News | 21 April 2026
Area 5 Senior Training News and Report – April ’26
đ Area 5 Industry Yard Training â What a Month! đ
Over the past month, Area 5 members have enjoyed two outstanding HigherâLevel Industry Yard Training sessions, both offering invaluable insight and fantastic learning opportunities â and with a brilliant turnout from across the Area!
đ Twemlows Stud Farm
Our first visit took us to the renowned Twemlows Stud Farm, where members enjoyed a truly inspiring and eyeâopening day. Area coach Elspeth Carr kindly represented Area 5 and joined members for what she described as an âabsolutely fascinating and inspiring discovery session.â
The day provided a superb look into equine breeding and the workings of a modern stud, with Edward Mateson and his team delivering engaging talks and demonstrations. Members found the experience extremely useful, especially those training towards higherâlevel tests, and were full of praise for the expertise and generosity of the Twemlow’s team â not to mention the excellent lunch! đ„Șâš
âïž Michael Owenâs Yard, Nantwich
Our second visit took place in glorious sunshine at the yard of international event rider Michael Owen, a former Burton Cheshire Forest Pony Club member who spoke warmly of his Pony Club days.
Members enjoyed a full tour of the yard, learning about the management, feeding and nutrition of horses from youngsters through to Michaelâs fiveâstar Badminton horse, Monbeg Darwin. We were incredibly privileged to see Darwinâs competition tack, including what he will wear at the Badminton Horse Trials.
Area 5 representative on the day Katy Powell met her all time favourite cross country horse, the legendary Bradeley Law ‘Crocky’, looking amazing at 23 years old, loving life, teaching others, and enjoying the chilled 5*yard environment at Michaels yard.
Michael shared invaluable knowledge on preâ and postâcompetition care, discussed conformation, and finished with a fascinating look through his tack room, explaining different bits, their uses, and how he selects tack to suit each horseâs way of going.
đ Best of Luck at Badminton!
A huge thank you to Michael for such an informative and welcoming session. We wish Michael and Monbeg Darwin the very best in the final runâup to Badminton â Area 5 will definitely be cheering you on!
đ Thank you to all our hosts and members for making these sessions such a success. More exciting training opportunities to come!
#Area5 #firstclasstraining #IndustryYardTraining #PonyClubPathway #LearningFromTheBest
