Nicola Bell – Director
Nicola set up Sparrow Oast Dressage in 1998. A regular BD competition currently training at Grand Prix. She is currently coached by Hannah Biggs and Carl Hester and also has regular visits from Clare Gallimore. Nicola is passionate about rider & horse asymmetry. No matter what level/age the horse is at Nicola will improve it’s balance, suppleness and lightness. Having spent the last 9 years coaching riders using the dressage simulator she has developed an expert eye on attention to detail of every aspect of the rider and how it can affect the horse. Nicola is a BD & TESTT ®️Certified Coach.
Sophie Byfield – General Manager/ Senior Coach
Sophie has a BSC (Hons) Equine Studies, is a BHS qualified coach, UKCC Level 2 and has been coaching for 15 years. Sophie is extremely patient, fun and encouraging to all her clients. A regular BD competitor who has competed at the National Champs she is passionate about rider’s mental & physical fitness along with having a key eye on horse biomechanics.
Chianna Keeler – Yard Manager.
Chianna joined us in 2011, she has a BSc in Equine Management & Science Her interests are equine biomechanics & rehab work and holds a diploma in Equine Sports Massage which is a great asset to our yard. Chianna thoroughly enjoys backing horses and producing young horses for sale. She is responsible for the day to day running of the yard and planning each horse’s exercise regime.
Luisa Hearn – Head Girl
Luisa has a BSC Equine Training & Management and has her BHS Stage 3. She is responsible for the day to day running of the yard and is known to us as the “Queen of Clean” as she keeps everything so neat and tidy. She thoroughly enjoys jumping alongside her flatwork. She is very conscientious about the management of each horse and is always the last person to check on them every night.
Jazmin Rose
Jaz joined us in 2016 is a very dedicated member of our team and also a previous Hadlow College student. She loves keeping the horses in tip top condition and is never far away for a pair of scissors or clippers!! Her diy skills are pretty solid too!!Jaz is also a very capable rider and extremely passionate about every horse in her care. Her dedication to her own horse Belle speaks for itself.
Megan King – Groom
Meghan joined us in 2011 to start her Keits Horse Management Apprenticeship. Megan is a valued member of our team always ensuring that day to day chores are carried out efficiently and always seems to be around at the right time to support other members of the team in getting horses ready for exercise/turnout/travel. She is also a keen rider who is further developing her riding skills.
Alice Mantle – Junior Groom
Alice started with us late in 2020 as a valued member of our Sunday team. Having just finished her A Levels she is now going to work with us during her gap year to further develop her equestrian skills. Alice enjoys competing BD,HT, BE, SJ on her horse Dora.