Gaddesden estate can be considered the epicentre of all things equestrian in the county. Keri jordan explores the site’s horse-related history up to the present day.
WHEN it comes to learning to ride, they say it doesn’t really matter what your horse does, it only matters how you react. So whether you prefer a gentle afternoon canter through ancient woodland or a stunt riding session involving swords, knives and pistols, the reaction I’d recommend would be to head three miles north of Hemel Hempstead where both types of activity occur on a daily basis.
Beyond the lofty, verdant hedges of the Gaddesden Estate lies a haven for all manner of horse-riding pursuits, and a team of experts who can equip you with the riding tools and techniques for any eventuality.
For almost five centuries, there has been an abundance of equine activity on the site set in the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. When the Halsey family bought the freehold in 1544, horses were integral to its farming and agricultural practices. All the farms on the estate had extensive stabling for draught horses. In 1768, more lavish Georgian stables were built for the stately Gaddesden Place to house riding and carriage horses.
Over the years, the estate has expanded to accommodate organisations such as Upperwood Farm Stud which breeds thoroughbred racehorses, the Gaddesden Place Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) that provides riding therapy and fun for those with special needs and disabilities, and more than 30 other businesses. As well as offering full livery services, there are a range of high quality homes and offices to let on site, along with paddocks and all other facilities that a horse owner could require.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Hertfordshire Life.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة April 2017 من Hertfordshire Life.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
