If you’re searching for livery in Whitstable or the wider Chestfield area of Kent, Silverbirch Stables is one of the names that comes up — and for good reason. It’s a small, family-run yard with woodland turnout and decades of hands-on experience, tucked away on Radfall Ride. Here’s what we know about it, what to expect, and what to ask before you book a visit.
Where Is Silverbirch Stables?
Silverbirch Stables is located at Birch Trees, Radfall Ride, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3EW — right on the edge of Chestfield, a quiet residential area just inland from Whitstable’s coastline. The setting is rural and wooded, which is reflected in the yard’s main selling point: woodland paddocks and acres of off-road hacking, without the need to cross busy roads.
It’s a convenient base if you’re local to Whitstable, Chestfield, Herne Bay, or the northern fringes of Canterbury, and want turnout that doesn’t feel like a field hemmed in by traffic.
What Type of Yard Is It?
Silverbirch is a livery yard, not a riding school — so it’s not somewhere you’d go for taster lessons or trekking if you don’t already own a horse. It caters to owners looking for somewhere to keep their horse long-term, with three livery options typically on offer:
- DIY livery — you handle the day-to-day care, the yard provides the facilities
- Part livery — a shared arrangement between owner and yard staff
- Full livery — the yard manages most or all daily care
According to the stables’ own listings, services include a brick-built tack room, hot water for bathing horses, and tea and refreshments available on the hour for owners on site — small touches that matter if you’re spending early mornings or evenings doing yard duties.
Facilities and Security
A few features come up consistently across the stables’ own social channels and listings:
- Woodland paddocks for turnout, rather than open flat fields
- Acres of off-road hacking directly from the yard, avoiding road work
- On-site security and full CCTV coverage across the yard
- A yard manager living on site, which typically means quicker response times if something goes wrong out of hours
- 24-hour stable management, per the yard’s own description
- A sand school has reportedly been in development — worth confirming current status directly with the yard, as building projects like this can take time
If having eyes on the yard around the clock and woodland hacking on your doorstep are priorities for you, these are the features to ask about directly.
Family-Run, With Real Experience Behind It
Silverbirch describes itself as a small, privately run yard with over 30 years of experience. That kind of longevity in the livery world often counts for more than flashy facilities — it usually means established routines, a settled herd dynamic, and staff who know how to spot a problem early.
It’s worth noting this is a small operation rather than a large commercial yard, so spaces may be limited and availability can fluctuate. If you’re looking for a spot, it’s best to enquire directly rather than assume there’s space.
Things to Check Before You Visit
Before committing to any livery yard, including Silverbirch, it’s worth asking:
- Current livery prices for DIY, part, and full livery — these aren’t publicly listed and will need confirming directly
- Availability — spaces at small family-run yards can come and go quickly
- Turnout arrangements — group vs individual, and how turnout is rotated through the woodland paddocks
- Vet and farrier access — whether the yard has preferred providers or you arrange your own
- Insurance and liability terms — standard practice for any livery agreement
- Current building works — for example, the status of the sand school, if that facility matters to your routine
A quick phone call or visit will answer all of the above, and it’s the best way to get a feel for whether the yard suits your horse and your schedule.
How to Find Out More
Silverbirch Stables doesn’t appear to run a dedicated website, but you can find current updates and contact details via their Facebook and Instagram pages, where the yard posts about livery availability. As with any small yard, the fastest way to get accurate, up-to-date information — pricing, space availability, and a look at the facilities — is to contact them directly or arrange a visit.
