Decompaction is key

winning the British Dressage tender in 2020 for that organisation’s most important show of the season, Josh reckons.

“We already had most of the infrastructure - a good number of stables with the space to easily add more and plenty of hardstanding horsebox parking. The Championships uses three large arenas with grandstands and hospitality suites on the showground for four days, and it takes around three weeks out of our calendar when you take into account set-up and breakdown time. We’ve had to put in some additional roadways, but they’ve been useful for other activities. Competitor and organiser feedback has been extremely positive.”

The pair comment that they would consider hosting other major events and broadening the scope of equestrian activity.

“We haven’t had much involvement in showjumping for example – as a family, our experience is with other equestrian disciplines, but it’s certainly something we’d look at,” says Josh. “We’ve also got planning permission for a showground extension, and we’re aiming to add to the eight glamping pods that we offer to event organisers and individuals.”

While the extensive stabling meets equine accommodation needs, most horse owners prefer to use their surprisingly well-equipped horseboxes for stopovers, and provision of showers, catering, electric hook-up and even wifi is all part of the package on offer at Somerford.

To cope with the logistical nightmare of hundreds of individual bookings for facilities, a local software developer has designed a bespoke booking portal where clients can request use of arenas, schooling facilities or the farm ride for a day and time of their choosing.

“This will be integrated with our event booking system so we can enter details of major bookings to give a full picture of the activities on site,” he explains. “We’re hoping that it can even be used for actions such as switching on and off the hook-up to a particular parking slot to coincide with the time of the client’s arrival and departure.”

In a country where the exploits of our Olympic teams – medals were won by British riders in Tokyo in all three disciplines - have driven a new passion for equestrian pursuits, the enthusiasm and innovative approach of this family business is tapping into it with great success.

Article by Jane Carley.

Above Left The main showground can be set up in a multitude of ways for different events, using grass and artificial surfaces.

Right The high horsepower tractors are shared with the farm; turf tyres reduce their impact when on groundcare duties.

Below Preparation for the international three-day event.