Riding around Sutton Coldfield

[Barlow]

I'm going to be staying near Sutton Coldfield with work for a few nights this month. I wondered whether anyone knew of anywhere good to sneak a ride in? A Google search suggests Dunton stables or Wishaw stables - any thoughts on those or better suggestions much appreciated!

 

[Paint Me Proud]

do you want to ride out or have a lesson?

Dunton is okay, never been personally but know people who used to run treks there. If you are an experienced rider they may be too beginner-ish for you.

Wishaw is lovely place but quite small, nice selection of horses, one of their instructors is actually my instuctor and i have taken my gelding there a couple times for lessons on site (normally comes to me). Obviously I rate them very highly!

There is also Bourne Vale Stables which has been there for years and everyone knows. They are very well established and have a wide selection of horses and ponies. I rode there when i was a child. I rate them too.

There is also Foxhill Riding Stables but they are aimed a bit more at the beginner and youngster market. They do lessons and hacks to the local (but small) park. Not universally liked in the area but I havent been on the yard personlly so cant fully comment.

Hope that helps.

I stable just outside sutton so drop me a PM if you need any more info.

 

[Brummyrat]

I agree with Paint Me Proud, Bourne Vale have a pretty good reputation and an indoor school. Never been to Wishaw but Karen is a good instructor and I know a few people who've been there. There's also Middleton Equestrian Centre but I cant comment on them having not been there for years. If you're free during the day and have transport there's a decent trekking centre on Cannock Chase too!

 

[Paint Me Proud]

I agree with Paint Me Proud, Bourne Vale have a pretty good reputation and an indoor school. Never been to Wishaw but Karen is a good instructor and I know a few people who've been there. There's also Middleton Equestrian Centre but I cant comment on them having not been there for years. If you're free during the day and have transport there's a decent trekking centre on Cannock Chase too!

Yes it's Karen who is my instructor Wishaw have an indoor and an outdoor school.

I dont think Middleton do riding lesson any more, I have a feeling it's just a livery yard now

 

[rascal]

The trekking centre on Cannock chase is good.
Don't bother with ansells place in Brownhills, should in my opinion be closed.

 

[2ndtimearound]

Another vote for the Cannock Chase trekking centre from me (if you don't want a lesson) - in fact I'm off there this morning!

 

[Barlow]

Lovely thanks all! I'm experienced but in between horses at the moment-don't want to be on a nose to tail plod if at all possible

 

[2ndtimearound]

The experienced ride at Cannock isn't a nose to tail plod Yes, there is quite a bit of walking (some because of the terrain), but there is a reasonable amount of trotting and we had some fab long canters this morning, too. To be fair, it does vary depending on the standard and number of riders (and what state the ground is in - though that's no different to any other hack), but it really isn't your average trekking centre. We saw loads of deer out on the Chase this morning, too.

Edited for unintentional embarrassed smiley!

 

[lawa]

Bourne Vale have a good range of horses not all just beginners and they do hacks over sutton park