Anyone had any experiences with Willow Farm in Kent?

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americanqh

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I have a friend who wants to get back into riding and she lives near Willow Farm in Kent, I've never heard of the place and live a bit too far away to visit it with her. She hasn't ridden for a while after a bad fall a while ago so she wants somewhere to go to get her confidence back.

Any experiences? Thanks.
 
no idea what the lessons are like or what they are like as a riding school. I have heard the livery is not good and i have seen their grazing - pretty poor. They have alot of local competitions held there, have a cafe and a shop but the shop isnt great these days.

if she could travel there are many good riding schools in Canterbury and surrounding areas.
 
Alright thanks everyone I think I will be recomending that she goes else where. But I'll definitely mention Callum park to her. I rode there about 6 years ago and loved it! Although it is a little bit further to travel but I think she'll be able to manage it.

Is it really that bad black_horse? haha :D
 
Try Syndale Equestrian in Newnham which a small family run riding school

I had a confidence building week with Kelly Mead the owner and she is a fantastic confidence giving and imparting instructor. She has a lovely selection of good solid riding school horses right up to more challenging rides for the more experienced riders.

I now have my horse with her on an exercise livery and she has done wonders with him, lovely people and I can totally recommend.

http://www.syndaleequestrian.co.uk
 
Okay thanks for those two. Syndale Equestrian might be a good one especially for her confidence as well. She's quite a good rider and it's a shame because of her confidence it holds her back.

I'll definitely pass all these onto her and probably will look at both of them and then choose as both roughly the same distance from her.
 
Dear all I hope you do not mind me posting a note to update all that Willow Farm Equestrian in Faversham is under new ownership as of 2013- there is a lot of bad press to contend with, the proof will be in the pudding there are big changes ahead and i hope you will enjoy seeing the difference in the future.
 
Hi we are not far so are looking forward to some changes are you going to run some shows there again ? The shop used to be the best in Kent will you be restoring it ?
So hope so. Good luck with the new venture
 
I am nothing to do with Willow Farm at all but have attended a few shows there in the past few months, and the change is nice. Gillet Cook now have moved into the shop and is deferentially worth a visit. I have to say that since Willow Farm has changed ownership it has changed massively. The yard has been done up so have the schools, shop and cafe. The new owners are lovely people and have worked hard to turn the place around after Roy had the place and gave it a massive bad reputation!
 
I know this is an old thread but I have a feeling there may be 2 willow farms in kent (probably more if we're being pedantic!)- 1 that was/is a show centre and tack shop and another a dealers yard where the words barge and pole spring to mind. So possibly some confusion? (or at least the willow farm that is a dealers yard certainly had no show centre/tack shop that I was aware of!)
 
Both I and my best mate were interested in a couple of horses that willow farm had for sale. The one she chose was unruly so didn't want it, and the one I ultimately chose and wanted was sold from under my nose having agreed that I would have it subject to vetting. I was furious and said so. All I got back was , it's still for sale until money changes hands.
I really wanted that particular horse having travelled the country looking for "The One, I finally thought I had found the horse for me and was so excited about having it. When I rang to arrange the vetting date I was told it was sold and gone that same weekend, I can only presume without a vetting. But it left me with a bitter taste in my mouth for this setup. Big and imposing it may be with a super arena , but the sales side is appalling. Needless to say I am Still looking for my new best friend. ! All I can say is buyers Beware.
 
Primrosesinspring said:
Both I and my best mate were interested in a couple of horses that willow farm had for sale. The one she chose was unruly so didn't want it, and the one I ultimately chose and wanted was sold from under my nose having agreed that I would have it subject to vetting. I was furious and said so. All I got back was , it's still for sale until money changes hands.
I really wanted that particular horse having travelled the country looking for "The One, I finally thought I had found the horse for me and was so excited about having it. When I rang to arrange the vetting date I was told it was sold and gone that same weekend, I can only presume without a vetting. But it left me with a bitter taste in my mouth for this setup. Big and imposing it may be with a super arena , but the sales side is appalling. Needless to say I am Still looking for my new best friend. ! All I can say is buyers Beware.
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I don't know willow farm but standard procedure is that if you want a horse, you put a deposit down subject to vet. Deposit is returned should the horse fail. A horse is never sold till money has changed hands. Sorry, it's probably not what you wanted to hear and I am sorry you lost out but you will better for next time. I have been on a small yard where some horses were produced to be sold on and saw the other side of this..people seeming really keen, saying they wanted the horse and then never being heard from again.
 
Hi I'm sad to hear you've had some trouble recently please would you mind helping . this thread you have posted in refers to willow farm equestrian Faversham me13 0rs owned by my partner, he has put his all (as has our whole family) into improving the place from a dire state back in 2013 to now we do not have horses for sale, we are neither a livery nor riding school, at present still undergoing much further refurbishment we operate as an events venue, cafe and host gillett cooks wonderful country store. I'm sure there are several willow farms and it sounds like the dealings you have had are exactly what we have worked tirelessly to get away from here and I'm sure you can sympstjise
 
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Luci07
U seem to know very little about a lot . 3+ posts per day. Thousands overall, I think you need something to do , you need to get a life. Like you said you don't know Willow sports horses. So why comment on something you are not involved in. So I would appreciate you minding your own !
 
Willow farm Faversham is not willow sports horses nor is it willow farm Marden which i presume is who the above poster is referring to. I'm yet to come over to compete at Willow farm but have a few friends who do regularly and speak highly of your place Abril
 
Primrosesinspring said:
Luci07
U seem to know very little about a lot . 3+ posts per day. Thousands overall, I think you need something to do , you need to get a life. Like you said you don't know Willow sports horses. So why comment on something you are not involved in. So I would appreciate you minding your own !
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Charming
 
Primrosesinspring said:
Luci07
U seem to know very little about a lot . 3+ posts per day. Thousands overall, I think you need something to do , you need to get a life. Like you said you don't know Willow sports horses. So why comment on something you are not involved in. So I would appreciate you minding your own !
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Luci07 is actually pretty much correct - it is standard procedure. How rude are you
 
Primroses seems to be referring to a different Willow Farm altogether don't think Willow Sports Horses was mentioned.! Best to check your facts Primrose before wading in
 
Primrosesinspring said:
Luci07
U seem to know very little about a lot . 3+ posts per day. Thousands overall, I think you need something to do , you need to get a life. Like you said you don't know Willow sports horses. So why comment on something you are not involved in. So I would appreciate you minding your own !
Click to expand...

I think you need to remove whatever is wedged up your derriere.

Luci07 is stating common practice, which is standard throughout the industry, not select to one yard. It is the same with buying a car, it is not sold until you give them the cash.
 
Willow Farm Equestrian, Faversham, as said above is now a completely new venue. The old riding school has gone (thankfully)

It is now a fantastic place, run by a very friendly bunch with the stunning Gillet Cook running the shop!

Super indoor school which is available to hire, clinics, events, red horse dressage,juming, Collettes shows, South east showing shows and even its own calendar!!

Well worth a visit !

and no I have NO axe to grind, I'm just lucky that I live close enough to use this fantastic place!
 
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