Shetland Equestrian Facilities Working Group

The Shetland Equestrian Facilities Working Group (SEFWG) was formed in October 2008 as a sub-group of the Equestrian Association of Shetland.  It is made up of representatives from equestrian groups throughout Shetland and all nine groups signed the terms of reference.  The group has the following three main objectives:

• To investigate options for the long-term management and operation of an equestrian facility in Shetland.
• To co-ordinate the planning, design and funding of an equestrian facility in Shetland.
• To ensure regular consultation with and involvement of all parties who may be considered to have an interest in the development of such a facility. 

NEWS

Equestrian Centre Site Consultation

Where in Shetland do you think an equestrian centre should be sited?

Please return all comments to  by Tuesday 13th July

SEFWG have investigated a number of possible sites for an equestrian centre and have narrowed it down to five.  These are in Cunningburgh (showground), Girlsta, Staney Hill, Tingwall (school) and Tingwall (west junction).  Site and services costs at each site have been considered.  Click here for a report showing the details.

Also included in the report is a sample layout for an indoor arena along with estimated running costs.  Ideally the centre will have an indoor arena, an outdoor arena (at least part of which will have an all-weather surface) and suitable access and parking for users and spectators.

SEFWG needs to know what you think of the plans.  After the public meeting, the next group meeting is on Wednesday 14th July where it is hoped to make a decision on a site.  Please email  and tell us what you think.

December 2010

Shetland Islands Council is offering the equestrian community £100,000 towards a replacement event area to compensate for the loss of Seafield.

The council are planning to build the new Eric Gray Centre on the former hockey pitch at Seafield in Lerwick.  This area has been available for equestrian use since 2006 and has been an enormous benefit.  We can continue to use it in 2010 but probably not in 2011.  The bigger events such as the Shetland Horse & Pony Event and Viking Shetland Pony Show managed to squeeze onto Seafield but would have benefited from more space, so the replacement area needs to be at least as big (approximately 120m x 65m).  A few sites have been suggested which we are investigating further.  The replacement area could be incorporated into our ultimate goal of a dedicated equestrian venue with an indoor arena.