Cheshire farmer saying hi

[Wellnick]

Hi all,just wanted to get feedback on what sort of demand there would be for a horse grass track/gallop round the outside of our farm,it would be approx 6km long,we are based between chelford and Holmes chapel.what would you expect to pay,what would attract you to it?

 

[tallyho!]

I'd pop this on the tack room... I'd say there a lot of demand!

Public rights of way where you can gallop. Ow adapts are few and far between. This would be a luxury.

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

You would find if it were too popular you might consider making parts all weather, so that it would be use able 365 days per year.
There may also be a demand for a few jumps, in fact there may be several demands. You need to be careful about insurance here as this may be viewed as "a cross country course"
It is likely that people would want a track with interesting bits.
I don't know about cost, or about payment methods.

 

[Wellnick]

Hi,thanks for comments,do you think I would have to keep it to experienced riders only,would the horses just take off if a novice was on?

 

[Tiddlypom]

Hi,thanks for comments,do you think I would have to keep it to experienced riders only,would the horses just take off if a novice was on?

Good luck with trying to keep the numpties away, I suspect that may be tricky.

I like the sound of your proposal a lot, IMHO paid for access to off road riding is the way forward.

Do be aware, though, that even experienced riders may fall off when riding round your land, potentially leaving a loose horse whizzing about.

 

[Wellnick]

That's my biggest concern!

 

[Exploding Chestnuts]

Hi,thanks for comments,do you think I would have to keep it to experienced riders only,would the horses just take off if a novice was on?

lol, take the money and close your eyes, if they have managed to get to you with a trailer and can manage to mount, I think they will be OK.

I think that people who want grass gallops purely for training purposes are few and far between, and for this you need to spend time harrowing and rolling the surface, it must be free of ruts and neither too hard or too heavy at any time of the year. A good grass gallop is 6f up a steady slope. A circular route which is flat is not particularly good for training purposes, as the competition horse has to work steadily, cool down then do it again and for this reason competition riders will usually hire an artificial gallop.
I think a route suited to the average rider will be more commercial, maybe you could ask someone from the local Riding Club to visit and advise.

 

[Tern]

I think if you keep the actual track secured with the racing tube then you'll be okay but you'll need entrances and exits about every 1km I think.. and if you want to keep loose horses away from your farm then you'll need a way of securing it that is easy for riders to undo/do up!

 

[vanrim]

I think it's an excellent idea. I don't ride on roads anymore and pretty much rely on farm rides now. I am a frequent user of Kelsall Hill and Somerford Park as well as my local farm ride up the road. I am happy to travel up to an hour in the lorry for a decent place to go for a trot and canter. My main criteria is that if I do fall off the horse can't get onto a road and the parking area is safe i.e. enclosed and shut off front the road by gates. Nobody expects to fall off but the unexpected can and does happen.

 

[tallyho!]

You could even charge other riders who are not liveried at your yard. Few quid a time?