Help needed for relocation near Tunbridge Wells (Kent)

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Gaby978

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Hi,

I am relocating to Speldhurst (near Tunbridge Wells), Kent in June 2020 with family, dog and horse from Ireland. Sorted everyone but my horse...Long to do list and anxious to get it right...please help if you can.

I need to find a lovely and well run yard for my 5 years old mare within 10 miles of Speldhurst (TN3). We SJ and will event. I’ll go and visit places around Easter. Ideally with like minded riders who compete.

Must have good arena, all year turn out, nice stables and facilities with staff on site 24/7.
I am used to my own place so really looking for a tailored service/a place where horses come first- no shortcuts. Would even consider sharing a private yard if we can work out a system.
I am very reliable, easy going and straightforward person but I have high standards for horse welfare and care!

Also need farrier recommendations (hot shoeing, able remedial shoeing if needed, approachable and skilled)

Also a physio or chiro

A vet- Bell Equine was mentioned ?

Local xc training facilities?

SJ trainer?

Any groups I could follow on FB to keep up to date with anything horsies in kent etc...

Thanks a lot for your input.
 
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BethH

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Chris Wiggins is a super farrier, comes highly recommended by pretty much everyone and has looked after my horse for the last few years! He's busy, but worth a try and is qualified up to the eyeballs and is highly recommended by Bell Equine who I've used for years.

On the yard front it's a nightmare to find somewhere good, you're further out than me, so I find myself only able to tell you where not to go around Tonbridge!!
 
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Gaby978

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BethH said:
Chris Wiggins is a super farrier, comes highly recommended by pretty much everyone and has looked after my horse for the last few years! He's busy, but worth a try and is qualified up to the eyeballs and is highly recommended by Bell Equine who I've used for years.

On the yard front it's a nightmare to find somewhere good, you're further out than me, so I find myself only able to tell you where not to go around Tonbridge!!
Click to expand...

thank you for your time BethH

Happy to hear about the no no yards around Tonbridge to save me time, even if they are a bit out of my way- feel free to pm me.

Will make a note of farrier’s name and will contact him. I was looking at the farrier register!

Great to know for vet practice - their set up looks very much like the one I use in Ireland.
 
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Sky’s-Legacy

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Bell Equine I would defiantly recommend. Join Kent Equestrian Grapevine on Facebook for local horsey posts.

Id recommend either Julia ledger-münnich or Tessa Dorrington as chiropractors. Julia is a vet and also does acupuncture.
 
Nicnac

Nicnac

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If you want horse heaven https://www.chelwoodequestrian.co.uk/ on Ashdown Forest. Onsite trainers, competitive liveries, dressage competitions, xc course and fantastic hacking and excellent turnout. Owned and run by lovely people. Probs more like 12 miles than 10!

KC Equestrian Ketches Farm Crowborough also good - have a Facebook page.

If too far, Clockhouse and http://www.isaacslivery.co.uk/ are both in Bidborough. Both have schools, turnout and are near toll rides with some road work around (busy) lanes. Clockhouse owner good but don't think they have anyone there competing anymore. Don't know Isaacs personally.

Haysden https://www.haysdenliveries.co.uk/Home.html also just down the road from Speldhurst. Good rep. very knowledgeable owner. Excellent regular osteo.

Bank Farm in Tonbridge is good with indoor and outdoor schools but waiting list usually quite long as people don't move. Hacking limited but some competitive riders based there and they run clinics.

I don't use Bell since they were taken over by the CVS Group and became a very different beast. I use Wealden Equine or Barr Equine as more personal and they will refer to an equine hospital if required (Lingfield is excellent)
 
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Gaby978

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Nicnaclaus said:
If you want horse heaven https://www.chelwoodequestrian.co.uk/ on Ashdown Forest. Onsite trainers, competitive liveries, dressage competitions, xc course and fantastic hacking and excellent turnout. Owned and run by lovely people. Probs more like 12 miles than 10!

KC Equestrian Ketches Farm Crowborough also good - have a Facebook page.

If too far, Clockhouse and http://www.isaacslivery.co.uk/ are both in Bidborough. Both have schools, turnout and are near toll rides with some road work around (busy) lanes. Clockhouse owner good but don't think they have anyone there competing anymore. Don't know Isaacs personally.

Haysden https://www.haysdenliveries.co.uk/Home.html also just down the road from Speldhurst. Good rep. very knowledgeable owner. Excellent regular osteo.

Bank Farm in Tonbridge is good with indoor and outdoor schools but waiting list usually quite long as people don't move. Hacking limited but some competitive riders based there and they run clinics.

I don't use Bell since they were taken over by the CVS Group and became a very different beast. I use Wealden Equine or Barr Equine as more personal and they will refer to an equine hospital if required (Lingfield is excellent)
Click to expand...

yes I visited Haysden in October and really liked it but no space for now sadly...Will look the others and see if I can arrange visits. Thanks for these.

As for vets, that’s great to know- I like having a few vets on board- I tend to keep the equine hospital for the complex matters too.
Thanks for your time
 
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