Jan

Highlands Unbridled has been Jan’s dream for 10 years.  She rode as a child at a local riding school, although never owned her own pony, then like so many of us, gave up during her teens, although she never lost her love for horses, or desire to one day own one!   Seeing an opportunity to infect her children with the riding bug, she loaned a small black Shetland pony called Tuppence for them to ride – and it worked!   Her daughter Charys became a very keen rider and of course, that meant that Mum had to get a horse to ride out with her – finally at the age of 33, she got her own horse!

Having had a love of the countryside and nature since childhood, and a desire to get out and experience it up close, led to Jan deciding that Trail Riding is what she wanted to do, and she embarked on a long process of research and training, culminating in the formation of Highlands Unbridled with her partner, Graham.

Jan is a qualified Ride Leader, and First Aider, and has a NC and HNC in Equine Studies.

She has a good knowledge of local natural history, culture and the area in general and a keen interest in local folklore, legends and history, and incorporates this into the rides.


Graham

Graham worked in social care for many years, specialising in supporting people with a learning disability.

He has been riding now for just two years. Before, his interests were mostly water-based, as he used to be a qualified British Canoe Union instructor.  However, that has all changed and now he rides out on the longer rides, and provides back up on others.  Like Jan, he really enjoys the outdoors. He enjoys hill walking and wild camping, canoeing and Scottish dancing as well as traditional Scottish music. His fiddle playing is awful but it is good fun!

Born in Scotland, he grew up in the West country, so don’t let his accent fool you – he is very proudly Scottish!  His family roots are in Sutherland, and he has a keen interest in Scottish history, especially in the ’45 rebellion and subsequently the Highland Clearances.

He is also fluent in French.


Charys

Charys is Jan’s daughter and has been riding since she was Three.  She is currently studying for her HNC Equestrian Studies at Thurso College and helps out with rides and general stable duties during her holidays.  Charys is happiest when galloping along beaches or doing cross country.  Her pony, Blue, an Irish Cob now comes out with us on the trails rides, as she has a new horse to ride called Orion – a 16.3hh Thoroughbred x Clydesdale, which she keeps during term time at Thurso.

Charys has wanted to become a riding instructor ever since she knew there was such a thing!  She is working through her BHS stages at present.

Other Staff . . . later