First and foremost the team is made up of Ian McAlpine. Ian was a misfit in school, not grasping the concept that you may need to pass some exams to get on in life, his only saving grace being his ability at individual sports. Being the best swimmer and tennis player in the school, and having a golf handicap of seven when he was 15, his father decided that as there was no money in swimming, he should choose golf or tennis to earn a living. Unfortunately at the age of 17/18 Ian discovered the pleasures of sports cars, girls and beer and turned his back on sport.
The rest of the sixties Ian spent working for a family engineering business in Liverpool, returning to live in Chelsea in 1970 where he continued his theory that you can’t beat hedonism. During that time he was lured down to Surrey for some fresh air, and met Maggie who was working as a groom for the legendary Roger Stack. They were married some time later and had two daughters, Alex and Catherine. Having married a serious rider Ian thought he should learn to ride, and went to Ridgewood riding stables at Horley. Having had about a dozen lessons Ian’s favourite instructor left, triggering Ian’s downward addiction to horses.
One of Ian’s friends was a pretty horse dealer of ill repute, so when he decided to buy his own horse, he felt the only way he wasn’t going to get stitched up was to buy a racehorse. Ian found Poachers Peril in the Horse and Hound, who had been in training with Captain Tim Foster, and then ridden by an amateur jockey for a season. He was 17hh and 9 years old and his previous rider had been unseated in most of his races, but undaunted Ian bought him and set off on to Leith Hill. Having ridden less than 20 times he found it a sharp learning curve, but never looked back.
Ian is now available for hacking and excursions to the New Forest, The South Downs and various day excursions in and about Surrey.
Peter is another important cog in the wheel. Peter has owned ex-racehorses for many years and used to invent things for the MOD until they put him out to grass, though he continues to put these skills to use and has been on Robot wars! He is a very popular ride escort, working mainly during the week. In addition he keeps the horseboxes and tractor fighting fit, mends numerous other things, and is splendid company for Ian in the pub. He is not about much at weekends -Saturdays he mends his traction engine, Sundays he can be found at car boot sales and autojumbles trying to keep his vintage motor bikes on the road.
We must also mention our invaluable band of dedicated volunteers, both young and (slightly) older. Ian's partner Laurel, together with Carleen, Nicky, Sarah, Ian Carew and Penny lead the crew together with Ian's son Duncan, Ella, Ceri, Georgie and others whose assistance in different ways we also greatly value.
As to our younger helpers, these currently include our regulars Saffron, Georgia, Beth, Leo and Charlotte, ably assisted on occasion by some of our other youngsters.
Finally (after a brief acknowledgment to our feathered residents who are occasionally known to provide us with an egg in one or other of our stables), we cannot fail to include the invaluable contribution provided (albeit in entertainment rather than actual help!) by our canine visitors. They are Lola (Sarah's beautiful English Staffy X); Charlie (Penny's madcap but loveable Labradoodle); Cloe (Ceri's pretty little adopted cocker spaniel); Dora (Ian C.'s lovely Samoyed/Labrador X) who occasionally graces us with a visit; Tippi (Laurel's little Cockapoo); and last but certainly not least, Blend (Ian's own elderly black lurcher X) who ensures all the others toe the line!
Thank you all.
