Joely’s equestrian journey began in the showjumping arena, where a passion for the sport quickly grew into a love for teaching and mentoring riders. As the owner of Priory Place Equestrian, Joely is dedicated to fostering a positive environment where both riders and horses can develop their skills, with many students progressing into the competitive arena. Watching the yard grow into a vibrant community for riders of all levels has been one of Joely’s most fulfilling achievements.
Joely’s favorite lessons focus on helping riders understand how their influence affects the horse’s movement, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, clarity, and connection in each stride. She also enjoys teaching advanced flatwork and preparing riders to approach jumps with precision and confidence.
Currently, Joely holds British Horse Society Stages One, Two, and Three and is working towards completing her Stage Four to become a fully accredited BHS AI coach. Alongside her dedication to teaching, Joely is excited to be returning to the showjumping ring with her horse, Zizi, and continues to draw on her passion for the sport in every lesson at Priory Place.
Romy takes a confidence-building approach to each lesson. Passionate about helping riders connect deeply with their horses by focusing on both the horse’s movement and the rider’s application of aids. Expressing how aids influence a horse’s response is essential for both rider growth and the horse’s performance.
Currently holding BHS Stage 1 and 2, and actively working towards achieving Stage 3 to further her expertise. Romy’s formal training began at Writtle University College, where her love for equestrian instruction truly took shape, affirming her career path.
Romy’s skillset starts with beginners and progressive through to advanced sessions in flatwork and jumping. ‘Watching each rider progress and develop their own partnership with their horse is one of the most rewarding parts of my role at Priory Place.’
Kia Millard has a wealth of expansive experience from coaching, competing and breeding horses. She has grown up in an equestrian family from a breeding, competitive and hunting background. She has ridden and been around horses for almost 40 years.
Kia grew up competing at Pony club, BS, eventing and hunting. As an adult she competed up to 1m30 including international tours such as the Spanish Sunshine tour. Kia worked as a rider/groom at Olympic yards and travelled to international shows all over Europe and even worked on a tour in the Ukraine.
Kia gained her BHSAI (renamed level 3 coach) over ten years ago and since has focused on coaching and training riders and their horses.
Kia worked at prestigious military stables Larkhill and trained all levels from young officers on phase 2 training for the Royal Artillery to the British Army Jumping team riders. Kia also worked as an instructor at Shrivenham military stables.
Kia is a very technical coach with a love of biomechanics. She also loves training riders to move up through jumping and learn how to become more refined, effective and harmonious riders.
Kia is a pony club coach and relishes inspiring a love and respect for horses from a young age. She has her own children and a flair for making lessons fun!
Kia is currently working towards her BHS level 4 coach.
Paige has always dreamt of a life surrounded by horses, and today, she’s living her childhood unicorn dream. The only one in her family to take up riding, she discovered her love for horses at a young age and never looked back. From her early days at Pony Club and Riding Club to completing her British Horse Society (BHS) Stages, Paige has developed a well-rounded equestrian background.
Her experience spans multiple disciplines, including show jumping, dressage, cross country, mounted games, handy pony, and even exhilarating beach rides. With such a diverse riding history, she brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to our team.
Originally from Manchester, Paige made the move to Essex and has been an invaluable part of our riding school ever since. Her true passion lies in coaching, where she finds immense joy in helping both riders and horses reach their full potential. Whether she’s working with beginners taking their first steps in the saddle or experienced riders refining their technique, Paige’s patient and encouraging approach makes learning fun and rewarding.
Beyond teaching, she is dedicated to understanding each horse’s unique personality and needs, ensuring they thrive alongside their riders. Her commitment to nurturing both human and equine partnerships makes her a beloved member of our team. With Paige’s guidance, you can expect a supportive learning environment, and plenty of smiles along the way. Whether you’re aiming to build confidence, master new skills, or simply enjoy time with horses, Paige is here to help you achieve your riding goals.
