ELAINE, along with her husband Nick Evans and two young sons, Thomas and Lewis, bought "The Sycamores" an 80 acre dairy farm, seven years ago, subsequently it had no horse factilities.

In the first year of ownership stables were built, and during that time horses were bought in and Sycamores Ranch was born.  In the second year a 60ft roundpen and then more recently, one of the largest outdoor arenas of it's type in the country.

During that that time, Sycamores Ranch Western Riding Centre was born.

Elaine runs the Ranch along with her staff and Nick has taken on the ownership and running of a Hotel in Llandovery, which is going very well.

ELAINE EVANS

SYCAMORES RANCH OWNER

AND MANAGER

Elaine who originates from Chelmsford in Essex, has over 26 years of experience with horses and before she concentrated on Western riding used to compete in Showjumping, Dressage and Cross Country.  She also managed her own livery yard in Essex.

She holds her Approved Instructors Certificate under the Western Equestrian Society (W.E.S.) and enjoys teaching riders and horses alike.  One of her passions is also competing her Western horses in AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and W.E.S. Shows.

DAMIAN Jones is our new member of staff. Damian trained as an Electrician on leaving school. 

Fortunately he had the opportunity to travel and during his time spent in South Africa and he ended up on a job involving 20 or so horses.  After his encounter with the horses, he was completely hooked on them.

Since then Damian has been out to America and had some training in the ways of Natural Horsemanship.  He is very interested in the mind of the horse and the ‘kinder’ methods of training.

He has come to the Ranch as Trail Leader and Yard Assistant and during his time with Sycamores hopes to learn more about the technical side of Western Riding.

I am sure Damian will prove to be a valued and trusted member of our team!

Alfie Latham - Groom & Trainee Competition Pupil

Alfie Latham joined Sycamores about 9 months ago.  He has turned 14 in August 2006 and is now an important member of the team.  He comes up to the Ranch every weekend and also during the school holidays.

Elaine has been teaching Alfie and along with him riding new inexperienced horses on the trails and he is proving to be a very capable and dedicated horseman.

Alfie entered his first show at Sycamores here in June 2006 and WON! the Showmanship, got a 5th and 6th in Pleasure and a 5th in Trail.  WELL DONE Alfie.

The Ranch's Four Legged Fury Friends!

POLO - Polo is a 5 year old black and white collie bitch who loves to herd the horses whenever she can! She is an extremely friendly dog who is always happy to meet new customers when they come up to the Ranch, especially if they throw her lots of sticks.

OLIVER - Oliver is a golden retriever and a real cheeky chap who we rescued 2 years ago. He was attacked by his mother at 5 weeks old and nearly killed. Thankfully he was brought to us and has been with us ever since. He is full of fun and loves to lie in the biggest, muddiest puddles he can find!

BUTTON - Button is a real cutie. She is 1 1/2 years old and is a miniature Jack Russell. She is a very cuddley dog and loves to be pampered. She adores people, especially children. Her special trick is that she will sit up and beg (even when we don't want her to). We call it her Meer-Cat impression!