Western wonders boom

The couple established a Western Riding Centre on the working farm, which has arable land and cattle, before launching a Quarter Horse breeding programme there.

This season, they have progressed further to offer Western trail rides, providing horses for the day, as well as accomodation through the farm's Billy Can campsite.

The camp is in a unique riverside setting, featuring a wigwam social area, family and ordinary tents, a canvas washroom, toilets and meeting place, as well as a central outdoor campfire.

Run by Matt's mother, Sue Luckin, along with Alexandra Thompson, the campsite has a real Western flavour, with a campsite stew served up on Friday evenings after a day on the trail.

Matt and Merissa offer Western Riding Club clinics and trail rides using their own horses, or people can bring along their own and have them trained Western style.

Matt has spent time in America with top trainers who specialise in backing and training young horses. He has now achieved his Western coaching qualifications.

For full story see Sussex Horse World, West Sussex Gazette August 5