Hethel Stud

Melvyn & Sarah both have ridden from early ages, Sarah at 3 and Melvyn at 8, they both leant to ride at Cringleford Riding School owned by Miss Paula Sykes who in turn was Head Girl for The Late Pat Smyth.

Both of them were members of South Norfolk Pony Club gaining various awards and representing South Norfolk in some of the team events

At the age of 20, Melvyn riding the T.B Mare Gospel Revival turn his hand to Eventing, B.S.J.A and Hunting being placed many times at both, and winning Newcomers at the then illustrious Dunston Show, the main show for The Dunston Harriers Hunt whom he was hunting with at the time in the winter months.

Being 6 years younger, Sarah was mainly involved with the South Norfolk Pony Club mainly into Prince Philip Cup and competing on ponies for Paula Sykes.

In 1978 Melvyn while still eventing, show jumping and hunting, he decided to try his hand at In – Hand Showing, He was then to meet his mentor Mr Robert Bothway a formidable showman living at Wreningham, Norfolk, Robert was to have a major influence on Melvyn’s showing career. Robert at the time had a top class head lad, George Copsey “Copsey” as he was so fondly known, sadly he passed away in 1989.

It was while helping out in Robert’s yard and working beside him and Copsey at weekend and holiday’s, that he was able to learn his craft and embark on what would later become a full time showing career.

It was in the summer of 1986 that Melvyn and Sarah first came together when they were both helping at South Norfolk Pony Club Camp. On the 8th Sept 1990 they were to marry followed in 1993 by the arrival of their first son “James”, in 1995 Charles was born and 1999 Harry followed.

1993 saw the start of Hethel Stud situated just outside Norwich.