About Us

Poplars Farm was bought by Mr and Mrs Warrington in 1979 in order for their daughter Mandy to further her career as a riding instructor by opening a riding school. Over the years Mandy and her family have built the centre to become one of the most reputable in the area. Mandy had a passion for riding as a child and was fortunate enough to have her own ponies. She was a keen show jumper and progressed through the ranks from ponies to horses and competed successfully with her best horse Merry-Go-Round. Mandy gained her teaching qualifications under Sue Snow at Field House Equestrian, where she became a BHS AI (BHS Stage 3 Coach) before leaving to start up her own riding school.

During the early years here at Poplars Mandy met her husband Chris, who also works on the farm, and they had two daughters Philippa and Francesca. Mandy then started to live her passion for horses through her daughters, who both competed from a very young age. Both girls were successful in the showing world for many years, their most famous pony being Barkway Honey Bee (Beebee). Together they won many prestigious competitions and BeeBee gave them both the first of many rides at the Horse of the Year Show.

Philippa (Pip) works full time as a riding instructor alongside her mum here at Poplars. Having graduated with a first class honours degree in law; she followed her heart and her love of horses and joined her mother at the riding school. Pip is a BHS II (BHS Stage 4 coach). While predominantly teaching here at Poplars, Pip also does freelance teaching and schooling and is a British Dressage List 5 Judge. As well as showing, Pip has competed in affiliated dressage & eventing. Pip has two children, Bonnie & Ralphie. Bonnie, from a young age started her competitive riding career & had a successful first season with homebred Poplabee Georgie Porgie, finishing 6th in the Stars Champion of Champions final at Aintree international and gained the best young rider award from her riding club. Bonnie continues to enjoy competing on homebred Poplabee Minnie Mouse, more of their success stories can be seen on the Hall Of Fame Page

Francesca (Chez) Though now only helping at the school occaisionnally alongside her main career in the Police Force, Chez is a BHS Stage 2 and has completed a Masters Degree in History. Chez has always competed her horses and ponies after being introduced by her mother, and was British Dressage Quest National Champion in 2018 with her horse Future Enigma. She also has a daughter, Harriet, who is proving to be a keen horse rider, and is looking to follow in her mum's showing footsteps

Victoria Witham is a full time member of the teaching staff here at Poplars. Vicky learnt to ride at the stables and is BHS Stage 2 qualified coach and is now working towards her stage 3. A pleasant, hardworking and valued member of staff Vicky has the same passion for horses as Mandy and Pip, which makes her a great addition to the team.

In terms of teaching staff, we are also proud to have freelance instructor Tara Godfrey available for lessons. Tara is a BHS Stage 5 performance coach, who also has her qualification in Stable Management. Tara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Tara has previously worked all over the world, and therefore brings a huge amount of experience. Her passion is show jumping, having jumped competitively to 1m15. She has also competed to a very good level in dressage & eventing.

About Us

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