Meet The Team
Nikki Stephens
Nikki is the chief instructor. A former primary school teacher who holds the BHSII exam and current first aid certificate. She competes herself at affiliated dressage (up to PSG) and has ridden at the summer and winter national championships. She also rides at intro and pre-novice level eventing and has ridden in a couple of Arab races in the last year. She teaches during the winter months for the Mid Somerset Riding Club. Nikki organises the schooling and breaking liveries and is happy to discuss any special cases with owners. Nikki is one of the eight instructors currently training with French classical master, Philippe Karl, on the School of Légèreté Teachers' Course. In October 2018 she completed her 3rd exam, to become a foundation teacher for the School of Légèreté. For more information about the course click here.
Janet Francis
Janet is an experienced teacher who has worked at Burcott for a number of years. She enjoys teaching children and adults. She has helped many nervous people progress. She has her own horses at home. Janet has also helped her daughter Jo with her show jumpers up to grade A level and so has a good all round background.
Caroline Wall
Caroline is a qualified B.H.S.A.I and holds a current first aid certificate. She has worked on several yards before joining Burcott. She is experienced with both children and adults and takes charge of our Saturday Pony Mornings. Caroline has competed in affiliated show jumping and dressage. She has her own horse who is kept here at Burcott. She has her Stage 4 stable management and is working towards her Stage 4 riding and her intermediate teaching. Caroline is back working for us after the birth of her second baby Lucy.
Alice Breeds
Alice has been with us since she was eleven, when she used to come and help on Saturdays with the pony mornings and spend time with the horses. When she left school, she studied with Haddon Training and completed her NVQ 2 & 3 Horse Care and Management and then went on to do her NVQ 2 in Customer Services. After spending 3 years doing her NVQ's she decided to do her BHS exams. She has completed her Stage One, Two and Riding and Road safety and has just passed her PTT with a distinction. She is looking to take her Stage 3 this year. Alice keeps her own horse here at Burcott, as well as working on various horses alongside Nikki at the yard and is looking to progress with them this year and partake in more competitions.
Kelly O'Connor
Kelly has worked at Burcott on and off for fifteen years. She currently works part time. She is a valued yard member and can turn her hand to most things.
Natalie Lawford
Natalie has worked with us for a few years now. She originally learnt to ride with us and began helping regularly on a Saturday. She then went to Cannington College where she studied for 2 years before completing. She has since come back full time, as a key member of our stable staff. She has a horse on loan at Burcott, who she is looking to compete this year.
Chloe Smith
Chloe Is a part time member of our stable staff, working 2 days a week. She is a registered Bowen practitioner and owns her own horses.
Gary Kerr
Gary has worked with us for a couple years now, he is a valued member of our stable staff. He also has a much bigger role to play on the yard, as a general handyman and mender of everything!!
Emily Lee
Emily has worked with us for a few months now as our apprentice. She is training with us for 18 months, working towards er NVQ level 2
Lotty Merry
Lotty Merry is our regular Equine therapist specialising in Equine, Canine and Human Bowen Therapy and also uses Healing Laser therapy and Thermography. She treats both the Liveries and the Riding Centre horses and can also use her Thermography camera to highlight areas of heat in the back or legs, and asymmetries when riding from either the saddle or rider highlighting other factors, which may need to be addressed. Lotty works alongside other local professionals including Vets, Equine Podiatrists, Farriers, Saddlers and other therapists to ensure the horse gets the most from any treatments given. Lotty also runs various courses, including Equine Stretch Days, Paint a pony and anatomy and Leg Dissection.