Acre Lodge

⚠️ EQUINE INFLUENZA AWARENESS ⚠️

At East Lodge Equestrian Centre, the health and welfare of our horses and ponies is our highest priority.

Equine Influenza (Equine Flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory disease that can spread quickly between horses. Symptoms commonly include a high temperature, coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy and a reduced appetite.

Whilst we are not currently experiencing any cases on the yard, we would like to remind all clients of the importance of good biosecurity practices.

If you own, loan, ride or handle horses away from East Lodge, please:

🐴 Change your clothing before visiting the yard.

🐴 Wear clean footwear and ensure boots are free from mud and manure.

🐴 Wash or sanitise your hands before and after handling our horses and ponies.

🐴 Please do not visit the yard if you have recently been in contact with a horse displaying signs of illness without first speaking to a member of staff.

These simple precautions can make a huge difference in helping to protect our horses and ponies from infectious diseases.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our herd healthy.

— The Team at East Lodge Equestrian Centre

Hi everyone just letting you know that we’re thinking of putting pony camp days on, they will be held on the last week of July (29th, 30th and 31st) and the 2nd week of August (12th, 13th and 14th).

They will run from Wednesday - Friday from 9am - 3pm. It will cost £360 for all three days and lunch will be included (please let us know if there are any allergies).

The day will consist of poo picking, mucking out stables, grooming, bathing the horses, making up feeds, platting the horses manes, in hand work and riding. There will be a show for parents to watch on the last day.

We will have other activities on through the summer.

Please let me know if you’re interested?

Something new is growing quietly in the background 🌿

Over the last few years, alongside Equimotional and my employment, I’ve spent hundreds and hundreds of hours doing direct work with children, young people, carers, schools, and professionals.

The bits nobody really sees.

The school refusals.
The “I’m fine” children who absolutely are not fine.
The young people sitting in cars because they can’t face going in.
The emotional explosions that usually start long before the behaviour.
The quiet conversations in fields, coffee shops, soft play centres, tack rooms and McDonald’s car parks where trust is built one tiny interaction at a time.

And honestly?

I think support works best in the spaces between.

Between crisis and stability.
Between childhood and adulthood.
Between services.
Between “coping” and actually feeling safe.

So in July 2027, after maternity leave and a slower season of life, I’ll be launching:

✨ The Between Space ✨

A trauma-informed mentoring and emotional wellbeing service for young people.

Relationship-led support.
Real-world support.
Non-pathologising support.

Built for young people who may not fit neatly into boxes, traditional interventions, or who "aren't struggling enough to warrant intervention" ( SIGH )

This will include:

🌿 1:1 mentoring
🌿 Emotional wellbeing support
🌿 Community-based direct work
🌿 Support around confidence, regulation and independence
🌿 Neurodiversity-affirming approaches
🌿 Parent and carer support
🌿 Creative and relational interventions
🌿 Equine-informed approaches where appropriate

The Between Space is powered by everything Equimotional , education and my employment has taught me over the years:

That safety matters.
That relationships matter.
That behaviour always makes sense somewhere.
And that young people deserve to be seen as humans first.

Building something meaningful feels far nicer than shouting into the void these days 💜

Just letting everyone know that with the weather expected to be in the late 20’s over the next week, lessons will still be running unless I message you saying otherwise. But we may run them slightly differently, I will assess it on the day. As everyone is aware my horses are my main priority and they come first.

Thank you for your patience and understanding it is very much appreciated.

🚲🐎 Passing Cyclists & Horses Safely – Know the Rules 🐎🚲

When driving on our roads, cyclists and horse riders are among the most vulnerable road users.

Giving them enough space is not just courteous it’s the law!!!

🚲 Passing Cyclists

The Highway Code is clear:

Rule 163 – Overtaking:
“Give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space at higher speeds.”

If you cannot give this amount of space, do not overtake. Wait until it is safe to do so.

🐎 Passing Horses

Horse riders and their animals can be easily startled by noise or sudden movement. The Highway Code advises:

Rule 163 – Overtaking:
“When passing horse riders, give them at least 2 metres of space and pass slowly at a speed of no more than 10mph.”

Also remember:

Rule 215:
“Slow down when passing horses. Give them plenty of room and be ready to stop.”

✅ Key reminders

• Slow down and be patient
• Leave the recommended passing distance
• Avoid revving engines or sounding horns
• Be prepared to stop if needed

A few extra seconds of patience can prevent serious injury and save lives.

Let’s share the road responsibly and keep everyone safe.

If you observe a vehicle passing too closely to a vulnerable road user and have dash cam send it to Op Snap on Cumbria Police Website.

Posted: 22/04/26

Maternity Leave… 🤍

I’ve started thinking about the next few months… and how this is all going to work in real life... real life meaning how to pay for horses on statutory maternity pay when I have to move yards... bad timing to be given notice for sure.

I won’t be getting enhanced maternity pay from my employment which I just find madness.... for anyone 💩💩💩

So while I’m still working, still showing up, still doing what I do… there’s definitely a bit more intention behind things at the moment.

I’ve set myself a goal:

£5,000 by September 2026...to cover 50% of the shortfall....
Current total: £0 saved..

So over the next couple of months, I’m going to run a few offers on my workbooks.

Not because I want to be salesy… but because uhhhh I need some help. 😂🤭

Here’s what I’ll be doing:

✨ 3 for 2 on workbooks
✨ Buy one get one free on selected ones
✨ Up to 40% off bundles

If you’ve been thinking about it for a while, or you’ve had your eye on something, this will be the best time to grab them.

And if buying isn’t an option right now, even a share or a tag makes a difference. It really does.... pretty please puppy dog eyes. 🐕

Thanks so much for reading 📚

Charlie & Mini McLean.