Dogdean Farm Livery- Louise Downing

Dogdean is a small but very professionally run livery yard. It is owned by Anne Poole and run by Louise Downing.

The facilities include 13 large and airy stables all with rubber matting, a 20x 60m sand/rubber arena, a very secure tack room, storage areas, owner living on site and a tea and coffee room.

About Louise:

From the age of 4, my passion for Equines began. Driving my parents to distraction till they took me to a local riding stables on Dartmoor. At the age of 10 we moved to Dorset. Helping out at the local Riding Schools for free rides to having a pony on loan. I was very lucky to have the free use of a fizzy jumping machine pony whom I adored, owned by a lovely family who allowed me to have as my own until outgrown.
I left school at the age of 16 and went on to do my BHS AI. Always wanting to learn more and to ride, I went to work for an eventing yard where I learned an incredible amount and what discipline really meant. Eric Dywickersloth was an amazing man. Looking back, there was so much more I could have learned from him.
Helping friends run a riding School in the New Forest for a while, I came to work for a Dressage yard where I ran the Competition horses on a daily basis. I became rider, groom and transporter for a couple of talented young riders. I was fortunate to travel internationally and learn a great deal.
From there I went to Germany. Traveling to a few professionals yards and being able to ride and train with some amazing trainers on amazing horses. A huge learning curve which became invaluable.
Once home I became yard manager at Kingston Maurward College for 3yrs. Competing my own horses and others to regional and national level. On leaving the College, to welcome my beautiful daughter Maddison into the world, I went on to set up my own yard at Turnerspuddle. For the following 5yrs I trained and competed many horses and had a huge turnover of successful breakers and schooling liveries.
Having moved closer to Corfe Mullen with the horses now Maddison is at school, I have continued to have my own yards and am now based at Higher Merley Farm. Here I continue to break, school and compete my own and others horses. Holding training events, clinics and competitions.
I have been privileged to have trained many successful riders and horses in all disciplines, I hope that I am able to learn more about our amazing sport and pass my enthusiasm and knowledge onto those whom have supported me over the many years.