Training Ethos
Jackie’s training ethos is to have a very hands on approach, working with each horse individually over a period. Learning to understand its temperament, how to get the best response from each one and to gain its confidence and trust to get the best out of them, while keeping them fit, healthy in body and happy in mind. It is important to try to get the best from each horse, regardless of its ability.
Being located in the north east of Scotland had some challenges, but it had certainly not been a barrier for success. Since gaining her full license in 2015, Jackie already had several winners, as well as a high percentage of runners in the winners enclosure. With a committed and focused team where each individual horse has specialised care and a specific training programme designed to suit their particular needs, she is committed to bringing on more winners for the future.
We have now relocated to Lilliesleaf in the Scottish Borders. This move should allow us better access to more racecourses across Scotland and the North, with Kelso only being 15 miles away. Our new base, in the picturesque Scottish borders, will allow for us to continue our varied programme of work for the horses, as well as allowing for plenty of turnout time to keep the horses both healthy in body and mind.
Jackie Stephen
Jackie has been working with horses all her life. Following many years caring for thoroughbreds for other yards, Jackie took the decision to take out a full license in 2015. Since then Jackie has been successfully training racehorses initially from Aberdeenshire, and now from the Scottish Borders. She has achieved many early successes and is working hard to build on these wins, to build up a strong reputation as a trainer and of course achieve further successes.
She continues to ride out everyday and is very hands on, planning a programme for each individual horse for everyday of the week.
Patrick Stephen
Patrick is the assistant trainer and main horse box driver. He is involved in race planning and “out of hours” feeding, among many other needs required in a busy yard. In his spare time, Patrick is a farmer, managing to fit in caring for cows, sheep and pigs around racing.
Daisy Provan
Daisy is a primary school teacher but takes a keen interest in the horses and helps out whenever she can. She likes to ride out, help with general yard duties and run all the social media accounts.
Our Team
Lucy Provan
Lucy is currently travelling and working in Australia – learning how racing works on the other side of the world. She’s previously ridden in point-to-points with her now retired horse, Ladyvie.
Ryan Nichol
Ryan joins us with lots of experience in racing, having held his licence previously and continuing to ride in point-to-points. He is a great asset to our team, schooling most of the horses and working to get the best from each of them.
Isaac Amos
Isaac joins us with a great knowledge in many equine disciplines. Most recently he has been working with event horses but has previous experience in racing. He’s also aiming to get back into riding in point-to-points this season. With a keen interest in racing and a good understanding of what we do, he is a great asset to our full time team.
Kristin Borthwick
Kristin works mostly on the yard. She ensures all aspects of the yard are tidy and is very competent on a forklift. She has experience in common riding and pony racing, and is quickly learning the ropes here. She is also completing a course through the Scottish Racing Academy to help her gain further knowledge in all aspects of racing.
Iona Clyne
Iona has rejoined us after a summer in Ireland working in racing. She returns to us on a part time basis whilst completing further studies. She is an enthusiastic member of the team who enjoys going racing and taking part in the common riding.
Sean Huggan
Sean rides out part time and has been key in breaking in our 3 year olds this year. He previously worked in racing in newmarket and has a great manner with all the horses.
