UPEC is a small, friendly, family-run business that takes pride in running a safe, relaxed and professional yard. We know that choosing the best place for your horse is a difficult decision to make. We will be delighted to answer any questions you may have to help you know in your heart you have made the right choice.
You are invited to visit us, telephone, or send an email.
a: Upton Pyne Equestrian Centre, Seychelles Farm, Upton Pyne, Exeter EX5 5HY m: 07841 644311 e: liveries@upec.co.uk
The four strong team members all have excellent credentials. They are Ellie, Stewart, and Kate Wass and Hazel Hayes. Oh, and Cookie the Jack Russell!
Ellie Wass
I started riding at the age of 12 when my family moved to the Peak District. We had a small-holding and I helped with the running of the stables. I competed in local shows and was also a member of Tameside Pony Club. I graduated in Equine Business Management. As part of the course, I spent a year in Australia working on racing and dressage yards. When I finished the course I worked on competition yards and had the opportunity to compete young horses. After all this experience, I have taken the good points, learned from the bad points and created a yard that is friendly, but is run to a very high standard. I compete in all disciplines but my main love is team-chasing
Stewart Wass
I set up our first yard in the Peak District where I was also DC for the local Pony Club. For part of my career I was attached to the Agricultural Development & Advisory Service and learned the theory of grassland management. I put this into practice at UPEC where we produce all our own hay and haylage. I’m now responsible for the business management and maintenance at UPEC. I drive a Welsh Section D and compete in driving trials. This has led to several requests to train clients’ horses to also drive.
Kate Wass
I trained as a legal secretary and receptionist hence the excellent telephone manner! I was also secretary to Tameside & District Pony Club while living in the Peak District. I now look after the UPEC accounts and administration and bake cakes for the dressage competitions!!
Hazel Hayes
I used to ride as a child but gave up until around 10 years ago when I got the bug again. My horse and I take part in the UPEC dressage competitions and have also started doing some hunter trials. My plan is to start eventing her next season.
I came to UPEC in January 2012 as a DIY livery and because I enjoy being around and working with horses, I soon started helping Ellie out on a Saturday morning and am now the yard’s official Saturday girl.
Cookie
I was born just down the road from UPEC and at eight-weeks-old it became my home. Since then I’ve not had a day off, but I love my job and so few can say that. Since I’ve been here they’ve not seen a rat or a mouse – I’m sure this is due to me and not the yard cat.
My true love is tractor-driving, so I’m in charge of levelling and rolling the school and keeping the fields in tip-top condition. I’m also very good at chasing horses’ tails especially those that are being long-lined or refusing to leave the yard!!