Is Shropshire a Horsy County

[Patchworkpony]

Does Shropshire have plenty of horse events, good riding and quiet lanes?

 

[L&M]

Shrops is definitely a horsey county!!!

Loads of hunts, weekly fun rides over the summer mnths, several RC's and PC's, a few good comp centres, and fab hacking over the Shropshire hills.

We are on the welsh/shrops borders, and came here from 'down south' and would not go back for all the money in the world....

 

[smudge99]

I came down from Scotland and can say it is great for horsey stuff!! Anywhere in particular as shrops is pretty big!

 

[ThreeTB's]

Definitely! We are on the Staffs/Shrops border and there's loads of stuff going on in Shropshire, wonderful countryside for fun rides!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Thanks so much for replies. Probably looking at Welsh Borders. Sidney do you find the winters cold after living in the south?

 

[Flowers187]

Yes

 

[Orangehorse]

Check out the bridlepath network because it isn't too good in some parts. Although Shrop County Council had a shed load of money they spent on producing a nice booklet of rides, and presumably got those routes into good order, I had an "interesting" day trying to get along some routes.

The Jack Mitton Way is a well used long distance route. There is a lively horse scene with hunt shows, fun rides, lots going on all round.

 

[L&M]

Winters are not too bad, maybe a tad colder, but nothing significant!! It is possibly a bit wetter all year round but the upside is we always have good grass.

Also as we lived semi rural in surrey the countryside always looked yucky in the winter, but stays beautiful up here, regardless of the weather x

 

[flashmans]

Definitely! Lots of venues and always something on!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Thanks Sidney - sounds good. We are looking at the Oswestry area possibly.

 

[L&M]

Oswestry is good - google 'Radfords Equestrian' as a great comp centre that does local level stuff, plus BE. Also about 20 mins from Oswestry is 'Prescott Equestrian Centre' that does unaffiliated sj, BS and BD.

Local hunt is the Tanatside, and same name for the PC, with 'Vrynwy Valley' being the local riding club.

Lots of livery yards in this area too. Great hacking onto the old racecourse and surrounding area.

There is a good 'Wynnstay Farmers' in the centre of Oswestry for horse feed etc.

Let me know if you need any more info!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Wow Sidney lots of info thank you so much. I will rack my brains then come back to you if I may. You are very kind!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Sidney re old racecourse and surrounding area where is that and can you park a trailer? Would it be possible to carriage drive up there do you think?

 

[FairyLights]

I find its better nearer Craven Arms than Oswestry. Plenty of bridleways green lanes hunts and competitions.

 

[angellauren]

I live in Shropshire, the countryside is beautiful here and we're a very horsey county!

If you ever need advice on places to shop, compete, hack etc then you are more than free to message me

 

[Carefreegirl]

I worked for a woman with hunters on the Cheshire / Shropshire border and if ever I was going to move t'up North it would be that area like a shot

 

[Patchworkpony]

Thanks Angellauren - I will probably take you up on that. Which part of Shropshire do you live in?

 

[sophiebailey]

I live in Telford which I think is in the middle-ish, and there's never a dull moment!! Lots of stuff here! You're going to love it!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Everyone is SO friendly and helpful! I have just been talking to the very nice owner of Radfords Equestrian Centre - she was charming and extremely helpful. Can't wait to hire her indoor arena and cross country course for carriage driving practise.

She even said she will let me know if she hears of any property for sale in the area (as we are cash buyers wanting to get on with things). What a lovely lady - really looking forward to meeting her. Thank you Sidney for recommending this place.

 

[L&M]

Hazel from Radfords is lovely, but then most Shrops peeps are!!

There are several parking spots for the old racecourse but not sure how suitable it is for carriage driving, although there are some wide tracks (have only hacked up there a couple of times, and too busy gossiping with friends!).

Also forgot Oswestry Equestrian centre - they are up by the old racecourse so could give you some more info.

Good luck and hope you find somewhere - Halls is a good local estate agent x

 

[nikicb]

I haven't kept horses there but have done a few walking weekends and have friends that live there. There certainly is some stunning countryside around. If you don't have anyone to ride with once you decide on an area, try posting on the Riding Buddies facebook page (see my sig for link). Hopefully you'll find someone on there to show you around. Good luck with your move.

 

[Patchworkpony]

Thank you everyone for your support - it means a lot! One question, are there many windfarms and windmills going up in the Shropshire countryside.

 

[TTK]

Just as a broad generalisation, wind farms seems to be in Wales & on the borders - might affect Oswestry, Welshpool. One to watch out for the the new mega big electricity pylon chain that is being put in. I believe this is to run through north Shropshire. I'd do a lot of internet searching on Samdevs and other local & county plans. They are available but are as dull as ditchwater but well worth reading when selecting a new area to live.

Other than that, I moved to south Shropshire last year from Wales & love it.

 

[Patchworkpony]

Gosh thanks TTK - never thought of that one! Just shows you need to do your homework thoroughly before moving to an area. Glad you are so happy - good to hear.

 

[angellauren]

Thanks Angellauren - I will probably take you up on that. Which part of Shropshire do you live in?

I live in Shrewsbury so pretty central! My partner has just bought a lovely little property on the outskirts of Shrewsbury with stables and land which is about 5 minutes from Prescott Equestiran Centre who hold a number of competitions quite regularly, both affiliated and unaffiliated if your interested! It is also a riding school.

You've got Berriewood, also a riding school but has a fantastic cross country course. They have a very popular fun ride too as does The Isle, in Bicton, Shrewsbury - definitely worth going on!

I went to Walford & North Shropshire College and studied equine management for 2 years there (this is about 5 minutes from Prescott!) and they have stuff on too or you can hire the indoor/outdoor schools if you wish.

 

[Patchworkpony]

I am totally amazed by the number of facilities for hire - very exciting!

 

[Patchworkpony]

Another big THANK YOU to TTK for the warning you posted. We were going up to look at a property and guess what - it was right in the path of the proposed power line which I tracked down via the internet as you suggested. The joke is the vendor kept raving about the view!

 

[starryeyed]

I'm in Shropshire and it is pretty horsey! Always something going on in the summer.
In regards to the pylon route, have you managed to find a good map online which shows the proposed lines? I have one on my desk at work from the national grid which is very detailed and worth a look at if you're moving to the area - it may be worth emailing them and seeing if they can send you the PDF. Alternatively I can scan it over next week if you'd like a look x

 

[Oldenburg27]

There is not alot of center's Prescott is are local and its takes us and 1 an 45 mins to get there I am on the boreder Mid wales/ Shropshire. Also Netley hall is going to be pretty big next year x

 

[Patchworkpony]

Thanks Starryeyed if you could scan the map over next week that would be SO helpful. How would you be able to do that? Which part of Shropshire do you live in?