THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

Nepcote Lodge under the management of Arthur and Matilda Hopper.

 

THE HOPPERS' PHOTOGRAPH GALLERY

Copyright Valerie Martin 2000

I have found that the old racing stables in Steep Lane underwent a transformation in 1937. Alex and Ellen Law sold the Nepcote Lodge Stables in December 1937 to Matilda Hopper. From then on Mr and Mrs Arthur Hugh Hopper used the complex as the headquarters for their flourishing Worthing Residential Riding and Hunting Stables business.

The Nepcote Lodge Stables at this time comprised of twenty acres.

The main house at Nepcote Lodge Stables in the days of the Hoppers.

 

  

The Lounge for residents and students.

 

I think that Mr and Mrs Hopper's well-to-do guests were well catered for and enjoyed hot and cold water and gas fires in all bedrooms. There were four bathrooms and central heating throughout — not a usual feature in those days.

The Stable Yard at the rear of Nepcote Lodge for horses at livery and at the school.

 

I am told that fifteen to twenty well-trained hacks, hunters and ponies were always on hand for sale or for hire.

 

 

The Indoor School off Steep Lane.

 

I understand that the Hoppers built a 100 ft. by 50 ft. Indoor School where riding tuition was given for both beginners and advanced riders. There was also an open air Manège 80 ft. by 80 ft. used for the practice of training and managing of horses, including riding side-saddle. Two paddocks with jumps completed the picture, plus thirty loose boxes, as well as a Lecture Room and Students' Room.

The Hoppers' immaculate Saddle Room that would be the envy of any equestrian establishment now.

 

All day hacks were organised for those interested and also hunting with the Crawley and Horsham Hunt.

 

Rows of airy loose boxes 17 ft. x 12 ft.

 

Prices were as follows:

 

Resident students — one week's duration

£6. 6s week

— over one month

£5. 5s

Non riding guests

From £2. 2s

The fees were inclusive and included residence and two rides per day, or lessons by arrangement.

 

HACKING:

 

Weekdays

1 hour — 5s

Weekends and holidays

1 hour — 6s. 6d

PRIVATE LESSONS:

 

Course of twelve lessons

£5. 5s

Single lesson

10s

Evening classes

5s per hour

Hunting with Crawley and Horsham Hunt

£2. 2s.

All day rides were by arrangement.

 

 

The jumps in the paddock that ran between Nepcote Lane and Steep Lane.

 

Students could be prepared for the Institute of the Horse Instructor's Certificate and, in fact, ninety percent of those trained under the Hopper's expertise, passed their examination. Courses were arranged to cover the whole syllabus from three to six months. A thorough practical and theoretical training was given in

Long rein driving and training the young horse

Stable management

Feeding

Shoeing

Grooming

Buying forage

Economy

School and cross country riding

Instructing

 

Extracts from letters:

I do want to write and thank you and your wife for the marvellous holiday I spent with you. The training which you, your wife and instructresses gave me in grooming and care of horses, and in riding and jumping in one week was a complete revelation to me. I am indeed grateful for the infinite trouble which you all took in me, a complete stranger.

(signed) L.M.

 

O. is very sorry that her time with you is getting short. She has been most happy with you.

(signed) Mrs. C.

 

I was delighted to hear from O.B. that she has passed her examination. Thanking you and Mrs. Hopper for all you have done for her.

(signed) M.H.

 

Geoff Lewes tells me that he moved from Herefordshire with his parents and brothers and sisters in 1945 and lived at The Cottage at Nepcote Lodge from 1945.    He says the Pritchard family owned Nepcote Lodge at this time and ran their riding school from the premises.   In the corner of the paddock one of the Pritchards ran a small dairy farm.
 

 

Continue if you would like to read about the Origins of the Vale Stables in Findon.

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THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created exclusively for documenting life in Findon.

 

E-mail: valeriemartin@findonvillage.com