A LEADING West Somerset specialist provider of horse care and equine management courses which has helped more than 8,000 students for three decades has been handed over to a new non-profit-making organisation following the death of its founder.

Paula Clements started the Stogumber-based Lingfield Equine Distance Learning organisation as a national correspondence and online course provider in 1994 and built it into one of the UK’s most trusted and respected names in equine education.

Students have included horse owners, yard managers, riding school staff, and professional horsemen and women all seeking to build their knowledge, confidence, and ability to give horses better lives.

Following the death of Ms Clements earlier this year, her legacy is being continued by the non-profit-making Equine Qualifications UK (EQUK), run by experienced instructors Cat Carter and Belinda Northcott, who say they are committed to continuing her decades of pioneering work in equine education.

Ms Clements’ husband John Wisdom and niece, Amanda Howe said in a joint statement: “Paula was a passionate advocate for horse welfare and education, and her dedication to sharing knowledge and promoting compassionate care touched the lives of so many, humans and horses alike.

“Her love of horses was the driving force behind her courses and the desire to see them cared for in the best and most compassionate way possible was at her core.

“Cat and Belinda come with a deep respect for Paula's ethos and they have a strong background in horse care and education.

“Their approach aligns wholeheartedly with the values that have always guided our courses.

“They are designed for people juggling work, family, riding, and a genuine desire to learn.

“Whether you are caring for your first pony or working as an equine professional, our flexible distance-learning approach makes building your skills achievable and enjoyable.

“Paula believed equine education should be accessible, friendly, and truly useful to real people, whether they were complete beginners, lifelong riders, or working toward professional qualifications.

“She knew that learning about horses is not just about passing exams, but about deepening understanding, improving welfare, and building genuine confidence.

“She always encouraged students to think critically, stay open-minded, and prioritise the wellbeing of the horse.”

An EQUK spokesperson said it was committed to honouring the decades of work of Ms Clements by continuing to make equine education accessible to all, rooted in real-world practice, focused on horse welfare, and supportive of grassroots professionals and everyday owners.

They said: “We are honoured to have received the very generous donation of the Lingfield course catalogue from Paula’s family.

“Linfield will continue to operate as an independent brand but tied to EQUK to ensure the work is legally protected.”

The spokesperson said EQUK was there to help and support students ‘no matter where you are starting from or where you hope to go’.

They said: “Many of us have stood in your shoes, new to horse ownership, eager to learn more or determined to turn our passion into a profession.

“That shared experience means we genuinely understand your challenges.”