Our Story

Richard and Paula started breeding Charolais cows and the herd at one point reached 45. One of bulls won Supreme Champion at Great Yorkshire and The Royal Show. The first three bays of the main indoor was initially built to house them. He then extended this to make an indoor arena for the competition horses.

In 1985 Paula started Stainsby Grange Riding Centre with one pony called Promise and over the next year or so a few more ponies started to arrive. Ziggy, Rusty, Jasper and Sundae were the first few and the list continues to date.

Paula married Peter in 1988, Peter having competed in showjumping in Ponies, started to compete and train. They both competed nationally and produced showjumpers, Paula even went on to compete in British Eventing for a few years.

The expansion of the complex continued and soon Peter and Paula built more stable yards and another indoor arena. They started showjumping shows in 1989 and were soon hosting Premier shows for ponies and qualifying competitions for senior riders along with Unaffiliated shows. It was a family affair Richard was brilliant on the commentary, whilst mum Jean ran the café, Peters mum Myra in the office and dad Ken in the car park.

The livery yard was also opened at this time and has remained as busy still to this day. Soon the reputation of training from Peter and Paula had ensured the livery yard was full as owners enjoyed the use of all the facilities and the wealth of knowledge from staff and proprietors.

Their daughters Pippa and Millie started riding even before they could walk. With the love of showjumping in their veins they both have won many National and International titles and represented Great Britain on Many occasions. Millie still holds the record for the most Youth European Medals.

Pippa now runs Kabete Lodge Stud near Leeds with Husband Stephen Crosby where they breed and produce showjumping horses and ponies to a very high standard.

Millie is based in Belgium at Karel Cox Horses where she continues to compete internationally every weekend.

During Covid Paula acted quickly and loaned out the Riding School horses which is something she still keeps up today, giving opportunity to riding school clients to experience owning their own pony.

There have been many additions to the complex over the years, the Richard Thorpe Arena built in 2022 has injected a new level of British showjumping shows as we enjoy holding HOYS qualifiers. The Centre attracted Askham Bryan College in 2022 to base their equine practical studies with us. and the a charitable arm to our Riding School – Pegasus CIC which is something Paula is very passionate about. Its aimed at opening equestrian to sll and use the complex to support children who benefit from alternative learning in an environment like no other.

Peter is a BSJA course designer and Judge and Paula follows in her fathers footsteps doing the commentary whilst sister Joanne runs the café. We pride our selves on been professional and have an amazing arena and showjumps.

Our aim is for competitors to experience professional standards and quality of all aspects of the sport at whatever level they compete.