Woodruffe Stables
Lorraine and Dickie
Lorraine's 17.2hh Selle Francais, Dickie, is the biggest horse on the yard. He was bought and backed by Liz as a four year-old and has been kept with her ever since.
Together, Lorraine and Dickie enjoy “a bit of everything” - from unaffiliated One Day Events to BSJA show-jumping, where they compete in Open and Discovery classes.
Before she bought Dickie, Lorraine had a part share in a horse kept with Liz. "So all together, I've probably been with her for about 10 years."
Why? “Because Liz and her team at Woodruffe are 100 per cent reliable. The staff are really dedicated and genuinely love the horses. It's the security of knowing that your horse is being cared for properly, that they have a routine day-in, day-out. I know that if I can't get down for a couple of days or even a week, Dickie will be fine. They're very accommodating.”
And Lorraine says she's built up a number of lasting friendships over the years.
“There's a great atmosphere, it's really friendly and not at all cliquey, as some yards can be. We all encourage each other to get out and compete - nothing too serious, it's just about having fun.”
Caroline and Spy
Caroline bought Spy, a blue and white Irish gelding, following a break from riding due to starting a family and living overseas. After visiting several yards in the area, Caroline chose Woodruffe because, she says, her first impressions were so positive.
“It's a lovely yard. Liz was so nice and approachable and the staff were so friendly. Everyone said "hello" to me - this didn't happen in every place that I visited. I also thought the facilities were wonderful.”
A self-confessed nervous rider, Caroline particularly enjoys the Chase - the half-mile all-weather canter track around the paddocks at Woodruffe. “Even though I know Spy is bombproof, I don't like to hack out alone. Having the Chase means I can enjoy the freedom of riding alone, but in a safe environment.”
And, despite Spy being a very laid-back character, Caroline says that she noticed a change in his behaviour soon after moving to Woodruffe.
“He was so much calmer than at his previous yard, so settled and happy. I saw the change almost straight away. The only reason why I would take him away would be if my husband had to move with work again - and I hope that doesn't happen!”
Patrick and Hedley,
Tracey and Mrs. T.
“Two years ago, my wife, Tracey, and I moved our two horses to Woodruffe from a yard that had closed down at short notice. Both horses, a Thoroughbred and a Belgian Warmblood are very different in character, but quite highly strung. In spite of their 'nuttiness', they settled in very quickly in the relaxed atmosphere of the yard.
Tracey and I are also very different riders: I'm a bit of a hooligan that enjoys a gallop on the Downs, while my wife is an affiliated dressage rider who enjoys discipline and precision.
At Woodruffe, riders and horses are beautifully catered for by super staff in a great environment. Apart from the close proximity of the Downs, the recent upgrade of the riding arenas, the regular jumping and dressage clinics - and the new competitions - mean that I am beginning to learn to ride properly!”
Jackie and Geri
Local vet, Jackie, shares Geri with her owner. She's an ex-eventer and can be a bit mareish. Jackie is working towards her Stage III BHS exams.
“Geri is far more relaxed in her stable at Woodruffe than she was at grass livery at her old yard. When she came here, we couldn't even get Geri to canter sensibly round the school. Now, with Liz's help, Geri is cantering sensibly and giving me a nice outline. The facilities have really helped with her schooling and we have started jumping. Liz has helped improve my confidence with this mare no end. The yard is very friendly and relaxed, while maintaining professional standards.”
Claire and Lucero
Claire moved her 15hh Andalucian gelding, Lucero, to Woodruffe in 2008, on the recommendation of a friend. They're happy hackers, but have also competed dressage up to Elementary.
For Claire, one of the great things about Woodruffe is the wealth of hacking without roadwork.
“Lucero and I had a very bad accident on the road a few years ago, when we were hit by a car. So it's very important for me to have safe hacking. At Woodruffe, you just have to cross over the road to get to dozens of different routes around the Downs.”
Claire's also a big fan of the staff. “They're all very knowledgeable, so I feel confident that I can go on holiday and my horse will be looked after properly. Liz really cares that her liveries are happy. And I really do feel that Emily is the best head girl in Surrey. She knows all the horses as individuals, so she'll immediately spot if anything is wrong.”
Being keen on her dressage, it's important for Claire to have good surfaces to ride on. “Even before the recent upgrade, they were very good - I was amazed they stood up to the recent hard winter so well. Now, with the new surfaces, they're absolutely brilliant.”