Harry Meade needs no introduction in the equestrian world. As one of Britain’s leading event riders, he represented Great Britain as part of the silver medal winning team at the 2014 World Championships and was recently short-listed for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. We spoke to Harry at home about everything from life in West Littleton to his top tips for people looking for an equestrian property.
Harry, what do you love about your West Littleton home?
“Looking out of your bedroom window and seeing the horses’ heads over the doors and watching them grazing in a paddock is every Englishman’s dream. We’re very lucky to be surrounded by rolling grass hills and to have kind, accommodating neighbouring farmers with whom we have good longstanding relationships. We’re trying to look at how we can future proof our equestrian facilities by making them more efficient.”
What tips do you have for someone looking for an equestrian property?
“Finding the right equestrian home is a specialist subject. It starts with accessibility. Easy access to main roads to be able to get the horsebox and deliveries on and off the premises is essential, as well as plenty of room for storage.
Soil type is critical. Having good draining land gives you the option to train horses on grass during the winter and summer months. Turnout is really important too and needs to be able to sustain the yard all year round. Having the appropriate amount of land is going to make life much easier, as well as being better for the horses.
In terms of the facilities, you’re going to need enough space for an arena, stables, a walker and possibly a lunge pen. Staff accommodation is a must-have. An annexe or separate accommodation on the property is a big advantage to be able to attract and keep a good team.
Depending on what discipline or type of riding you do, access to good hacking is an advantage, with a variety of terrain for fitness. Quiet country lanes are important for road work.
So many of these features are not obvious to the casual buyer and that’s why having a knowledgeable agent involved is absolutely critical... before you even get in the car to take a look at a potential property.”
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