Anna and Tim successfully completed the enormous feat of moving their entire stock of heavy horses all the way from the Isle of Skye to their new home in Cumbria in October 2006.

Twelve of the horses made the amazing 420 mile journey on foot (hoof) in a spectacular Great Clydesdale Migration, joined by riders from all over the world! This was followed by the other awesome task of moving the rest of the horses, the business and possessions and since then, the team have been working around the clock to establish the new Cumbrian Heavy Horses Centre.

Horse Riding Holidays, Trekking & Lessons: The new location in Cumbria is a wonderful old farm, which is slowly transforming into a vibrant, professionally run and well kept equestrian centre which will offer riding lessons, trekking, horse riding holidays and courses on the beautifully schooled team of heavy horses. Shortly, you will be able to experience the true beauty of the Lake District from the back of one of the wonderful Clydesdale or Shire horses at the UK's only dedicated Heavy Horse Riding Centre!

Developments for the future - courses, clinics and driving: As the new Heavy Horse centre develops, it is Anna and Tim's intention to run Heavy Horse training courses in care, management, riding and driving and a whole range of other options.

Work is progressing well so do please email and telephone Anna and Tim for updates and 2007 schedules and diary dates. We will also be updating this web page for them.

Cumbrian Heavy Horses started life, back in 1996, as Raasay Heavy Horse Centre, with Anna combining running the centre with having children!

The business eventually relocated to Armadale, in the south end of Skye, where it centered around the dray, with Anna and fellow driver Tracy attending local shows. Anna knew that the Clydesdales also made fantastic riding horses, and voicing this idea to friends, amongst whom were Tom Brewster and Ronnie Black - prominent Clydesdale men - who were very encouraging, she decided to try riding with them commercially. The first season in 2002 started slowly and often, the team had little more than enthusiasm to keep them going. But progression was made and gradually, people learned about the centre.

The next year saw progress, with better preparation and training, and the horses developing in their schooling. The "herd" increased ("One can never be too thin, too rich, or own too many Clydesdales" - quote Annie!) and the reputation of the centre grew, attracting more experienced riders which kept the horses responsive. Equally the team loved enabling first time or nervous riders to have a great first riding experience and gathered a great crowd of friends and supporters. And as the centre grew, the facilities began to look to small. So another location was needed and Chappels Farm in Cumbria proved the perfect choice.

The team were very sad to leave Skye but are also hugely excited about the new opportunities Cumbria and the excellent facilities for the horses, riders and helpers. The team at Cumbrian Heavy Horses look forward to warmly welcoming you to the new centre!

Max is currently about 18 years old, he stands 17.2 hh at the withers rides and drives both pair and single drays. He is a very smart and sensitive horse. Max is one of the original team (with Prince) and has been the backbone of the dray - he is fantastic to work with. Previously, he been used to haul wood out of forests. He is a great riding horse as he is good for beginners and fun for experienced riders, ...thinks he's a sports horse disguised as a Clydesdale! Jumps, does several dressage moves - one of the best horses in the yard and very affectionate.

Major is 9 yrs old, a roan, stands about 17.2hh. He is one of the better riding horses for experienced riders as he is quite forward going and likes going fast! He has been taken in hand by Tim so has had much time spent on him, hence he's so responsive!

Tommy is the "upper-class" Clydesdale as he comes from excellent bloodlines - his sire is the famous "Colessie Cut Above" Stallion owned by Ronnie Black, a foremost figure in Clydesdale showing circles. He is now approaching 10yrs old. He stands 17.3hh and is a bay with 4 white legs. He can ride really well and a mere squeeze, when ridden properly, will get the required response. He does tend to switch off with incorrect aids and it's no good just kicking him...He does have a very laid-back temperament so is an excellent horse for most abilities but a good rider will get a very different ride from him!

Emma arrived three years ago from Arisaig. She is a Clydesdale mare, and one of the largest Clydesdales at 17.3. She is very pretty and sweet natured, with a wonderful trot. Her lovely flowing black mane and tail and looks make her a popular choice. She has a lovely canter and is actually quite fast for her size, has been jumping logs well too! She made her first appearance at Blair International Horse Trials and took it all in her stride, leading the jumping last summer!

Ben stands about 17.1hh and is a very attractive Clydesdale with a pale flowing mane and tail and lovely proportions. Has undergone considerable training and is doing very well, proving himself a solid gentle and reliable all round good horse . Would possibly make a good dray horse in the future.

Sparky is a six year old, very cute, very wonderful, honest young horse. He is a great ridden horse, a lovely red roan colour, bright and gorgeous and does anything asked of him - he's really, bold, solid, dependable, a true asset.

Charlie was a stallion until recently and has been gelded to enable him to fit more happily into the yard. He has lovely paces and lively gaits! He is a 7 year old roan bay standing 17.1hh and will possibly make a good dressage horse with his floating paces.

Snowflake alias 'Gertie' was previously a brood mare and is now years old and stands around 17.3hh, a good size for a mare. She is a bright, pretty horse with a calm temperament and has as taken to her new life as a ridden horse well and is very popular in the yard.

'Girlie' or Snowdrop. Nine year old Girlie has been very responsive to her new role in life as a ridden horse. She is a truly stunning mare, tall (18hh plus) - a lovely roan and a real asset to us. She is a very pretty, kind horse and her looks make her very popular with all our riders.

Phantom - Named 'Phantom' because of his gorgeous, white face, he is very precocious 4 year old - nosey, into everything, pushy, and terribly cute! He has been backed successfully and turned away to mature and will be coming into work this year.

Branson is a very sweet, dark bay, compact little horse, standing around 17.1hh and he is a fantastic riding horse. He is enjoying his work, taking more experienced clients initially, and we are very pleased with his progress.

New Major joined us last summer and had been very well looked after. He is a really “sorted” young horse, a great riding horse and is proving a very popular young man! We will be showing him this year. He is a pretty bay roan, with a calm temperament and one gorgeous blue eye! A bright easy going soul, we are already very fond of him.

Brutus is fabulous, loves to be in front and going fast! He's not a beginner horse and we love him! He's a Clydesdale/Shire cross....is about 17hh and we plan to show him.

Wellie is a simply beautiful young 5 year old Shire gelding and a beautiful black/dark brown colour. He stands around 18hh and, due to his spectacular good looks, is a popular choice in the yard. He Is riding very well and we are very pleased with his progress.

Prince is the most senior member of our team at around 18 years old. He is a founder member of the business and worked the dray with Max for years before his role became that of a ridden horse. He is a Shire and stands almost 18hh. He's a magnificent and beautiful horse and is very much loved.

Rosie is a pretty bay mare around 17hh. She rides very well and also drives.

Gypsy & Wallace - Gypsy is a 11 year old Shire/Clydesdale cross whilst Wallace is an 8 year old Shire.

Cumbrian Heavy Horses
Mobile 07769 588565 or 07901 943038
Tel 01229 777764 (answer phone from original Highland Horses)

Annie Rose and Tim Ancrum

www.cumbrianheavyhorses.com

Chappels Farm; Whicham Valley; Nr Millom; Cumbria; LA18 5LY