Paul Heapy

About

Having ridden from an early age, the sport of equestrianism has become my passion. I am in the enviable position that my hobby is also my job, and I love working with horses in any capacity, whether that be riding, teaching or competing.

 

Currently, I am based in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, providing a professional standard of livery and tuition. I teach a variety of clients, from young beginners to those who regularly compete in dressage and eventing. I have a strong freelance client base. I cover all areas of Greater Manchester, as well as Lancashire and Cheshire as my clients require. 

My main focus at the moment is actively working towards my BHSI alongside teaching, after recently passing my Stage 4 riding and intermediate teaching exams.

My professional riding career began riding for Angela and Brian Crane, of Holden Fold Stud. Angela competes internationally for Ireland in Dressage at Grand Prix level, and owns the highly recognised dressage stallion, 'Mooiman'. I was very fortunate that Angela took the time to train me and develop my riding, allowing me to learn from riding both young horses and her more experienced, top level stallions.

I worked for Angela and Brian for two and a half years, with my main duties being breaking youngsters and schooling. I was also involved in attending stallion parades and competing in dressage competitions for other owners. I have also had opportunities at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire, where I was the Cheltenham Ladies College instructor, becoming responsible for all outsourced riding at Hartpury, as well as maintaining a high standard of teaching. I also spent time as competition livery manager for Eric Winter (London 2012 Olympic XC Designer) and his wife Lizzel (who competes at Grand Prix level in dressage) at their Monmouthshire centre. More recently undertook the role of proprietor at Dam Top Riding Centre, where i continued to build my client base.

I have also had the opportunity to partake in many different showing classes at county level, from Hacks and Riding Horses to Mountain and Moorland Working Hunter.

I currently own two of my own horses; Distinctive Spirit, a 16.1hh ex racer whom I use as a schoolmaster for teaching, and Ha Ilana HFD, a 4 yo KWPN mare whom I am continuing to produce for the young horse classes next season.