A Legacy Continued: The Relaunch of Lingfield Equine Distance Learning
Equitas has always been about shining a light on stories within the equestrian world that matter. Over the summer, things took an unexpected turn at EQUK, leading to the revival of a name many horse people will already recognise: Lingfield Equine Distance Learning. At the centre of this story is its founder, the late Paula Clements, a woman far ahead of her time.
In the early 1990s, Paula established Lingfield Correspondence, one of the first providers of distance learning in equine care. At a time when good quality information was less readily available, her courses provided a lifeline for first-time horse owners, people from non-horsey backgrounds, and those looking to work within the industry. As the internet developed, Lingfield Correspondence became Lingfield Equine Distance Learning, and over the decades that followed Paula educated thousands of equestrians worldwide.
In 2024, Paula contacted EQUK after hearing about the work its founder Cat Carter was doing. She described it as “very much needed” and was one of the first from a traditional equestrian background to truly understand EQUK’s goals. Generous with her time and her knowledge, Paula offered Cat advice and encouragement in emails and phone calls. As her health declined, she asked whether there was someone who could take over her teaching.
Plans were quickly made, but sadly less than a week later, Paula passed away.
Over the following months, Cat worked with Paula’s niece Amanda, Paula’s husband John, and Cat’s long-term friends Belinda and Gus Northcott to complete a website project Paula had started, support existing students, and create a plan to relaunch Lingfield in a way that honoured her original vision.
Lingfield Equine Distance Learning is now preparing for its official relaunch in September. Quietly and without extravagance, it will return to doing what it has always done best: providing accessible, evidence-based equine education.
The flagship Care and Management 1 and 2 programmes remain central to Lingfield’s offering. Built around the BHS Stage 1 and 2 care syllabi but extending far beyond them, they explore equine psychology, herd behaviour, welfare, grassland management, nutrition, and training methods. In-depth projects on areas such as bits and feed allow learners to critically assess the expanding market of equine products and practices. These courses support those preparing for BHS assessments, but are equally suited to learners wishing to grow their knowledge at their own pace without exam pressure, while still benefitting from expert guidance.
Two UKRS-accredited professional courses are also available. The Responsible Groom course, developed in partnership with the ABRS, provides essential knowledge for anyone working on a yard, covering topics such as client communication, responsible social media use, data protection, equine anatomy, biomechanics, lameness awareness, and herd psychology. Discounts are available for ABRS-registered schools, making it an ideal induction programme for new staff. The Livery Yard Manager course guides learners through setting up and running their own livery business, including client and financial management, health and safety, marketing, staffing, and day-to-day yard operations. When combined with Care and Management 2, it offers a thorough grounding in nutrition, grassland management and advanced horse care, providing yard managers with the broader knowledge they need.
Two specialist short courses are also part of Lingfield’s portfolio. The Nutrition course looks in detail at feeding practices past and present, requiring learners to develop feed charts for different horses. The Psychology and Behaviour course, is currently being updated by equine rehabilitation and behaviour specialist Nadia Hernandez, and will relaunch in the autumn.
All courses are taught online and use a combination of automated quizzes, which provide immediate feedback, and long-format assignments marked by tutors. Students have access to one-to-one support from qualified tutors throughout, as well as a growing archive of interactive resources. The team delivering these courses brings both continuity and new energy. Lead tutor Belinda Northcott BHS APC, who first met Cat years ago at Tower Farm Riding Stables in Edinburgh, takes on the role with a passion for educating first-time owners and grassroots riders. Vet physio and BHSAI Hannah Haskew, who has worked with Paula since 2005, will continue to teach the Psychology and Behaviour and Yard Manager courses she co- authored. EQUK’s founder will act as course co-ordinator, managing the technical systems and administration.With a new website, a dedicated tutor portal, and a research hub for learners, Lingfield is now ready to reopen its doors. Course sales go live again on 1st September. Paula may no longer be here to see this moment, but her influence is clear in every part of it.
Lingfield Equine Distance Learning will continue her life’s work of making equestrian education accessible, supportive, and welfare-led, ensuring her vision endures for years to come.
For more information, visit https://www.horse-care.co.uk, or follow Lingfield Equine DistanceLearning on Instagram at @lingfieldequinecourses and Facebook at Lingfield EquineDistance Learning.
