Brickfields Horse Country was once a beloved family attraction on the outskirts of Ryde.
Opened in 1983, Brickfields Horse Country quickly became one of the Isle of Wight’s most popular all-weather destinations for families, school groups and horse lovers. For 3 decades, it offered visitors the chance to get up close with magnificent Shire horses, take riding lessons, explore a working farm, and discover a vast collection of horse-drawn vehicles.
Its closure in 2013 brought to an end a unique chapter in Island tourism history.
At the heart of Brickfields were the heavy horses – most notably Bud and Weiser – a pair of rare Shire twins born in 1989. Twin births in Shire horses are extremely uncommon, and it is even rarer for both foals to survive. Their dam, Country Girl, was transported to a specialist stud on the mainland for foaling, a move that almost certainly saved the lives of both the mare and her foals. From their earliest days, Bud and Weiser drew national attention and became the defining image of Brickfields itself.
Visitors marvelled at the twins’ synchronised movements and visible connection. They were often seen side by side in the paddocks or taking part in displays and parades, with their size, strength and gentle temperament capturing the imagination of all who saw them. Their story was covered in national media and featured in educational programmes about animal welfare and breeding.
When Bud died in 2003, Weiser was moved to live among the other Shires to help ease the distress of losing his inseparable companion.
Bud and Weiser were not the only heavy horses at Brickfields. Over the years, the centre was home to a number of Clydesdales and Suffolk Punches, as well as other Shires, many of which had been rescued or retired from working roles. Each horse had its own nameplate, and visitors were encouraged to learn their histories and personalities.
Daily parades and grooming sessions allowed for hands-on interaction, making the experience both educational and deeply personal.
Beyond the paddocks, Brickfields also housed a large riding school offering lessons and pony rides for all ages and abilities. The indoor arena meant that lessons and shows could continue year-round, regardless of the weather. Visitors could book one-to-one tuition, group sessions or guided hacks through the countryside.
The centre played an important role in introducing hundreds of children to the world of horse riding, many of whom would go on to compete or volunteer locally.
The attraction also featured a rare and extensive museum of horse-drawn transport, thought to be one of the most comprehensive working collections in southern England. Dozens of original carts, wagons, carriages and buggies were housed in a purpose-built display area, showcasing everything from agricultural drays to elegant Victorian carriages. There were commercial delivery carts used by butchers and bakers, gypsy-style caravans, and ornate hearses drawn by black horses for funerals.
The collection demonstrated the many ways horses had been used for work, trade and travel, offering a hands-on learning experience about the Island’s rural past.
Brickfields was a working farm as well as a visitor attraction, with donkeys, pigs, goats and poultry adding to the experience. A small petting area allowed younger visitors to feed and interact with animals in a supervised setting. Seasonal lambing displays and chick hatcheries brought children face to face with the rhythms of farm life.
Daily demonstrations – including traditional blacksmithing in the on-site forge – gave children the chance to learn how working horses were shod and cared for. The scent of straw and the echo of hooves in the yard created an authentic atmosphere that many remember fondly.
There was also a small café and gift shop, stocked with souvenirs, handmade crafts and horse-themed toys. Birthday parties and special event days – including Harvest Festival celebrations and Victorian-themed weekends – drew big crowds and often featured music, storytelling and family games.
And of course… who could forget the well-attended car boot sales held throughout the year…
Brickfields Horse Country was transformed into a dedicated equestrian centre in 2010 following the sad passing of its founder Phil Legg, who died aged just 57 in August 2009. Then, just 3 years later in September 2013, the gates to the 18-acre site closed for good.
Now, the Brickfields site is home to local firm Reynolds and Read and is industrial in nature.
Did you ever visit Brickfields? Do you remember Bud and Weiser? Share your memories in the comments below…
Brickfields was a wonderful island attraction that should
have never closed down.
Another example of damaging tourism by turning a great
attraction into an Industrial blot on the Landscape!
So sad.
Totally agree