Sovereign Quarter Horses

Sovereign Quarter Horses in Coldham Bank, March is one of the most serious western riding operations in the UK. Run by David and Sarah Deptford and Olivia Lochhead, all UKCC qualified instructors, it was one of the first fully licensed western riding establishments in the country. The horses are Quarter Horses, specifically selected and trained for western disciplines, and the teaching covers reining, trail, ranch riding and the fundamentals of western horsemanship from beginner to advanced level.

Western riding lessons are available for all abilities including complete beginners. The centre also hosts popular western experience days for groups of six, running all day with breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea included alongside multiple riding sessions covering western basics, lassoing, and more advanced work depending on ability. Riders need to be confident at walk and trot to join an experience day; complete beginners can book a lesson first. The centre also runs horse clinics, summer camps and western shows throughout the year. Weight limit 15 stone for experienced riders. David has represented Britain on the national reining team, competing at the first-ever World Reining Championships, and has bred three horses to AQHA Champion status, one of the highest accolades a Quarter Horse can win. He is a Level 3 UKCC coach; Sarah has her own strong competition record in Western pleasure, trail and reining, alongside a background in English showing.