Blue Slate Stables is situated in the heart of the Ribble Valley just 10 minutes from the motorway network (M6, J31), 20 minutes from Preston Railway Station and 40 minutes from Manchester Airport. See_Map: Brothers Stuart and Nigel Hollings moved to Blue Slate in 1975. Prior to this they had enjoyed much success in pony showing classes- Nigel won the acclaimed Pony of the Year title with Snailwell Charles in 1972 and they both spent time training with Davina Whiteman who produced their ponies. Nigel met Penny Davies in 1986, she had competed successfully in riding club showing and had trained to BHSAI level, she began to work for the brothers and schooled many horses including Fair Breeze- Riding Horse of the Year with Nigel in 1989. Penny married Nigel in 1990.

Our whole approach to the training of horses and ponies is to get them to enjoy their work and therefore go well as they will be happy.We work closely with our equine physio, dentist and farrier to ensure that the animals are in the best possible health and are therefore able to work to their best.Horses are better when they are in a secure environment and they derive security from the handler/rider being in charge and working with them to develop a good relationship where the animal trusts them.
It important that the animal understands why you behave in a certain way towards them. I find that most older “problem” horses are misunderstood and therefore with time and patience they will unravel and become more settled and ‘normal’ individuals.
Even though we have a floating population of 28 horses and ponies, they are all treated as individuals. They are in a stable which suits them and we'll change it if they don’t settle. Some animals will prefer to be where there is plenty going on whereas others are happier in a quiet corner. We have had animals who won’t settle in the field, we would find them a calm friend to go out with and put them in the play pen so that they are near the yard and feel more secure, as they settle we put them in further fields and gradually they relax.
We believe that regular turning out is essential to an animal’s mental well-being and again will tailor the playing out time to suit each individuals needs.
In conclusion our aim is to produce happy, well-balanced horses and ponies who will work in harmony with their riders.

Stuart Hollings		Nigel Hollings		Penny Hollings
Horse & Hound Columnist Stuart is a former council member of BSHA,BSPS,NPS and NPS area 4. He is on all major judging panels and has judged at many major shows both at home and abroad.		Nigel is Executive Member of Council of the British Show Pony Society and Chairman of the Judges and Assessment Panel. He is also chairman of the British Show Horse Association and a former council member of Sport Horse Breeding and CHAPS . He too is on all major judging panels and judges regularly in the UK and abroad.		Registered BHS Instructor Penny teaches regularly and is available for clinics and lessons. She is an Arab Horse Society,NPS,BSHA and BSPS judge and judges both In Hand and Ridden Arabs. She too has judged abroad.

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Training for BHS/BSPS Assistant Trainer & Grooms Exams
Please contact Penny for details 07971 11 70 45

Training for the Show Ring
We take Pony and Rider combination for the full season, summer or winter.

Teach-Ins
Organised by Riding Clubs, BSPS Areas or Privately run
One or more days at venues anywhere in the UK preferably during the winter
Covering schooling and all aspects of showing including ringcraft, trimming and plaiting etc.

Lectures
Given at colleges and universities or at society social evenings

Courses
Short Stay Tuition for children similar to the BSPS Scholarship Training

Advice
For help and advice on any aspect of showing at any level e-mail info@teamhollings.co.uk

Books
Stuart and Nigel have written several books:

All priced at £4.95 and are available from JA Allen & Co
and equestrian booksellers and retailers.

Assessments
Assessment of your horse or pony at your own property or at Blue Slate
Contact Nigel for details and prices

Private Lessons
Limited spaces for lessons with Penny at Fearns Farm (on A59 between Tarleton and Rufford) are available.
Please e-mail for more information or ring Penny on 07971 117045