​Hartsop Farm Equine Training Centre
Sandy Vandenberghe
Sandy tends to be modest about her own equestrian skills and knowledge although both are considerable. She has particular expertise with the nervous or unhandled horse as well as a mass of experience in relation to horses in harness. Hang out on the yard whilst Sandy is engaged in routine chores land you will hear about the range of equines in her care, sharing the genuine love she has for these animals.
Sandy's story...
Born and raised in Cornwall (a fact that explains the affection with which she will refer to a tricky horse as a Wurzle!) Sandy knew that horses were all that she wanted for her life by the age of 11. She was supported in attending a riding school & quickly found herself working as groom to a range of different owners. Aged 19 Sandy had the opportunity of employment with one of this country’s foremost breeders and producers of driving horses, this led to her leaving Cornwall for Oxfordshire. For 25 years Sandy worked with the hundreds of horses bred by this owner, Shires, Hackneys, Cobs and the inevitable cross breeds. The horses she helped develop were sought after globally, many being exported to international homes. A key speciality of this producer was training to harness, riding horses were also routinely produced. The breeders family remain close friends and continue to send many of their young stock to Hartsop Farm for early handling & training. During this employment a meeting with the handsome young Belgian studying at Witney College heralded the next stage of Sandys life, they went on to produce their own yard and their own family!