Phil has lived in Shropshire all his life and was handed the tenancy on the family farm about 20 years ago. He has always been a stockman primarily, milking for many years and then building up a breeding flock of 1000 ewes, which has since decreased to about 400, because of the time constraints running the farm and the yard. His family, particularly his Grandmother, have always been passionate about racing also owning racehorses and Phil’s earliest memories are with Granny drinking champagne at the races!

Mel moved to Poplar Cottage Farm with her family about 25 years ago and immediately started up a small livery business, looking after hunters and competition horses. She has been involved in horses all her life and coming from a ‘non-horsey’ family had always presumed she would have to work for people, so is eternally grateful for her parents’ support in helping her to realise all her ambitions. As well as the racehorses, Mel has trained and competed to Grand Prix level in Dressage and still tries to fit in as such as she can.