Ellie Jones
Manager
Ellie joined the team in 2017 after completing a BSc in Equine science. Over the years Ellie worked alongside both Linda and Emily assisting in managing the Equestrian Centre, taking over as manager in July 2024.
Emily Hancock
Yard adviser/Coach
Emily joined the team in 2002 and through the years has achieved her BHS stage 4 complete. In 2022 Emily stepped in as manager and after a successful 2 years decided to hand the reins over to Ellie so she could spend more time with her family.
Anna Lesniewska
Stage 3 Coach/Care Manager
Anna joined the team in 2004 and is a qualified Equine Body Worker as well as Equine Sports Massage Therapist. She is passionate about horse health and rehabilitation. Anna coaches all ages, levels and abilities and enjoys teaching dressage.
Dimitri Christou
BHAA Coach/BHS Coach
Dimitri joined the Team in 2016. He is head leader of the Hellenic horse-back archery team, and has represented Great Britain and Greece internationally. He is both a BHAA and BHS qualified coach.
Abi Lippett
Stage 4 Coach
Abi joined the team in 2021. She is a BHS stage 4 Senior Accredited Professional Coach and a BHS Ride Safe Assessor. Abi has a keen interest in rider biomechanics and is currently on track to become a Centre 10 Advanced Coach in applied sports psychology. Abi enjoys teaching riders of all ages and abilities and preparing candidates for BHS assessments.
Naomi Vink
Stage 3 Coach
Naomi is a very familiar face at Checkendon as she first joined the team in 1995. After a break to enjoy family life she has re-joined the team. Naomi is a BHS accredited coach and is great at teaching all abilities. She particularly enjoys giving dressage lessons to clients, staff and liveries.
Lizzie Ragg
Stage 3 Coach
Lizzie joined the team 2021 and is a BHS accredited coach who teaches a range of riders on Sundays and in the school holidays. When she is not here Lizzie is busy managing the yard at BCA.
Eri Meramveliotaki
Coach/Groom
Eri joined the Team in 2016 to further her equine career in England and gain BHS qualifications. She is also passionate about horse-back archery and hopes one day to represent her country (Greece). Eri enjoys teaching children.
Amanda Knight
Yard Manager
Amanda joined the team in 2001 and is the longest serving member. She is the proud owner of the very popular school horse Bluebell and enjoys competing her in our monthly dressage competitions.
Katy Newcomb
GROOM
Katy joined the team in 2016. Since achieving her level 3 extended diploma in equine management Katy is now working towards further BHS qualifications.
Katie Spreadbury
Groom
Katie re-joined the team in 2024 having previously worked here about 5years ago. Katie is currently working with rescue pony Daisy to bring her into the riding school.
Melissa Price
Groom
Melissa joined the team in 2024 after leaving a career with the NHS.
Maddy Taylor
Groom
Maddy joined the team full time in 2016 and is now here when not at her main job working with dressage horses. Maddy is a keen rider and is currently producing her own youngster Rose.
Roxanne Ferris
Groom
Rox joined the team part time in Nov 2022, having ridden here as a child. She is a friendly face around the yard on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Rox also helps look after our retirees at the retirement field.
Tara Martel
Maintenance
Tara joined the team in 2013 after a change in career brought her to Checkendon Equestrian Centre. She plays a big role in the maintenance and upkeep of the yard. She also appeared on Mastermind 2019.
Cara Chapman
Accountant
Cara is a long-term livery and Chartered Accountant. She joined the office team in April 2022, having taken on the day-to-day financials and payroll for the yard. She loves spending time with her horse Harry and all their friends at Checkendon. She enjoys doing lots of different things with Harry, including dressage, SJ, hacking, and XC.
Toby & Jennifer
Owners
Toby and Jennifer have owned Checkendon Equestrian Centre since 1990. Over many years they have steadily improved the Centre’s facilities – which now include two indoor arenas and three outdoor arenas – and its buildings, a couple of which date back to the 16th century or possibly before, as well as the surrounding woods. The woods have been transformed into a 35 acre woodland garden, which clients are able to enjoy on foot or on horseback and many children’s first experience of horses and ponies is a guided walk/ride in our woodland garden. Toby and Jennifer are very proud of the CEC team and enjoy having a busy yard on their doorstep and being surrounded by horses
Linda Tarrant
In memoriam
In memory of Linda Tarrant (July 20th 1958 - May 25 2022) who was an inspiration to us all. Linda ran CEC for 30 years before she died of cancer at the age of 64. In recognition of her dedication to the BHS and all things equestrian, the society created a special annual award: 'The Linda Tarrant award for service to equestrianism and volunteering'.