MEET THE HUMAN TEAM

LAURA KING - Laura started horse riding at the age of 3 and by the time she was 6 years old she had her own horse and had well and truly caught the horse bug and lived and breathed horses 24/7.

Competing from a young age Laura took part in all disciplines from showing and cross-country to dressage and sponsored rides but she found her heart lied with show jumping, so much so her Father, Brian, took her out to compete multiple times a week.

Growing up Laura owned two horses, Chloe and Kappella. Chloe was a New Forest mare purchased by Brian for Laura in 1995. With her, Laura really discovered her love for show jumping. Chloe went on to become the very foundation of the riding school, teaching hundreds of children to ride until finally after being part of Laura's family for 24 years, old age caught up with her at the grand age of 34.

Kappella was a beautiful Irish Sports Horse who carried Laura up the ranks in her showjumping career. After 7 years competing together, Laura decided to focus on the riding school and in 2007 she was sold on to pastures new.

In 2000, Dee Dee, came into Laura's world. He was the first pony Laura had ever broken in and as the riding school grew, she decided after learning from Dee, to begin breaking in and producing ponies for her clients. 

Laura spent a lot of time working with young people who experienced social, emotional and mental health difficulties through her Equine Support Sessions and decided in 2016 to become a support worker, using the riding school to encourage them to build life and social skills, as well as helping the young people in the community.

In 2022, alongside her husband Laura was proud to establish Old Town Support Service, combining Equine Support and her support work. 

When Laura isn't working she enjoys horse riding for leisure, she really does live, sleep and breathe horses.

DANIEL KING  -  Since leaving school at 16 Daniel has worked in the building industry and went on to establish his very own landscaping company alongside his Father. In 2022 when he and Laura established Old Town Support Service he took a step back from landscaping, leaving the company in his Father's more than capable hands.

Daniel's parents foster young people, so Daniel has grown up with a busy family home surrounded by young people from all backgrounds who have become a real part of their family.

Alongside this Daniel has 2 boys of his own and enjoys being a real hands on Dad, taking the boys to football training, cheering them on at matches and taking them to train at the local boxing gym. 

Until he met Laura in 2020 he had never been around horses, but Laura changed that very quickly. She taught him to ride and now they enjoy spending time together going on beautiful countryside hacks at the weekend. Safe to say Daniel has also caught the horse bug and shares a real love for them. 

When Daniel isn't supporting the young people at Old Town Support Service, he spends time at the gym and enjoys cooking, his favourite being outdoor cooking which Laura and the boys love tasting.

Since getting married in 2022, Daniel and Laura are busy people who live and breathe the outdoor lifestyle but always prioritise spending time as a family either at the football pitch, at the stables, unwinding at home or walking their 5 dogs.

You may come across these 4 legged friends at the stables so let's introduce them. We have Jack Russells Alfie (10) and Gamble (13) who are the older members of our family alongside our big Bear, a beautiful Saint Bernard, Lady the Crazy Cockapoo and our newest member Gent, a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel. 

JESSICA PAYNE - Jessica or Jess as we all know her, first visited Old Town Riding School in 2016 and absolutely fell in love with the horses and horse riding, always wanting to learn and perfect her craft. She loaned her first pony and continued to grow her knowledge. 

In 2020 after completing her GCSEs Jess began Equine Studies at Oaklands College, passing with flying colours and in 2021 began working full time at Old Town Riding School as a groom and riding instructor and Jess is now a dedicated, important part of the team as groom, riding instructor and mentor to our young people. 

Jess has 2 ponies of her own, Domino and Milo. Domino has been in her family for 8 years and she welcomed Milo to the family when he was just 6 months old. She broke Milo in and enjoys training him and watching him grow day by day. Domino and Jess can often be found hacking out when she is not working.

Outside of the stables, Jess also has two dogs, Lelo and Nelly, who love going for long walks and she spends quality time with her family.

LEWIS KING - Lewis has been riding for the last 22 years and began his career at Old Town Riding School back in 2018 as a groom, instructor and mentor. 

During his childhood and teenage years Lewis struggled with anxiety and PTSD but during this time he discovered his passion and deep love for horses which helped him through this, building his confidence and self-esteem.

Lewis uses his personal experiences to relate to our young people and build a rapport with them and shows just how powerful a horses love can be. 

Lewis loaned one of our Old Town Riding School ponies for many years but in Spring 2022 he fulfilled his dream and purchased Toy, who is a valued member of our Equine Team so keep your eyes peeled when you visit us.

When not at the stables, you’ll find Lewis pampering Toy or spending time with his family and their beautiful Doberman, Troy. 

NAOMI DAVIS - Naomi began riding lessons at Boxmoor Show Jumps at 11 years old and immediately discovered her love for horses and a keen interest in riding, so much so that when Old Town Riding School opened Naomi volunteered her weekends to help. 

In 2010 she achieved her British Horse Society Stage 1 and 2 certifications alongside a Level 3 Diploma in Equine Studies. Following this she began working full time at Old Town Riding School, becoming a well-loved and valued member of our team for the last 13 years.

Naomi took a break from teaching to have her 2 children, Caleb and Hope but couldn’t stay away for long. 

Over the years Naomi has loaned several horses from the riding school however she's pressed pause on this for now to focus on her children, but as they get older, we have no doubt a horsey friend will find its way into their hearts and family.