Set on the highest hill, keeping a close eye on the village and its inhabitants, lies Tipping House Estate. In pride of place is the grand Elizabethan style mansion, sweeping down in front of her are immaculate gardens, well-kept parkland and rolling acres that spread as far as the eye can see.

Follow the stream down to the flat below, and nestling between copses and lakes, you find Folly Lake Manor and the sprawling grounds of the bustling Equestrian Centre. The country lane in front wends its way between high hedges to the village green, the church and two village pubs. Then fans out into tributaries, follow them further and you find a small eventing yard, a scattering of country cottages and rambling working farms.

Take the road north eastwards, travel on a few short miles and soon the elegant village of Kitterly Heath unfolds before you - a village whose origins were recorded in the Domesday Book. At one end of the ancient high street a solid 14th Century church stands sentry, with an imposing school at the other, and all around sprawl the mansions old and new that house the rich and famous…

The Residents of Tippermere

Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Brinkley – disorganised but loveable daughter of Billy. In line to inherit the Tipping House Estate and become the next Lady Stanthorpe.

Rory Steel – devilishly daring and sexy three day eventer, owner of a small eventing yard in Tippermere. Lottie’s boyfriend.

Tilly – head of the terrier trio that accompany Rory everywhere.

Todd Mitchell – Lottie’s ex. Australian surfer who abandoned her on the beach in Barcelona.

William ‘Billy’ Brinkley - Lottie’s father. Former superstar show jumper, based at Folly Lake Equestrian Centre.

Victoria ‘Tiggy’ Stafford – wife of Billy. As friendly, shaggy and eternally optimistic as a spaniel.

Lady Elizabeth Stanthorpe – owner of Tipping House estate, lover of strong G&T’s. Meddler and mischief maker. Lottie’s gran, Dominic’s mother.

Bertie & Holmes – Elizabeth’s black Labradors.

Philippa ‘Pip’ Keelan – headline hunting journalist. Trim, sophisticated and slightly scary. Staunch supporter and ally of Lady Elizabeth.

Mick O’Neal – expert farrier, Irish charmer, dangerously attractive. Living with Pip.

Dominic Stanthorpe - dressage rider extraordinaire. Uncle to Lottie, son of Elizabeth, slightly bemused and frustrated by both. Husband to Amanda.

Amanda Stanthorpe – elegant and understated, delicate and demure. Owner of Folly Lake Manor and Equestrian Centre.

Tom Strachan - sexy ex-underwear model and single dad to Tab.

Tabatha ‘Tab’ Strachan – teenage daughter of Tom. Horse mad, smitten by Rory, but suitably unimpressed by most other things.

David Simcock - England goalkeeper, resident of the neighbouring Kitterly Heath.

Sam – partner of David. Lover of dogs, diamonds and designer delights.

Chapter 1

Adrenalin rushes were one thing, but this was a step too far Todd Mitchell decided, as his mount, Merlin, charged between the ornate gates, his tail high with excitement.

Hanging on for dear life, he inadvertently dug his heels in hard, and with a squeal of delight half a ton of horseflesh took it as

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