How to find out about small 'word of mouth' yards?

[Event_girl]

As title really.

I am moving to a new area soon and I am wondering how you find out about small private yards that wouldn't necessarily be advertised online or in magazines.

I have been looking on preloved, as well as in nearby tack shops, but can't find anything suitable.

Just wondering if anyone had any amazing ideas!?

 

[forever young]

I usually go knocking on doors. Just drive around and see what you come by.

 

[nikicb]

What area are you moving to? Maybe someone on here can help.

 

[Event_girl]

I am moving to Buckinghamshire - probably around High Wycombe, Marlow or Stokenchurch - not quite sure yet!

There is so much countryside around there I could be driving for hours searching for fields and stables!! I don't even know where to start looking!

I have been at big yards before and didn't like them, I much prefer smaller friendly yards that you hear about through word of mouth, but I don't know anyone in the area!

 

[Dumbo]

Find out if there's a facebook page for the area? There's several equestrian groups on there for oxfordshire so often buying/selling things locally and people are always advertising yards and horses

 

[Event_girl]

Find out if there's a facebook page for the area? There's several equestrian groups on there for oxfordshire so often buying/selling things locally and people are always advertising yards and horses

Thank you! Great idea!

 

[Shay]

Pony Club or Riding Club? The problem with the really nice yards like this (and I'm on one) is they don't ever need to advertise.

 

[pixie]

Google or Bing maps are your friends. You can look in the given area for the telltale structure of an arena. Then switch to ordinance survey mode to look for bridleways.

 

[Event_girl]

Thanks for the ideas, will check out the local riding club and look on Google!!

 

[Posie]

I can help if its stokenchurch.

 

[Event_girl]

I can help if its stokenchurch.

Thank you, have PM'd you!

 

[paddi22]

I'd enquire in local feed places, or else ask local farriers - they tend to be a fountain of local knowledge!

 

[ghostie]

the Go Grazing website can be quite useful. Also, see if there's a local riding group and email their secretary to see if they know of anywhere. Also worth contacting local farriers, vets and freelance instructors as a friendly one might point you in the right direction

 

[alainax]

What area are you moving to? Maybe someone on here can help.

This! I found my new awesome yard from a PM from a member on here very chuffed!

 

[travelmad]

Try face book group...'everything equine, Herts, beds and bucks' often has local liveries on there

 

[noblesteed]

You often find if you ask just one person they will know someone who knows someone who has a spare stable - so you might not need to go round asking at EVERY place you see. Also ask the local farriers -they will tell you what the clientele are like!
My farrier put me onto my new yard as he thought it was quiet and unassuming and I would 'fit in'!

 

[OldNag]

Another FB group it's worth asking on ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/136952653001732/