The team

UPEC is a small, friendly, family-run business that takes pride in running a safe, relaxed and professional yard. We know that choosing the best place for your horse is a difficult decision to make. We will be delighted to answer any questions you may have to help you know in your heart you have made the right choice.

You are invited to visit us, telephone, or send an email. Upton Pyne Equestrian Centre, Seychelles Farm, Upton Pyne, Exeter EX5 5HY 07841 644311 01392 851931 liveries@upec.co.uk

The six-strong team members all have excellent credentials. They are; Ellie, Stewart, and Kate Wass, Amanda Briant, Carrie Woodbridge and Jade Hoskins. Oh, and Cookie the Jack Russell!

Ellie Wass I started riding at the age of 12 when my family moved to the Peak District. We had a small-holding and I helped with the running of the stables. I competed in local shows and was also a member of Tameside Pony Club. I graduated in Equine Business Management. As part of the course, I spent a year in Australia working on racing and dressage yards. When I finished the course I worked on competition yards and had the opportunity to compete young horses. After all this experience, I have taken the good points, learned from the bad points and created a yard that is friendly, but is run to a very high standard. I compete in all diciplines but my main love is team-chasing.
Stewart Wass I set up our first yard in the Peak District where I was also DC for the local Pony Club. For part of my career I was attached to the Agricultural Development & Advisory Service and learned the theory of grassland management. I put this into practice at UPEC where we produce all our own hay and haylage. I'm now responsible for the business management and maintenance at UPEC. I drive a trotter x cob and compete in driving trials. This has led to several requests to train clients' horses to also drive.
Kate Wass I trained as a legal secretary and receptionist hence the excellent telephone manner! I was also secretary to Tameside & District Pony Club while living in the Peak District. I now look after the UPEC accounts and administration.
Cookie I was born just down the road from UPEC and at eight-weeks-old it became my home. Since then I’ve not had a day off, but I love my job and so few can say that. Since I’ve been here they’ve not seen a rat or a mouse - I’m sure this is due to me and not the yard cat. My true love is tractor-driving, so I’m in charge of levelling and rolling the school and keeping the fields in tip-top condition. I’m also very good at chasing horses' tails especially those that are being long-lined or refusing to leave the yard!!
Amanda Briant I first arrived at UPEC as a D.I.Y Livery with my dressage horse Bally, who I regularly compete in affiliated dressage competitions, as well as some unaffiliated one-day events. I have worked part-time at UPEC for a year while studying for my degree in Equine Studies at Bicton Agricultural College. During my time at Bicton I have achieved my BHS Stage One and Riding and Road Safety exams. Before my time at UPEC, I was fortunate enough to work and ride in different areas of the industry, such as, dressage, racing and breeding sports horses. Whilst working and keeping my horse on livery at UPEC, I have learnt how to overcome different problems with a wide range of horses both in and out of the saddle. Also using Ellie’s knowledge and experience, I have been able to overcome problems with my horse’s show-jumping and cross-country issues. I would advise anybody thinking of working with horses that it is hard work, but when things go right (and they don't always!) it has got to be the most rewarding job there is.
Carrie Woodbridge I started riding in Hampshire when I was very young and fell in love with horses, despite my parents trying to convince to take up a less expensive hobby! When I was 13 I started a Saturday job at a polo yard and had the opportunity to ride a wide variety of horses and travel to lots of posh places in the south of England. I took a year out of education when I left school to pursue a career with horses and now despite gaining  a degree in Childhood Studies, I am working at UPEC and I love it. We have a variety of horses to ride and bring on and every day is different. I also share a horse at UPEC (Dolly) and I compete at local shows and enjoy hunting in the winter. Everyone at the yard is very friendly and although I don't have my own transport I am almost always able to get a lift to an event.
Jade Hoskin Hi I'm Jade, I will be 18 in September and for as long as I can remember I have been horse-mad! My first experience of being around horses was when my Dad stuck me on the back of a pony at the local riding school when I was three- months-old! Ever since I have grown up around them and have taken part in many gymkhanas, shows and cross-country. However my general love was for hunting and Dad and I went out with the Silverton Foxhounds as much as possible. Even though I have only been working at UPEC part-time for a few months I really enjoy my work here, there is a variety of horses and ponies to school and exercise and to 'fuss over'. Also the atmosphere is great, everyone gets along so well and are welcomed 'with open arms'.
Claire Knighton My mum stuck me on a horse as soon as I could sit up so I had a good head start early on! Since then I have kept horses for most of my life and became an extremely active member of my local pony club competing in anything and everything, through this I developed a real love for eventing having affiliated with my young horse before heading off for university. I trained to become a stage manager however after an enjoyable year in the business I just missed the fields and horses far too much! I began working at UPEC at the beginning of this year and haven't looked back, I love being able to work with the huge range of horses and ponies and draw a huge sense of job satisfaction seeing problems solved and horses develop and grow. I have learnt so much already from Ellie and the team and count myself very lucky to have found such a friendly (if slightly bonkers!) group of people.