Tales from Hickstead: ‘I had to school the horses on my mum’s front lawn’

Heritage Show 11.10.19 Olympia Qual. Welsh C No.190 Gems malt Whiskey

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NOT having any facilities to school her horses hasn’t held back April Gilmartin whose Welsh section C stallion Gems Malt Whiskey qualified three times for Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) in the Welsh B and C ridden class. He’s also taken two tickets for Horse of the Year Show.

April moved house in November after buying an old farmhouse with land, but setbacks owing to covid and poor weather have delayed the project.

“We have bought an old 19th century farmhouse to live in with seven acres and have had 10 stables built and an Andrew Bowens arena put in, so we’ll be all set up,” she said. “It’ll be a dream come true after what we’ve just been through. Somehow, we’ve totally winged it– we’ve had the best season of our lives with absolutely no facilities at home. It shows what determination can do.”

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Stephanie Bateman began her career working for Horse & Hound’s sister title HORSE magazine in 2009 after studying a BSc Equine Science degree at Hartpury university. After a few years working in-house for a national equestrian title, she went freelance in 2011, and now writes for a variety of print and online platforms, editing sections of national monthly magazines and contributing regular features and event reports to Horse & Hound. She juggles working with being a mummy and wife, and riding her coloured mare Matilda.

Tales from Hickstead: ‘I had to school the horses on my mum’s front lawn’

“We’ve literally had no paddocks, no arena and not even any stables,” said April. “We put temporary stables up in the garden and I’ve had to school the horses on my mum’s lawn or out hacking. We had to break in our Dartmoor and Welsh B youngsters on the lanes.

“We’re only five minutes from Myerscough, so we thought we were onto a winner while our arena was built, but then covid hit and all arena hire stopped. It’s been a nightmare.”

April has owned seven-year-old Gems Malt Whiskey since a three-year-old and enjoyed seventh place in the Welsh C and B class.

“He’s cheeky but usually as good as gold, although we can wipe out a collecting ring if he decided he wants to,” she said. “He’s a real character and a lovely boy.”

Once the project is finished, April hopes to give up her job as a beautician and produce ponies full time.

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