It has been a big year for Mrs Stockdale, who recently opened her impressive new arena to the public.
She has also bought well-known Grand Prix dressage horse Komplete Kaos.
The dressage enthusiast had never ridden in an indoor arena until she had lessons at the Selwyn Equestrian Centre near Christchurch and was very impressed.
While there was also an indoor arena at Mosgiel, there was nothing for riders "in the middle", Mrs Stockdale said.
Having a covered arena meant she was able to ride in all weather - "you don't get a wet bum and he [her horse] doesn't go sideways in the rain" - and she has opened it up for people to hire.
With large mirrors installed, it was ideal for schooling.
Canterbury horseman Steve Houston recently held a two-day clinic in the 60m by 25m arena and Claudia Kaiser will be down from Christchurch to take dressage lessons at the end of the month.
Therapists have also inquired about using the facilities for equine massage.
Once the weather improves, Mrs Stockdale's partner Ian Leathwick will get the earthworks finished on an all-weather jumping arena and they will hopefully get some cross-country jumps erected.
It also had overnight yards, a hose-down bay, a "smoko" room and toilet, and would also have a grass lunging arena.
She wanted it to be a place where all levels of riders, involved in all disciplines, could come to ride and enjoy the facilities.
"I just want people to really enjoy it and have fun."
It also made it easier to attract instructors by providing a good riding surface where lessons were guaranteed to take place, regardless of the weather.
Mrs Stockdale has ridden all her life and while she used to do a lot of showing and hunting, she was now hooked on dressage.
