Linda Tarrant
Managing Director
Linda founded Checkendon Equestrian Centre in 1991, with a view to creating a centre that would provide an environment that would benefit staff and clients. The horses’ and ponies’ welfare are her top priority. She believes Checkendon Equestrian Centre enhances people's lives.
Emily Hancock
Deputy Director/Senior Coach(BHSII)
Emily joined the Team in 2008. She learnt to ride at Checkendon Equestrian Centre as a child. She has enjoyed competing on several of our school horses. She also competes her own horse in Riding club activities, Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing. She coaches all ages, levels and abilities and trains clients for their BHS qualifications.
Anna Lesniewska
Senior Coach/Care Manager
Anna joined the team in 2010 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.
Candice Skevington
Senior Coach(BHSII)
Candice joined the team in 2017. She came over to England from New Zealand to pursue an equine career and since being here has worked her way through her BHS qualifications and is current working toward her Stage 5 complete. She coaches all ages, levels and abilities and trains clients for their BHS qualifications.
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.
Kim Padwick
Senior Yard Manager
Kim joined the team in 2014. She started riding here as a child and now plays a big role in the smooth running of the yard.
Harriet Cooke
Senior Coach(BHSII)
Harriet joined the team in 2017. Her equine career started when she moved to Italy for 5 years to run a small riding school. She is an enthusiastic member of the team
Maddy Taylor
Groom/Coach
Maddy joined the team in 2017. She enjoys riding many of the school horses and often competes them in our monthly dressage and show jumping competitions.
Ellie Jones
Groom/Office Administrator
Ellie joined the team in 2017. She now plays a big role in the smooth running of the yard and office. Ellie is progressing through her BHS stages where she will be taking her stage 4 care this year.
Amanda Knight
Senior Groom
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.
Dimitri Christou
BHAA Coach/BHS Coach/Groom/Maintenance
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. As well as a BHS coach, he is also qualified to teach horse-back archery.
Katy Newcomb
SENIOR 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.
Karen Crossman
Coach
Karen joined the team in 2014. She teaches every other Saturday and during the school holidays. She teaches all levels and is a very popular instructor.
Karlene Simpson
Groom
Karlene joined the team in March 2020 and enjoys looking after our horses and particularly riding the ponies
Tara Martel
Groom/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.
Megan Elkes
Administrator
Megan joined the Team in 2010. She has been a familiar face at Checkendon Equestrian Centre for many years as a client and then a livery.
Jessica Hayes
Groom
Jessica joined the team in March 2020 and brings a wealth of experience from working in other riding centres
Katie Hearn-Phillips
Groom
Katie has been with the team for seven years and know the horses inside out. Katie is the go to person if you need to find anything!