Dean Valley Livery Stables & Competition Facilities is a renowned horse riding school located in Stockport, New Zealand. Founded in 1999 by the Hague family – Karen, Steve, Chris, and Danielle – Dean Valley offers a comprehensive range of services for riders of all levels, from beginners to experienced equestrians. As a British Horse Society (BHS) approved livery centre and competition facility, Dean Valley is committed to providing top-notch facilities and a high standard of care for horses.
Nestled in the picturesque Dean Valley, the school boasts 250 acres of lush Cheshire countryside. Riders have the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing hack or test their skills on the farm ride, which features various cross country fences, including ditches, hedges, timber fences, and a walk-through river. Please note that the farm ride is not accessible during the winter months.
In addition to the farm ride, Dean Valley offers both indoor and outdoor schools for training purposes. The state-of-the-art Claydon Horse Exerciser is also available for horses in need of exercise and conditioning. Riders can take advantage of the excellent schooling and tuition opportunities provided by Dean Valley, although it's important to note that they do not offer horses for lessons. Therefore, riders must bring their own horses.
Dean Valley prides itself on its calendar of events, which caters to a wide range of abilities and disciplines. Throughout the year, riders can participate in British Showjumping competitions, dressage events, and cross country competitions. The school also offers external hire of their exceptional facilities, including a 60m × 60m Andrews Bowen Ltd outdoor show jumping arena, a 25m × 35m indoor school, and the farm ride.
The welfare and health of the horses at Dean Valley are of utmost importance. The 250-acre grassland provides ample fodder, including hay and haylage, for the horses on the premises. It is mandatory for all horses to have an up-to-date annual Equine Influenza vaccination, and random passport checks may be carried out, so riders must ensure they have their vaccination records on hand when visiting Dean Valley.
To participate in competitions at Dean Valley, riders must first register on the website and add all relevant details to their account. It's also important for riders to adhere to the safety standards set by British Dressage and British Showjumping. Riding hats must meet specific safety standards, such as PAS015, VG1, SNELL E2001 and E2016, AS/NZS 3838, or EN1384 (when accepted alongside another standard on the list). The BSI Kitemark is highly recommended.
For those interested in contacting Dean Valley Livery Stables, their address is Dean Valley Farm Ltd, Back Lane Farm, Church Lane, Woodford, Cheshire, SK7 1RQ. The contact number is 07930 570825.
As of 2024, Dean Valley Farm Limited holds the copyright for all content on their website and has implemented strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of both their clients and visitors. These protocols include allowing only one person per competitor for grooming, wearing protective gloves, regular sanitization, and adhering to social distancing guidelines during activities such as riding on the farm ride or using the show jumping arena. Dean Valley remains committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all horse enthusiasts.