About

In the ancient times of brick phones and dial up internet, a young pony mad girl used to help out at the local show ground in return for free show jumping classes. She would pop show schedules under the windscreen wipers of lorries in the car park. She used to pole and poo pick when she was barely strong enough to push a full barrow. She used to hang her rosettes up around her room on a long piece of purple rope.

Not having a pony of her own, she would school ponies, borrow ponies, pick ponies, and show off ponies to sell. The hot summers, the freezing winters, the flooded arenas and the early starts were not enough to deter.

A hobby which became a lifestyle, which became a business.

A business which grew along with the young girl. From offering basic horse care, to teaching the next generation of beginners. From gate girl at events to organising her own. A continuous journey which brings us to today and why you are here reading this story.

It’s me! Hi, I’m Shannon. I’m the pole and poo picker! Or at least I was! Now, I’m the woman on a mission to ensure there will still be events to pole and poo pick at! In 2018 I took the jump(s), quite literally and started my own show jumping league in the grounds of my livery yard. It was then I began to realise how little appreciation grass root events like mine were receiving. I wasn’t pulling in anywhere near the sort of entry numbers I used to see years before and it’s becoming harder and harder for equestrians to support such events.

It saddened me to understand this was happening to other areas in the horse industry. Beginner and low-level rider numbers are decreasing. The venues of my childhood all closing, riding schools closing, livery yards closing.

It’s evident we need to team up and shout about what we love! And here I give you the perfect place to do just that, introducing… EquiPages!

A safe and encouraging platform to celebrate, expose and support the horse riders of Essex. For all ages and abilities, this community is about sharing the love for our equines, making each other aware of the opportunities around us and finding encouragement and motivation for new adventures. Supported by local businesses providing products and services around the county, EquiPages helps to merge the community, building a trusted base of recommendations and contacts.

Please do take a look through my pages, both here on the website and on social media. There is much to explore, including the EP Riders Club, online calendar and service directory! Find us on Instagram and be sure to say hello so I know to follow you back!

I look forward to welcoming you to the EquiPages community!

Shannon x