows as well as bringing on the just backed horses.
Joanna (Groom)
Joanna started working at Lara Edwards Dressage on a weekend in 2022 and has since stepped up to a full time position helping with the day to day running of the yard and also being very slight helps with the riding and schooling of the ponies.
Clarice (Apprentice)
Clarice started her apprenticeship with Lara in November 2024 and is progressing well through the various modules. Lara is very much hoping that Clarice will following in Mollies foot steps of a distinction when its the end of her time next year.
Neil (Handyman, Garden, General HELP man!!)
Neil has been a total asset to us all here, if anything isn’t quite working or needs tidying and sorting. Neil is the man! Lara does have high standards and likes everywhere to be very clean tidy and kept smart so Neil is always on hand to help the girls and Lara with sorting everything out as well as keeping the garden looking so lovely.
Rhett Bird – Trainer
Rhett is Lara’s main trainer and is exceptionally talented in the way he teaches and his ability to see exactly what’s happening or going to happen before it actually does happen.
Lara has trained with Rhett since 2012 and although not overly well known, he is the most kind but on it trainer ever. Lara loves his was of getting all types of different horses doing it for themselves without the need for force or fear and Rhett is brilliant with test riding which plays to Laras OCD traits where she likes everything to be perfect or as perfect as they can be too.
With Rhetts help Lara says her horses are so loose in their way of going and nothing is ever hurried, forced or made to happen the horses are all so happy and willing to work for what you want.
Katie Buncombe – Equine Therapy PEMF
I am very lucky to be supported by Katie so the horses have a monthly treatment with Katie and really benefit from the releases that she can make. Katie and Lara work closely together with both under saddle and in the stable so Lara can explain what she feels but also Katie can show what she finding with the PEMF.
PRIVATE ONLY CLINICS (Laras own horses) Roy Midwood – Equine Physiotherapist
Roy visits Lara’s horses regularly to discuss the horses with her and her team but unfortunately DOES NOT offer clinic spaces so please do NOT contact me for clinic dates/spaces or Roys contact details, these will NOT be given out sorry.
Hayley Drakes – Equine Holistic Therapy and Rider Massage
HAYLEY DRAKES of WellBeings (natural therapies for people and animals) has been a Holistic Specialist since 2002 and aims to provide Stress Management and Body Maintenance for Horses and their Riders.
Hayley visits Lara each month to work specifically with Riders, who hold similar tension patterns in their muscles as their horses. By massaging neck, shoulders and back on the Rider this can positively affect the performance of both rider and horse. The specialist massage chair means Hayley can provide effective and deep, yet comfortable massage through clothing. The result is more flexiblity in areas prone to tension, together with a much needed opportunity to relax.
Similarly for our hard-working competition horses, Hayley uses a combination of Reiki and Equine Massage techniques to give a gentle, subtle and calming method of easing muscle tension and stress related issues. This can aid flexibility and performance, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Observing the actions of various horses when receiving the therapies, they show many signs of relaxation and afterwards seem very calm and content. Riders usually report marked improvements in suppleness, flexibility and stride length as a result of the therapies.
Hayley’s philosophy is that our much-loved equines make us feel good, so we can do the same for them with these relaxing therapies and Hayley is always happy to advice on self-help techniques for Riders and Horses too. A life-long love of equines means she is passionate about helping them feel ‘chilled out’.
These therapies are never used in place of veterinary or medical treatment or advice and if an injury is suspected you must first seek medical diagnosis. The therapies are very effective alongside conventional veterinary/medical care to aid recovery and help with stress related or emotional issues, which in turn affect the physical body.
Hayley’s Horse & Rider Packages are very popular and it seems logical to work with both parties for ultimate performance and results.
Hayley is also a Reiki Teacher and has a particular interest in teaching people who will then use Reiki with their animals. Reiki is a gentle, Japanese technique for stress relief and relaxation. Everyone can do Reiki, all that is needed is an open-mind and a willingness to develop the ability.
Hayley also offers a variety of Holistic Therapies for people and Reiki for all animals, from her base in Belton, North Lincs. Her husband Nick works with her too with the Animal Reiki.
For more information and testimonials see hayleydrakes.co.uk
Rase Veterinary Centre – Equine Vets
The Rase Veterinary Centre has been in existence at Market Rasen for around fifty years. It was founded at a time when all veterinary work was predominantly with horses and farm animals.
Many significant changes have been experienced over the years, including both the establishment of satellite clinics at Louth and Grimsby and sadly the disappearance of much of the farm animal work.
From the very beginning, the practice always had a good reputation for its work with horses. The founder of the practice came out of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and was an enthusiastic member of the hunting fraternity.
At the present time, the practice has twelve veterinary surgeons. Five of these spend the majority of their working day with horses. Ten years ago the practice moved to new purposed designed premises. This move enabled the facilities to be better developed over a period of time, in order to cope with the increasing equine work load.
David Collins – Coach
Sports Coach David keeps in regular contact with Lara regarding how plans are going and to help plan out the up and coming events. There needs to be a balance and control of emotions between horse and rider, and through greater riding harmony performance is raised along with personal satisfaction and it once again becomes a joy to ride… even at competitions.
Developing new and exciting coaching techniques which have had proven success in improving riding performance. David Collins’ approach takes a holistic approach to both rider and horse which facilitates lower stress levels, greater emotional resilience and focuses upon skills and abilities.
www.davidcollinscoaching.co.uk
Mike Chisholm – Farrier
Mr M J J Chisholm DipWCF
Tel: 01472 503620 Mobile: 07779 080780
BREEDING
We are very lucky to work with Fairfield Stud and Thornton Wright when it comes to our own broodmares and foaling.
James Clee – Equine Dentist
6 Monthly checks and treatment for all Lara’s horses
Mum & my late Father – Parents 🙂
It would not be possible to have achieved what I have so far without the support (criticism!!) and love from Mum and Dad.
Whether it’s a sunny day or a freezing day as and when they are both there to support me.
Dad unfortunately passed away in 2021 after a sudden cancer diagnoses and even to this day Lara still find it so hard as the horses were hers and her dads passion and something they very much did together. Dad was chief driver and Mum is the best Mummy you could wish for! She makes sure I have everything I need and I do not now how she gets my jodhpurs so shiny white every time!!
Thank you to both of you, your love and support is what has got me where I am today and I am still learning from you both.
All of my family & friends & Fiancé – Paul
I am very lucky to be surrounded and supported by Paul, best friends, daughters Annabelle & Emily and all my most wonderful family with my Mum, Sister and her family always on hand to help when they can and who understand that horses are my life and everything revolves around them! Big thank you to my supporters and close friends, you know who you are xx (please click on a thumbnail to open the gallery)
