If you have ever fancied carriage driving, then Stuart Fawcett is your man.

After a career in the Royal Navy, Stuart from Great Ponton and wife Bridie launched Fawcett Driving Horses just before the pandemic.

Sadly, the business was battered by the lockdowns, though this year thankfully for 2021, Stuart reports "a busy year."

Stuart, 29 and Bridie, 27, run Fawcett Driving Horses as part of a conservation effort to keep the Clydesdale horse in work and hopefully contribute to the prevention of its impending extinction.

Stuart said: "We opened 2021 with our Heavy Horse event, welcoming over 700 visitors over 2 days in May, and have since returned to our farm to welcome guests for Heavy Horse and Hospitality experience packages.

"We've had to be cautious with our commitments this year given the adverse effects of the pandemic and the ever-present threat of restrictions returning but we're pleased to announce we've extended the service of our Highly rated Afternoon Teas and Carriage rides into October.

"We decided to offer them as private sessions for 4-8 People this year to be more resilient to the COVID situation and it's proved both popular and practical."

Here, Stuart and Bridie, who live at Dunkirk Farm, deliver a 40-minute Carriage Ride on the ridge of the Witham Valley during which time he speaks to guests about the plight of Heavy Horses and their history.

Then, Bridie welcomes them into their Orangery for an homemade afternoon tea that's been described as "on par with Claridge's."

It is certainly a dining experience with a difference!

Stuart continued: "Our offering has diversified considerably into the equine side of the business as we are now very busy with Tuition on our 'Carriage Driving Experiences' wherein we guide students through the whole process of Harnessing, hitching in and Driving of a Pair of Heavy horses before bringing them in and returning them to their natural environment."

The experience takes two hours, one that Stuart can tailor to each guest's ability.

He explained: "At first, we thought we'd get people who would just like to try something different but we also get many now who aren't able to commit to keeping horses for this purpose themselves but wish to come and enjoy the experience on a regular occasion or get some practise before they purchase their own.

"We take horses for Harness training and offer training visits (for Horse and Human alike) focusing on Horsemanship and Driving skills but to enhance my experience I am currently in the final stages of qualifying to become a trainer in 'Intelligent Horsemanship' which practises the methods of Monty Roberts – the horse whisperer recognised and employed by HM Queen Elizabeth II to train horses using non-violent science-based training methods.

"If successful, this year I will be recognised with a Certificate of Horsemanship from Monty Roberts which could lead to an opportunity to be examined to go on and become one of his Certified Instructors if selected for a 3 month internship at his ranch in California. If you're having problems with your horse, I can visit you and work with you both to find a way forward."

However, after such a busy summer, there is only until mid-October for people to come for an Afternoon Tea and Carriage Ride at the farm.

Stuart added: "Then the Clydesdales enjoy a well-earned rest over the winter for what will hopefully be a bright 2022!"

Fawcett Driving Horses can be found here on Facebook.

Stuart can also be contacted on 07944140977.