28th May 

Our gorgeous HSB Harriet had her Shannondale Delta, Colt foal today. Thanks as always to Clements Equine for ensuring a safe arrival.

26th May

Following the British Equestrian Federation guidance relating to the relaxing of some lockdown restrictions, as of 26th May the Gallops will be available for hire and Sharon  will be available for private coaching at Darshams Farm in the outdoor arena. Social distancing rules must be adhered to and respected, for further information please follow the Guidance link in the ‘Whats on’ page.

Further information on future clinics will follow in due course.

24th March

www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/images-i.jpimedia.uk/ima...

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s declaration of a National Emergency relating to the Coronavirus pandemic on 24th March 2020, a lockdown has been declared and guidance has been given to avoid all non-essential contact with others. We will be following Government advice and will not be available for coaching or facility hire until the isolation ban has been lifted. In these uncertain times we would like to wish clients well and to encourage you to stay safe and stay at home, please protect our wonderful NHS. Please do not hesitate to contact us for support and advice over the phone.

9th February

Storm Ciara certainly made her mark today! One of the most frightening days we have experienced for a long time. The wind was so strong that it ripped off our lean- to roof and sent it over the indoor school and bounced off the stables and over the hedge, it travelled roughly 200m. The roof was massive, the noise was unbelievable. Our foals were in the stables, incredibly and thankfully all humans and equines were unhurt. Thanks to our amazing team’s support today and a huge thanks to the fire brigade who came and made the buildings and debris safe. A huge clear up over the next few days but we can’t help but think just how lucky we all were today . We hope everyone else stayed safe !!

28th January

We are really excited to announce that we will be working with Trickle Net, they have a fantastic product, great for our horses who are out on good grass all year as they can easily gain weight! Plus, they helps to trickle feed for a longer duration, so is an excellent way to help promote a healthy gut.
The nets are also incredibly tough and resilient……Very highly recommended!!

24th January

For those of you who have been following our beautiful young mare Kiltubrid Qualitys’  (Lily)  progress – we sadly have lost her to colic earlier this week.
Tough game this sometimes, she really was a special mare, with all the right attributes to make a super event horse , something Sharon has been struggling to find in recent years.
Particularly sorry for our wonderful and supportive co-owners, Sue and David, they really deserved better luck with this one.

23rd January

Igor went to his first show since September today. Sharon took him to Anvil BS, he is looking fantastic after his winter break, physically stronger and mentally really keen. Sharon was pleased with an easy double clear and 6th in newcomers.

15th December

Jack went to Easton today and jumped indoors for the first time this season. He jumped superbly, double clear and 2nd in the 1.30m. A bit of help from John ledingham next week and they will be ready for the bigger classes at Onley Premier New Year Show.

30th November

The most beautiful morning here at Darshams Farm. Sharon was riding early, a great start to a busy day for her coaching arena XC for BE.

29th November

It was a different day today for Sharon – she was asked to give a speech about her  journey, as a rider and a coach,  to the Medical Equestrian Association .
We particularly love this last slide:

22nd November

Jack showing his true character whilst filming yesterday!! He is such a joy to have on the yard.

 

17th November

This years foals have now been weaned. They are remarkably similar to look at. Prince on the left – Chacoon Blue X Lux Z and Sienna right – Dignified X Limerick.

16th November

Our beautiful homebred 4yr old Dexter, looking particularly striking against the autumn colours.

9th November

Sharon is at Your Horse Live this week demonstrating what is on offer here at Darshams Farm. Karla parsons (aka Muddy Mayhem), Alice Haynes, Alice Hallows, Betty Baker and their horses have joined Sharon and are helping to demonstrate various exercises.

19th October

Excellent day at Easton College BD. CJ won both the Novice and Elimentary with 70%. Winston came 2nd in the PSG.

17th October

Today we welcomed the new ‘kid on the block’, a beautiful filly foal called Shanbeg Sienna (Dignified X Limerick). Sienna is a superb model and very athletic. Our aim is for her to befriend our home bred foal, Prince, in a few months time when they are weaned.  A big thank you to Lindsay Graham for this one.

15th October

Super day today with Charlie Hutton coaching. Winston was working beautifully, we are all looking forward to his next PSG.

We’ve had fantastic feedback from Charlie’s clinics and will be holding further clinics over winter. To find out dates and to book, please see our ‘Whats on’ page.

8th October

Superstar Jack winning his next 1.40m today at Codham!!
He jumped superbly and we are all delighted with how easily he found it.
Sharon has made many changes this year, new saddles (thanks to Stridefree) new anatomical bridles (thanks to Dan Cooper), regular training with John Ledingham (Jack and Sharon have found a new level of confidence and understanding), plus for the last 5 weeks Sharon has been working hard in the  ‘Strength and Conditioning’ sessions held here on Tuesday evenings with Ensofit (Sharon has found noticeable improvements in her  position and balance).
Testament that the effort we put in with the right training, really does pay dividends!

2nd October 

Jack jumped superbly on day 2 with John Ledingham.
Seriously impressive coaching, a true gentleman and inspiration!
We have managed to persuade him to continue to coach us throughout the winter months which is fabulous news. Dates to come….
22nd September
Superb day today at Easton and Otley College Equestrian Centre with CJ and Winston.
Cj stepped up to elementary level and won both his classes with 67.5%
Winston was absolutely fantastic too, 4 time changes now nailed, and a win with 67.9%. Definitely PSG next time out!
12th September
Its been a superb few days for us here for us, with Jack having his first win at 1.40m level and today we had a brilliant clinic with Charlie Hutton- we also had an excellent turn out of spectators too. We’ve had great feedback, everyone left with more knowledge and a smile.
CJ was the ‘star of the day’ for us, he is looking really smart and has been working towards his first Elementaries next week, having already qualified for Novice Gold Winter Regionals.

1st September

We have had a fabulous few days away at Hickstead. Loughnatousa Venture, Igor and Cookie all jumped superbly. It was Aimee’s first Hickstead and both her and Cookie surpassed expectations and jumped fantastic double clears the 1 metre classes. Igor jumped classy and confident rounds in the 1.20 metre classes. Loughnatousa Venture jumped his socks off in the main ring  in his 1.40 metre classes.  And to top it off, we had beautiful weather and caught up with friends.

21st August

Today we said goodbye to our horse of a lifetime, Tankers Town.
Jasper was 25 years old, a testament in itself.  In his prime he was one of the best Event horses in the world.
He retired at 16 with an impressive 1407 BE points. Together they completed over 50 Advanced & CIC 3* classes, 11 being CCI 4* (old system), 4 of which were long format. 7 consecutive Badminton’s including 5th & 6th placings, represented their country at the World Games and finished 9th, not to mention the Olympic Games in Beijing, where they won a team bronze medal, then going on to win Luhmuhlen CCI 4*.
We would like to thank all those who were a part of his fantastic career – grooms, trainers, vets, Farrier’s, physios to name a few !
“Jasper really was the most wonderful horse, to whom I owe everything. None of this would have happened without him and I am eternally grateful for his patience and belief in me as his rider.
My favourite and most proud moment has to be winning Luhmuhlen , when it was an incredible performance in each phase . To this day we are also the last current British combination to win this title .”
RIP Tankers Town. A true legend.

18th August

Delighted with Winston’s result yesterday, 70% in Advanced 102.
Thanks to Optimum Event Management for running such a well organised show at Easton College.
We love the venue and the horse’s always go well!
Video of the test – sequence changes still needing improvement but they are making good progress!

13th August

Super day at Codham BS for Aimee and sharon.
Aimee won the BN and D/C & 5th in their first Discovery.

Jack won the 1.30m and a bottle of bubbly, which, after the tragic news this weekend of our wonderful U18 pupil, Iona Sclater’s accident, we will one day open and remember how lucky we were to have had the privilege of knowing and coaching her. Our thoughts are with Iona’s family.

9th August

Super day at Anvil BD with the 3 dressage boys.
5 year old homebred, Kevin (for sale) 1st & 2nd in his classes with 68% .
Cj was a superstar winning both novices with 73% and now qualified for the Novice Gold Winter Regionals . He is also for sale – he would suit a competitive teenager . Ready for elementary now.
Winston was much more relaxed in the advanced today, despite the strong winds!

1st August

A message from Sharon:

“This year I decided it would be my last as Eastern U18 Coach .
With so much developing here at our Farm and Training Centre,  my goals have changed and I’m ready for the next progression in my coaching career.
I have enjoyed working with our U18’s more than I could ever have imagined possible! Watching them progress and being part of their journeys over the last few years has been an absolute pleasure.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible.
I am holding regular clinics and Camps at Darshams farm and am looking forward to inviting further world renown coaches to work alongside, keep an eye on our whats on page and  I look forward to seeing you all soon.”

30th July

Learning day at Codham BS today!
Great first BS show for Aimee and new horse Cookie, one down in the BN but a very good round.
Lily , Igor and Jack all jumped some superb fences in a level up from previous shows, just with the odd fence down.  Our fabulous Jack finished 2nd In the 1.30!

28th July

Our gorgeous 5 yr old Lily (kiltubrid Quality) last week at Ely- her very first event.
Delighted with her performance in all 3 phases- she really has it all!
Codham BS Tuesday then BE again at Aston Le Walls on Saturday 10th August.

25th July

**Wonderful opportunity **
We now have vacancies for 2 staff members to join our team , due to our main girls now leaving for uni!
We are flexible in our approach to applicants, as ideally long term but could suit summer applicants also. I believe best suited to those with own competition horses, as we have such extensive facilities and opportunities to have help from a variety of excellent coaches.
The Yard’s upcoming competition plans include – Codham BS, Anvil BD, Aston le Walls BE , Keysoe BE, Hickstead BS , to name a few. The vacancies are open to all disciplines as we are competing at such a variety of shows!
Accommodation available.
Must be team players and enjoy learning !
Full time, 5 days a week. Excellent opportunity awaits !
Please visit ‘Employment‘ section and apply via sharonhuntpa@gmail.com

22nd July

We had a good day at Codham BD today.
Kevin is growing in both confidence and development, a little keen at times in the warm up but some lovely parts to his prelim test today.
Cj – had a very impressive day with 2 x 70% novice tests and won both overall!  (He is now for sale as Sharon’s 14 yr old niece Aimee doesn’t have the same love for dressage as we’d hoped she would!!)
Winston – did his first PSG, he has areas to work on but he gave it a good go.
20th July
We had a super day at Ely today.
Lily successfully completed her first event – 28 dressage so nearly a double clear but a little glance off at the end of the course – suspect she was both physically and mentally tired! Sharon was absolutely delighted.
Igor did a good test in his first 100 for 31, then a foot perfect double clear.
Aimee competed in the 80 with her relatively new horse Cookie , double clear and finished 4th.
Next event is Aston le Walls in a couple of weeks!
18th July
We,ve had the most wonderful 2 day clinic with John Ledingham, fabulous horseman and coach- so inspiring!
Jack, Igor and Lilly jumped their socks off.

More dates for John Ledingham this autumn, details coming soon. Please see the link in the ‘Whats on‘ section.

12th July

Fabulous lessons today with Charlie Hutton, Winston stepped up his training for his upcoming PSG debut. The clinic was particularly well attended and we’ve had great feedback.

Charlie will be returning on 12th September, to book please see the link in the ‘Whats on‘ section.

4th July 2019

Sharon had a great day today with Peter Horobin, owner and creator of Stride Free saddles, she took 4 horses to have saddles fitted.
These are saddles designed with very different trees, less invasive, rounder and more flexible, they are fully adjustable, flocked and have a headplate that can be changed unlimited amount of times. So, this means your one saddle should stay with you for life!!!!!

Sharon and the team have been quite astounded by the difference they have made in just a few months whilst trialing them. Have a read about the saddles, they are an innovative and inspired design, and have been making a significant change to Sharon and the horses.
https://www.kmeliteproducts.co.uk/stride-free

28th June 2019

We took homebred Kevin to his first show today, British Dressage at Anvil.
He was impeccably behaved and won his class with 69%! This definitely is his forte.

27th June 2019

Jasper aka Tankers Town, who was clipped beautifully today, has fallen in love with broodmare  Amber, he thinks he’s a stallion!!!!
For 25 years old, he looks and feels great. All credit to the team and sponsors for this.
#baileys #aviform

26th June 2019

We are now working with ‘Myridinglife’ and offering our 25m x 45m Indoor Arena, 35m x 65m Outdoor Arena & Gallops for hire.
You can check availability & book securely online via the ‘Facilities Hire and Booking‘ page on the website.

25th June 2019

Woke this morning to fabulous news that our Lux Z mare-Poppy (Double Whammy), has had a beautiful colt foal by the increasingly popular stallion Chacoon Blue. We think he’s rather beautiful!

24th June 2019

Last week Sharon made the heartbreaking decision to have her wonderful horse Veyga (Boo) PTS , he was a yard favorite and a beautiful horse to have around.  We tried relentlessly for 18 months to bring him back from an injury sustained from a fall in the water at Hartpury in 2017. Sadly he continued to struggled to stay sound coming back in to work and it was felt by Rossdales that  he wouldn’t return to soundness let alone competitive work.

In his career he superseded all expectations, an unbelievably competitive and diligent horse, who thrived on work and competing, he had no bad phase , super paces and exceptionally careful jump, he was at the beginning of his serious career and together him and Sharon had big hopes. He was a rare gem and a real loss.

22nd June 2019

Hickstead continued……Lily and Dan – jumped the metres well – saw more water trays and related distances and dog legs than they will in the rest of their year eventing, and Igor jumped fabulously in the Novice Derby……what fabulous mileage for them.

22nd June 2019

Fantastic few days away at Hickstead, always a great week, full of education for all the horses. Sharon’s main goal was to jump Loghnatousa Venture in the main ring, he jumped a super clear in the 1.30m on Wednesday and took a credible 8th place, qualifying him for his first time in the International ring- box ticked.

Roll on September when Jack jumps the 1.40’s in the International ring and the others take another step up.

16th June 2019

Igor at his first BE event today- Sharon is keeping it easy at the lower levels whilst he gains mileage. Better test (scoring 29) today, then a super D/C for 6th place.
Pleasing improvements all ready, watch this space!

15th June 2019

Wonderful afternoon at Easton College with dressage diva Winston, Sharon was absolutely delighted with him after winning his first advanced test by quite some margin , with 67%!!
Another advanced at this score and we are up to his seasons goal of PSG.

13th June 2019

We are now hiring our Superb Martin Collins Ecotrack Outdoor (65 x 35) and indoor (45 x 25) Schools.

£25 per person per hour (plus £5 for each extra horse)
Full set of jumps and dressage boards available.

Please contact:

Sharonhuntpa@gmail.com

11th June 2019

Love this photo of Loughnatousa Venture (Jack) jumping at Codham today – Looking very tidy around the 1.35m track.

9th June 2019

New boy Igor’s first day out eventing today! Seriously impressed with Aston Le walls, the unaffiliated was as good as their BE event, so it was well worth the trip and supporting .
We were just there to get some mileage, but he actually finished 3rd!
Good test , SJ was definitely too small for him, but XC he was fantastic and grew in confidence the more we went along.  Lovely horse with a big future.

The day was completed by Sharon seeing niece Aimee enjoying her new horse ‘Cookie’, a beautifully tidy mare, first event and looking to be a great partnership already!

5th June 2019

Superb lessons today with John Ledingham. Always a pleasure and lots learnt .
Jack jumped superbly after a few small tweaks, Lily continues to learn the ropes and had a change of bit , Igor is relaxing every time out now.

We are lucky to have John coming again to ours but this time for 2 days in July – the 16 & 17th July – please let me know if you are interested and link to book will be up soon. Group lessons of all levels. 1 & 1/2 hour sessions . Fantastic surface and stabling available.

2nd June 2019

Our beautiful Woodwalk Fear Bui (Dan) today.
His 2nd ever event – super dressage test, vastly improved from Keysoe. Still very green SJ and XC, but has an unbelievably genuine attitude! Looking forwards to his future as a delight to produce. Finished 11th.

29th May 2019

Jack (Loughnatousa Venture) jumped superbly today at the Suffolk Show – 2nd in his warm up Foxhunter class and then a lovely round in the 1.40 Grand ring.

24th May 2019

It’s been a busy couple of days at Houghton Hall for Sharon and the team.
Jumping today with Dan , who was D/C in his 95. Then Jack , D/C Foxhunter and 1.30m. Both jumped particularly well, and the outing has hopefully settled Jack ready for a busy Suffolk Show next week.
Lily was yesterday- in the renowned controversial BYEH 5 yr old class. She was 9th overall,  scored good jumping and conformation marks , but disappointing dressage and ‘event potential ‘ marks.
We still believe she is a truly wonderful mare, she has fabulous paces, a scopey jump and has a great attitude to life. She behaved impeccably all day and it was an excellent experience for her.

22nd May 2019

*******VACANCIES*******

Due to our fast developing training centre we now have a couple of opportunities available for ambitious team members to join us on our exciting journey .
We have a unique set up in Suffolk – world class facilities and a team of up and coming competition horses .
The roles have such a variety of opportunities- from yard manager to administration in the office . We have a team of staff who have an excellent culture of supporting one another. We are looking for team members who love to make a difference, open to change and new ideas and have fun in doing so! Lots going on so the days are always bright!
For more information please contact us with CV’s to sharonhuntpa@gmail.com

14th May 2019

We took a lorry load to Codham BS today, Kiltubrid Quality cheered us up after the sad loss of Ambers foal by winning the BN , Dan jumped a D/C and came 3rd, new boy Igor seriously impressed and showed his class and Jack jumped the 1.30m & 1.40m and jumped fantastically around a very big track.
So all in all we made a very bad day into a rather good one.

14th May 2019

Hard day today- Our wonderful mare Amber had a beautiful filly foal 2 days ago, who sadly was PTS today,  despite experts  Clements Equine and Rossdales battling to save her.

17th May 2019

Lily (Kiltubrid Quality) today at Rockingham BYEH . Her first time jumping on grass and in a buzzy environment. Sharon was seriously impressed with her and she finished 11th in a big class.
Houghton next week for Lily’s next BYEH class.

 6th May 2019

Today was Dan’s (Woodwalk Fear Bui’s) first ever BE competition! He was beautifully relaxed for his dressage, had a very green SJ round but a fantastically bold XC round. Sharon was absolutely delighted with his attitude and composure today and said “It’s not quite Badminton……but it’s great to back out eventing!”

1st May 2019

Superb lessons today with top trainer John Ledingham. His first clinic here, and hoping the first of many ! Lily jumped very well around a technical course . Jack jumped superbly around a big track , getting ready for his summer targets – Suffolk and Norfolk county shows plus Hickstead Derby meeting.

13th April 2019

 

Youngsters Kevin, Lily and Dan had their 2nd cross country schooling outing of their careers this weekend. All three behaved impeccably. Homebred Kevin, (pictured above) looking particularly classy.

11th April 2019

Dan and Aimee, Jack and Sharon; making the most of the school Easter holidays and saying a quick hello to the foals (Victor and Valour). Socialisation starts early here at Darshams Farm!

9th April 2019

Youngsters Dan and Lilly jumped superbly today at Codham Park. Jack joined them for the outing and racked up another classy, double clear, in the 1.30m, landing himself 2nd place.

4th April 2019

Winston was a Superstar at the Advanced Medium Winter Championships today. ‘The weather was revolting, we had freezing cold rain, but despite this he preformed impeccably. His first part of the test was absolutely superb, scoring mostly 7’s and 8’s. Unfortunately he added an extra change on the canter serpentine and we never really regained the same composure and focus. Lots of positives though and we are looking forward to our next outing.’

28th March 2019

Amanda and Aimee Pomfret’s Starholme Lulu went off to her new home today, we wish her new family all the best for the future.

Tuesday 26th March

Youngsters Dan and Lily went to Anvil Park Stud today and had their first competitive outing. Both jumping double clears in the clear round and British Novice, showing a great attitude. Jack went along as well and showed them how it’s done; he didn’t disappoint and won his Foxhunter class. A good day at the office!

Thursday 21st March

Youngsters Dan, Lily and Kevin had their first outing of their career today. Our resident groom Alice also came along with her horse Henry for a pre-season XC practice. All horses behaved impeccably. Lily stood out to be the ‘star of the day’ showing a really professional attitude and love for her future Eventing career.

On the journey home, Sharon described Lily as “one to watch, an exciting future prospect”.