From the Horsebox

Send us a text"Never Say Die" sounds like a James Bond 007 movie and, to be fair, it is a bit like that in my profession. Very full on and stressful at times, often shaken and stirred!"Calm under pressure and taking to the tractor on the farm to wind down, Nigel has a rich family history and a many a good trail hunting story, as well as some of the more light hearted moments, which can happen, at a Cheshire rural funeral!#cheshirehounds #heythrophounds #beauforthunt #groveandrufford #southshropshirehuntPlease follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a textOne of Captain Ronnie Wallace's 'disciples', Jeremy is steeped in the etiquette and tradition at the heart of hunting, now trail hunting, from his time with the Exmoor Foxhounds.Expect some huntsman's wisdom, humour and straight talking from someone who was a dedicated professional, respected by both his peers and the huge network of country people surrounding him.A very special guest!Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a textAmberly talks about her fashion and lifestyle photo shoots all over the world. She explains how she uses the media, to promote her documentaries about traditional cultures and heritage brands in the global magazine, The Rake.She has also done a film shoot with the Wynnstay Hounds which were featured in the October 2024 issue, with more to come.How does she see social media trends unfolding and how can she advise on presenting trail hunting to a wider audience?Her book choices were:Stephanie Garber "Caraval"Erin Morgenstern "The Night Circus"Neil Gaiman "The Ocean at the End of the Lane"Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a textThere were plenty of flat caps at Crewe Station on Tuesday morning, 19th November as everyone from the Cheshire farming community trouped up to the capital to join the many thousands who wanted to make their voices count in opposition to the assault on family farms.Richard Blackburn, third generation family farmer talks to From the Horsebox.Plus two short interviews with fellow marchers, Ollie Skinner and Sarah Taylor, who were kind enough to let me record.https://youtu.be/Xq5qmyYNwHk(Research podcast)Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a textMary Williams organises trips to Mongolia, eagle hunting, in aid of FIRE charity which funds healthcare in the country. It's an exciting adventure for those lucky enough to go .. Mary's CV in life adventures is astounding.Have a cosy listen, From the Horsebox! A rare glimpse into something ancient and unique in global culture, an exploration of tradition, nature and adventure.The Kazakh people remain true to their traditions even though they face some  of the same pressures of the modern world as we do.This interview was recorded on the day of the American election!Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a text"Intangible Cultural Heritage," falconry is as ancient as the History of Mankind.'Mews' property, 'hoodwinking,' and 'haggard,' are all words with a rich cultural past.Mark and fellow falconers preserve and protect some magnificent birds of prey whilst giving them a role to live as they should in the natural world.The following podcast from the BBC's World Service was fascinating background to Mark's story.https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct1rl8Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a textJoin two seasoned gamekeepers, Tom and Alex Painter, as we explore the world of high flying game.Though known as a gamekeeper, Tom has got a rock 'n' roll twist to his story in his younger days.Alex' deep understanding of the traditional and correct way of doing things, learned from his father and being a good shot- make him a trusted figure and much in demand in local shoots.Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a text"An extraordinary casting coach who teaches you how to fish rather than merely cast" is how one of his fellow fishermen describes him.As part of the charity 'Get Hooked on Fishing' enabling thousands to try fishing, he 'puts something back' in more ways than one.A keen naturalist, he encourages an holistic approach to managing all wildlife in the river's ecosystem. Altogether, someone who goes out of his way to promote his sport to everyone, fully deserving of his MBE.His website is called, "The Adipose Fin'.Some markers below to guide you through the episode:2.08.   MBE for charity work with "Get Hooked on Fishing"7.59.   The 'Salmo', the royal fish11.16    Some numbers of fish caught this summer14.12    Fish farms...17.12    The Welsh Dee21.17    Wiers...25.03   The role of the ghillies.29.20   How do salmon leap?30.39   Brown bears fishing 32.02   "A River Runs Through It" by Robert Redford, fishing in Montana.35.19     Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse' fishing programme!Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on the text message system on each episode.What question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a Text Message."Its only worth what someone is prepared to give"The live auction is still the best way to determine the right buyer and the right price. The popularity of platforms like eBay and  T.V's "Bargain Hunt" indicate peoples' fascination with the 'art'.The auctioneer is the crucible for all this to take place and their skills make all the difference to trade. Our guest is the perfect example of someone with a passionate knowledge of the animals he is selling and the people involved.Sion graduated from Aberystwyth University in 2017 with a 2:1 agricultural degree.In November 2020 he was senior auctioneer at St Asaph Livestock Market for Jones Peckover Ltd.He was voted auctioneer of the year in 2022 and has won at The National Eisteddfod with his singing in that year.Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a Text Message.Marcus has many personal anecdotes to draw on for his writing career, from his 20 years as an amateur jockey.Winning the Grand National with Mr. Frisk Competing in the Velka Pardubicka in the Czech RepublicRacing in Russia in the early 90'sRecently covering The Derby and Royal Ascot he describes the influences on putting the articles together for The Daily Telegraph and how he has to react to events, such as the horses escaping from the Household Cavalry in Central London that day, possibly his biggest reach in readership for the year.Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Send us a Text Message.The glorious world of country clothing seen through the eyes of Patrick Barker from Crichton Bespoke. He creates a 'Saville Row experience' in the North of England, through his shop in Chester, which incorporates 'The Disguisery' cocktail bar.From hunt coat repairs, shooting tweeds to an orange suit, this is the place for the individual. How do the red trousers fit in? and much more...Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Artisan producers of  Thomond Gate whisky and The Lost Barn coffee will get your taste buds going this month with their latest products.Nick Ryan tells a  whisky galore of a story which puts us in touch with  a great age of Irish whiskey production in Limerick.The Lost Barn whiskey coffee will also give you a sensational 'time capsule' experience if you taste it, its extraordinary.#thomondgatewhiskey#thelostbarncoffeeroasters#wrekinwhiskysshrewsburyPlease follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Happy Easter everyone, with a third anniversary episode with Caroline Robinson (nee Beasley), who farms and trains a string of pointers at Sheriffhales in Shropshire, as well as acting as honorary chair of stewards panels under rules, holds two records that will never be broken. She was the first lady jockey to ride a winner at the Cheltenham Festival when she took the Foxhunters on her own Eliogarty in 1983, then the first to be successful over the Grand National course when she won the Aintree equivalent three years later on the same horse.We chat about the joint Wynnstay/Flint and Denbigh point to point as well as her stewarding at Cheltenham this time and her daughter, Immy having a great ride in the hunter chase riding D'jango.Please follow our Facebook / Instagram pages @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Hugo Owen co hosts the "On Hunting" and "A Dream and a Fear" podcasts.Both have riveting guests and subject matter.With a title a quotation from Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness," "A Dream and a Fear  covers stories of unimaginable hardship and bravery in the Golden Age of Antarctic Exploration to the Titanic disaster.Hugo gives us a nostalgic look at the bravery of the Great Explorers- but it is the modern world's challenges, which Hugo is taking  on, as he sets off on his own travels, exploring living on the edge for himself.The  "On Hunting" podcast is a ground breaker in opening up discussion to a wider audience about the countryside and its wildlife. Again the battle is on in our modern world, to preserve the traditions for the people who go trail hunting as well as it being best placed to look after our wildlife.On Hunting's  latest episode is with Charlie Pye-Smith, whose book "Rural Wrongs" explains evidence being ignored by opponents to trail hunting.Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Jonathan's dislike of bullying in any form could be a legacy of a teaching career or it could be that he has a gift for incisive debate, when dealing with the rules raining down from the Welsh Government in Cardiff.The Hand Hotel is a haven of comfort and good cheer at the heart of the rural community and I don't think "bugs" will ever be popular on the menu!Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Happy New Year to you all and we hope you will enjoy listening to our first ever recording back in February 2021.Jay's stories of hounds, hunt balls and pony club games give a picture of rural life that we all love. We look forward to bringing you more interviews in 2024!Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

"It brings out the best in people" said Brian, about the massive community fund raiser that he instigated. Discover how the event has grown, with a small and committed group of people, into one of  the most exciting spectacles of Christmas.Dressed as the "head elf," he guides the tractors, both vintage and modern, in synchronised flow through the villages!#Nightingale House #Hope House #therainbowfoundationpenley #welshairambulancePlease follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Peter Hall is a third generation Weald of Kent farmer whose passion for growing things is in his blood, hops, top fruit, a full range of vegetables and much more.His interest in using the advantages of a scientific approach means that he harnesses the best technology can offer. He keeps well ahead of pests and diseases with the emphasis on working with Mother Nature and the environment. As he says, "Science and technology rather than muck and magic!"#The Felix Project CharityPlease follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

The Crocky Trail theme park in Cheshire is a paradise for children who want to run, jump and  play in freedom. The name was inspired by Roald Dahl's poem, 'The Crocodile'"No animal is half as vileAs Crocky-Wock, the crocodile.On Saturdays he likes to crunchSix juicy children for his lunch.."and was built by Ed Walley for the children in his village.Ed's description of his farm through history and the way he has been brought up were fascinating to listen to and meeting people like him is why we do our podcast!Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

'From the Horsebox' becomes 'From the Brewers' Dray' this month as we record directly from the delivery round to some of the most idyllic village pubs on the edge of the Cotswolds. The home of Hook Norton Brewery.Nick Carter is a natural horseman and spokesman, and perfect in his descriptions of the characters of the horses, Brigadier and Balmoral who are breathtaking in beauty and power. They are also very versatile in their ability to fulfil a very varied programme of events, trick or treating around the village as well as competing  at all the major county shows.Nick, heads up a team whose professionalism with the Shire breed is a leading light with the breed society in promoting best practice, They must be a huge asset for 'Hooky" beer sales both in this country and all over the world.Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Winner of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents lifetime achievement award in 2019 which was a huge accolade from the industry, in recognition of a lifetime of association with top class horses.He has either bought or sold names such as Altior, Long Run and Sprinter Sacre as well as the  Grand National winners, Ballabriggs, Hedgehunter, Many Clouds, Party Politics and Noble Yeats.The winners enclosures at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals are now synonymous with David Minton and Highflyer Bloodstock.We thoroughly enjoyed his enthusiasm, sense of humour (don't miss his fishing story) and gift for enjoying people and their personalities! 5* stuff...Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Enjoy listening to our episode with Michael Eilberg, team silver 2013 European Championships, Team Silver 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games, Vicky Hipkins UK Director of Synovium and Anouk Frieling Equine Nutritionist.We were invited by Synovium Supplements UK to their Open Day with the Eilberg dressage dynasty at their base in the West Midlands.The ridden demonstrations by Michael and Maria show cased their young horses. It was accompanied by a fascinating commentary by  Ferdi Eilberg himself. It was full of wit and wisdom which we all loved listening to!Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Whether you are going to a wedding, riding horses or braving the elements there is a hat for everyone. We examine the art and history of hat making in both the fashion and equestrian world and find that there is plenty of overlap!Look good, feel good and listen well to our 35th episode.#rebeccajoneshats #edgemeresaddleryPlease follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

It would be difficult to find a better qualified country character to fit our guest profile than Eric.If you' ve had experience of the politics of Pony Club, mounted games team selection, the local magistrates court or enjoyed point to pointing there is a story for you!Not many of our guests can say that they have shared a joke with the future King around their kitchen table, about their family name...Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

What talented people we found behind the scenes of the running of a point to point! The natural selling skills of the young with their race cards, commentators who learn on the job, long serving success in the sponsorship department, the art of keeping control of jockeys at the start of the race, the weighing of the 'accoutrements'  and the fun to be had in the farmers' bar... luckily Carly is in charge as clerk of the course.Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Seth's farm has had everything from rare breed longhorn cattle, sheep, a dairy herd and all kinds of poultry and guinea fowl.He has a rich sporting life to match his great knowledge of the countryside and its wildlife and listen out for the train story!Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

A wonderful example of creative diversification on the farm in North Wales, Sarah Evans has created a veg. box  business using her own talents and ability to network in the local community. Visit her website www.waterylane.co.uk We tried out some recipes...Dahl with Shredded Greens/Cabbage/Spinach/ChardIngredients1 tbs coconut oil1/2 crushed garlic cloves4cm piece of grated ginger1 red chilli1 tsp black mustard seeds1/4 tsp g. turmeric1x400 ml. tin coconut milk100 g yellow mung dahl lentils1 tsp toasted coriander seeds1 tsp toasted cumin seeds200 g spring greenshandful coriander leaveslemon/lime juicetoasted coconut garnishsaltMethod1.Fry the onion in the coconut oil.2.Add garlic, ginger, chilli, mustard seeds.Stir in the coconut milkAdd the lentils, ground coriander and cumin.Add half tin of water3.Bring to boil, then simmer for 15 mins.Add the greens, cook for another 5-10 mins until lentils are tender and the greens wilted.Add more water if needed.4. Salt to taste, add coriander and squeeze of citrus. Sprinkle with toasted coconut and a few extra coriander leaves.Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Campbell now specialises in horses but over the years he has had to treat the full range of farm animals as well as the small animals including the exotics ...snakes and lizards!With strong memories of the troubles in Northern Ireland where he grew up,  he escaped to The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Medicine in Edinburgh,  to fulfil his dream to be a vet through a good Grammar School Education.You certainly have to be clever enough,  but what else does it take to last the distance in veterinary medicine?Nantwich Equine VetsPlease follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

An irrepressible  character - Chris Stockton - has, through his own skills and talent for horses and people, built a successful business and family life. 67 Point to Point winners and 3rd in The Foxhunter at Aintree.He has raced  cars professionally worldwide, including  Formula Ford Champion in 2001.Marquees in Cheshire to merchandise in China -  award- winning Ningbo Palletised Distribution.Ever the optimist with a great sense of  humour - a great recipe for success.Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

Farmer's son and Nuffield Scholar, Rob Bebbington, runs Alderford Lake near Whitchurch, Shropshire, a bustling leisure venue with thousands of visitors.People love the rich, varied and hugely fun events they organise all year round .. Nightmare Island is fully booked this week for Halloween! We loved looking round the high quality farm shop and sipping the delicious coffee overlooking the lake,  doing our research...https://alderford.comPlease follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

A bonus episode for you,Do you play bridge? Or is this mysterious world alien to you?! Andrew Robson has won so many of the top championships in the world and our country village has managed to engage him to teach some of his skills in aid of our much loved St Mary's Church in Overton on Dee.What is the life of an International bridge player like?How do you earn a living playing bridge?Which other famous people play?Is bridge a game of luck or skill?..either way it is high drama, with its language of "grand slams", "doubling" the stakes, "eve of battle", "springing a trap", "taking a finesse". Bridge enthusiasts gathered in Overton Village Hall  for their training day epitomise the qualities of team work, ethics and sportsmanship which make bridge "the game for a lifetime."Please follow our Instagram page @fromthehorsebox and we would love to hear any feedback on our email address fromthehorsebox@gmail.com what question would you have liked to ask?

It was very special indeed to be taken to feed the deer in the park and to chat to David, about his work on The Rhug Estate in North Wales, where he is Head Keeper. On shoot days the job of ensuring clients' expectations are met, organising beaters, game carts, 'picker uppers,' and all their dogs is a work of art...whether it be with champagne and canapés or bacon butties!As Chairman of the National Gameskeepers Organisation he is doing a lot to educate young people about the way his part of the Rural Economy works.

The transformational story of a run down hill farm to a centre producing the Paralympian medalist, Georgia Wilson.  It has also provided riders with top placings at the RDA National Championships at Hartpury College in July 2022.How does it all work? How is it funded?  You are about to hear from some of those involved and those who give their support as volunteers. This is a much needed life enhancing listen!

Creating an image of perfection for the show ring has been a winning way for Kinvara from a very early age and it was this professionalism which led her to be picked to play the part of Her Majesty for her 90th birthday celebrations at Windsor in 2016.However it does take a life of dedication to produce this  top level standard and getting used to disappointments is par for the course..

Dickie got his love of horses, dogs and all that goes with it from his father, who was a gamekeeper. A "hedgekicker from the West Country" is how he describes his early beginnings at The Guards' Depot, which he also describes as a "working class finishing school".At Knightsbridge barracks he then went through the Cavalry training and progressed up the ladder to becoming The Riding Master in charge of..." the jangling swords...cuirasses and  200 horses' hooves which still make the hair stand up on the back of your neck to this day."

We hear from Mark Dollar, Robert Walker and Pete Hockenhull about the Household Cavalry's preparations for the trooping of the colour, the busy season of a top show producer and an insight Into thoroughbred breeding at Shade Oak Stud.Queen Elizabeth II is a rock for many traditions of British life and her celebrations gave us all a time of happiness in the capital and in our villages and towns. Thankyou, Mam.

Susan breeds, trains, shows, rides (including going trail hunting), the family's Shire horses. Their progeny have been sold all over the world and two went to The Queen to be Royal drum horses. Managing large animals has also given her the skills to be chairlady of the Young Farmers with a glorious mix of fun and fund raising, Susan is a fantastic guest!

In this Bonus Episode, From the Horsebox motors to the heart of the Grassroots Championships to speak to William Bedell of Horse Weigh. He was asked to supply the weigh bridge for the horses but if any camels or zebras had qualified he could have weighed them too!Two of the competitors spoke to us after they had had great runs in the competition and finally we checked out what was going down in the shopping avenues....it was great to be back....

The racing yard at Stockton Hall is a very special place, it has all the benefits of purpose built facilities against a natural backdrop of 300 acres of farmland including the Wych Valley, providing a unique place to train horses. It wasn't just the warm sunshine when we drove in, there was definitely warmth in the working environment!

What was it like to be one of the dancers in this year's Strictly Wynnstay? Kate and Claire  go behind the sequins  to find out. Interviews before, on the night and after reveal the fun and the friendship that made it magical. A donation was made to the Ukraine Relief Fund.

Join us as we celebrate 12 months as podcasters! Instead of questions for a guest, this month we do the talking and share the highs and lows of "From the Horsebox". Will it get through its MOT?

We chat to John Laird who brings us sumptuous seafood - about his time on The North Sea Oil Rigs and his early mornings at Fleetwood Fish Market. "Ocean Wave" delivers the finest seafood all over the North West of England straight from the dock to your door.www.oceanwavefreshfish.co.uk

As we drive off into 2022, we bring you a glimpse of country life from Jill Hutchinson-Smith, farmer, cheesemaker, conservationist and Nuffield Scholar.

Before you put your feet up in front of the fire this Christmas it may be wise to listen to Bethan Richards, who entertains us with her stories of her chimney sweeping in rural West Wales. We have also persuaded some of our North Wales children of all age groups to say a few words or giggles about their Christmas in the country. We look forward to a " Merry Little Christmas " 2021 as we finish with a song and a competition for our local listeners!Happy Podmas!

John tells us why he swapped a successful accountancy practice for a farm - and galloping inflation for galloping horses. 

An entertaining description of managing a busy life in the country. Sue gives us an insight into how she managed  to adapt to helping on the farm after working in London.

Celebrating the inaugural Hunt Supporters' Gardening Competition.  We chat to the organiser,  judge and green- fingered winners.     A mystery winning cocktail, cows on the lawn and a 9' 2" sunflower,  contribute to "Gardeners' World" Wynnstay.

Dominic Curran has enjoyed the full range of equestrian sports and can explain the conservation work which goes alongside them. Worth waiting for the story of Eric's Bar embellished with authentic Scottish commentary!

Born Annabel Turner- like her namesake- she shares a love for nature and the landscape. Today Annabel Fearnall wants to share these passions with her family and as a Partner with Barbers Rural  helps her clients enjoy the framework of the countryside.

For 50 years Peter worked for T & J Harrison Shipping Line and saw the move to containerisation -  transporting commodities from Liverpool to India,  the Far East and Central America.Learning to ride horses was interesting but  crossing a trench with just a plank and rope was much more difficult!A firm believer in the countryside and its communities working together,  he tells us how to both enjoy life as well as contribute to it.

Richard Corbett tells us about Corbetts Malpas Ltd. a feed company established in 1918, how his knowledge of horses was reflected in the business and how the younger generation are tackling today's challenges whilst still offering a friendly and personal service. Richard is a "can do" sort of person and a true countryman.