The Team

Leonard Goerens

Leonard was brought up with horses and the sport of Eventing, he learnt his early skills from his Father, international event rider Jean Luc Goerens, and progressed these skills within the French Equestrian Military under Colonel de Certaine. This was followed by two years in Spain competing both Show Jumpers and Eventers internationally, fluent Spanish becoming an addition to his skill set along the way.

In 1997 Leonard came to England and spent 3 years working with and learning from Andrew Nicholson, before meeting Emma and setting up his own yard based with the Puddick family in Gloucestershire. Although, no longer working from this base, Mr & Mrs Puddick continue to support Leonard as owners and friends.

Leonard is a dedicated professional who produces horses with their long term welfare and competitive future in mind; he has an excellent rapport with his horses and works closely with other professional trainers such as former Olympic show Jumper Rowland Fernyhough to help get the very best from each individual horse.

Leonard’s international experience and fluency in three languages, together with his excellent network of contacts, places him well as an agent for sourcing the very best event horses, specialising particularly in acting for clients between France and the UK.

Emma Shoesmith
Emma has a first class degree in International Equine Business from the Royal Agricultural College, also a sports physiotherapy diploma, and she supports Leonard in all aspects of running the business.
Her excellent organisational skills ensure the smooth running of the yard and competition schedule.

Emma has competed herself at Intermediate and 1* level, and will return to competitive riding shortly, after a break caring for their young daughter, Scarlett.

Hattie Croome

18 year-old Hattie is spending her gap year with the team before starting her degree in Politics at Exeter University. Hattie has her Pony Club B test and has ridden at BE100 level and elementary dressage. She has a new young horse, Otto, bred by Mr & Mrs Puddick who she aims to bring on next year with Leonard’s support.

Thomas Blain

21 year-old Thomas was based with Leonard on work placement last summer, whilst studying for a degree in International Equine Business at the Royal Agricultural College. He had an excellent season and gained much valuable experience under Leonard's guidance with his two rides, ‘Little Rock Ship’, a horse that progressed from BE100 to Intermediate during the season and Mystic Napoleon gaining 2* success at Hartpury and Gatcombe in the Autumn. This horse has now been sold as an event schoolmaster. Thomas plans to return to the team this summer.

Scarlett Goerens

Future international event rider Scarlett helps manage jobs around the yard keeping everyone on their toes and regularly supports the team at events throughout the season.

Snoopy

Snoopy is a 9 year-old long-haired Jack Russell, seen wherever the Team goes.

A total softy, he loves to chase stones, sit on your lap and cover you in hair -
a complete menace when walking courses!