IN a picturesque corner of rural Warwickshire, Carron Nicol has built the blocks of a thriving business with a reputation for breeding, producing, competing and dealing in quality showjumpers. World-class horses such as championship hero Vistogrand, Fantasia and Mr Visto are just some of the flagships of her European Sports Horses, based at Rumer Stud.
Two of this country's most exciting youngsters, the blue-blooded eight-yearold Gmail (Cornet Obolensky x Diamant De Semilly) and seven-year-old Chrysler Key SR (Comme Il Faut 5 x Calido I) are among the current crop of stars making waves with Carron's son Leo Lamb.
Through decades of hard graft, both her and Leo's success in the ring is proving an excellent shop window for their horses. Sales are always reluctant, but they keep the financial cogs turning.
“It's hard combining your hobby and your job,” says Carron.
We join her on a brisk January morning and dozens of youngsters are the first of the 50 or so
