Testimonials
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We have been based at Ponds Equestrian with Fiona and her team for nearly 4 years now and it would be an understatement to say how very lucky we are!
The yard is everyone’s ‘Happy Place’ and a beautiful haven nestled in the Surrey Hills with fantastic hacking and facilities. It’s fair to say the horses are all very settled!
The Ponds Team are absolutely first class in their professionalism and dedication to our individual horses needs, where the standards run exceptionally high and nothing is missed, not even the tiniest scratch!
For us personally it has been a win win! Not only a fabulous livery yard for our older boy, but the added bonus of Fiona competing and schooling our other horse. Her hard work, care and perseverance has been incredible and we are truly grateful for the bond she has built with him. We love our days out competing (and especially the picnic at the end). We really couldn’t have wished for anything more.
We have never been more relaxed and content at a yard and cherish the lovely friendships we have made.
The yard is everyone’s ‘Happy Place’ and a beautiful haven nestled in the Surrey Hills with fantastic hacking and facilities. It’s fair to say the horses are all very settled!
The Ponds Team are absolutely first class in their professionalism and dedication to our individual horses needs, where the standards run exceptionally high and nothing is missed, not even the tiniest scratch!
For us personally it has been a win win! Not only a fabulous livery yard for our older boy, but the added bonus of Fiona competing and schooling our other horse. Her hard work, care and perseverance has been incredible and we are truly grateful for the bond she has built with him. We love our days out competing (and especially the picnic at the end). We really couldn’t have wished for anything more.
We have never been more relaxed and content at a yard and cherish the lovely friendships we have made.
Adrian & Alex Taylor
12th October 2021
We moved to be with Fiona 6 1/2 years ago when my daughter , Lara, was 15 and here we are still! It says it all really as the plan was for Lara to stop riding when she finished school! However Fiona had done such an incredible job in finding Lara such a fabulous young pony that together with her teaching ,incredible encouragement and enduring support, Lara achieved her eventing dreams! Fiona has the amazing ability to get the most out of both the rider and horse as well the ability to listen to and support any over anxious onlooking parent! Fiona’s very approachable and friendly demeanour makes for a very happy and friendly yard. The incredible team supporting Fiona are in a league of their own; they are all so hard working, professional and thorough in everything they do. Their care for the horses is absolutely first class and each one is treated as if one of their own .
I cannot recommend Fiona and her team enough - we all just love Ponds Farm!
I cannot recommend Fiona and her team enough - we all just love Ponds Farm!
Nicola Fewings
October 22nd, 2021
Ponds Farm is the best, it is my happy place! The horses are relaxed and well-cared for, the facilities are fantastic, and the staff and liveries are lovely people and are so friendly and supportive.
I have been at Fiona’s yard for over 4 years on both part and full livery, she is a brilliant trainer and my riding has improved more than I ever thought possible. She supports all her liveries to reach their goals, however big or small, and to overcome any challenges. I had some huge confidence issues after a fall and I honestly don’t think I would still be riding if it hadn’t been for Fiona’s help and the encouragement of everyone at the yard.
Fiona’s team are brilliant, they genuinely care about the horses and the liveries and I know that I can trust them to always take the best care of my horse. They make sure all of the horses are happy and healthy and are always there to provide extra support. My horse has had various health issues and the team have gone above and beyond to help with the vet, treatments and rehabilitation to get her fit and well again.
I feel really lucky to have found such a great yard and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
I have been at Fiona’s yard for over 4 years on both part and full livery, she is a brilliant trainer and my riding has improved more than I ever thought possible. She supports all her liveries to reach their goals, however big or small, and to overcome any challenges. I had some huge confidence issues after a fall and I honestly don’t think I would still be riding if it hadn’t been for Fiona’s help and the encouragement of everyone at the yard.
Fiona’s team are brilliant, they genuinely care about the horses and the liveries and I know that I can trust them to always take the best care of my horse. They make sure all of the horses are happy and healthy and are always there to provide extra support. My horse has had various health issues and the team have gone above and beyond to help with the vet, treatments and rehabilitation to get her fit and well again.
I feel really lucky to have found such a great yard and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Catherine Day
July 25th, 2021
I’ve had my horse with Fiona for four months and it’s been the best ever four months of horse ownership. A lot of money and time has been invested in the yard and it’s now in great shape and surely the best facility for miles around, not to mention the incredible hacking. The yard is run with calm, military precision, yet with individual care. The staff, led by the lovely Josh, who never seems to switch off or have a bad day, all love what they do and are genuinely interested in the liveries and our horses. You don’t need to ask for a rug change - it will already have been thought of and done. My riding has progressed no end with lessons from Fiona who is always smiling and just as happy to teach nervous oldies like me as budding event riders. She herself works hard and is an inspiration. Best things : they have a solution for every problem, when it breaks it gets fixed, hot water wash, epic school, no silly rules, fabulous relaxed, professional atmosphere, advice and help always on hand I can highly recommend new Ponds, whatever your riding ambitions are. It’s not the cheapest but I’d say it’s the best. You’ll become part of a great group of like minded people, have a happy horse and peace of mind and that is priceless.
Jo Redbond
January 8, 2019
I have been a client of Fiona’s before she took over Mayor House Farm Livery Yard in 2007 and there was never a doubt in my mind that my horse and I would move with her. One cannot be anything other than inspired when entering her yard, so very tidy and clean with stunning views over the Surrey Hills. The ménage is situated in such a lovely location that even working hard and having lessons becomes a complete and utter pleasure. The team are great and incredibly experienced always willing to make time for you no matter what making every livery feel welcome and their horse very special. Most importantly every horse is beautifully kept and great care is taken to attend to their individual needs, which is why I never have any concerns regarding the wellbeing of my event horse Leo. It was here that I have gained so much more confidence from Fiona's teaching. Some time ago I needed to recuperate following surgery and was unable to ride for a number of months, yet on my return Fiona made herself available and helped me so much that in no time at all I was back to normal. She has an amazing way of gradually engaging you into attempting more without you realising it and then suddenly you are riding better and stronger than ever and doing things you never believed possible!
Nikki Neal
May 19, 2015
Fiona and her team run a professional, friendly yard. The atmosphere on the yard is always calm, which is remarkable considering how busy the team are, particularly during the eventing season. The horses are all beautifully kept and great care is taken to attend to their individual needs. Without exception every horse on the yard is settled, good to handle and happy in their work: testament to the hard work and experience of the team. The facilities are excellent and always well maintained, and the yard is surrounded by fantastic hacking on sandy soil. Fiona takes great interest in all her liveries regardless of their level of ambition, from happy hacker to keen eventer. I also benefit from regular lessons with Fiona. She is a hard task master (!) but her lessons are always extremely enjoyable. She takes great trouble to tailor her lessons according to our upcoming goals. She has a unique ability to push you to achieve more, without at any time stretching you too far. Since I moved my horse to Mayor House Farm Liveries my riding has improved, our confidence as a partnership has grown and, most importantly, we are having huge amounts of fun.
Claire Stratford
November 23, 2014
I have been a livery client of Fiona's at Mayor House Farm since she took over the yard in 2007. Fiona and her team do a fantastic job. The yard is always immaculately presented and the care of the horses is second to none. Each horse is cared for as an individual and at times when your horse needs a little extra care nothing is too much trouble for the team. When I am working during the week or away on holiday I never have to worry about anything being missed or overlooked. The facilities at the yard are excellent and the surrounding countryside is great for riding out. It truly is a five star yard and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Anna Prouty
October 14th, 2014
From the very start when Fiona came to pick up our lovely boy from Standstead Airport at 2.00am in the morning seven years ago (yes that time of day) having had an very long flight from Kentucky (US), she has been a calming influence to both horse and owner. Fiona has been tremendous and will do all that she can and more. She offers a very high level of training at all levels for both horse and rider. My Daughter Harriet has had the best of training and has grown into a confident horsewoman.
Mayor House has a great team working alongside Fiona, which makes it all the more special. From the day to day chores, you know that they understand every horse's needs and foibles. Each horse is an individual who is looked after 24/7. The team are extremely quick to pick up if something is not right with the horse's. They have your horses welfare at heart. We cannot be more happy and feel safe in the knowledge that Santa Cruz has them eating out of his hoofs....
Mayor House has a great team working alongside Fiona, which makes it all the more special. From the day to day chores, you know that they understand every horse's needs and foibles. Each horse is an individual who is looked after 24/7. The team are extremely quick to pick up if something is not right with the horse's. They have your horses welfare at heart. We cannot be more happy and feel safe in the knowledge that Santa Cruz has them eating out of his hoofs....