Agistment
S.H.O.A.T.A (South Hedland Owners & Trainers Association)
Shoata is situated 1.7kms out of South Hedland. Shoata is a complex the Shire has put together for the equestrain people of Port and South Hedland. It has roughly 50 plus acres or more which is devided into two sections. There are two main paddocks, one dubbed the Gymhkana / Race track paddock the other Dola paddock, these are both utilised over the summer months as spelling paddocks for those who wish to keep their horses here all year round. Alot of people send their horses away down south through the summer period to give both horse and owner a break.
Shoata has an allocation system on the land within the complex. Arrangements regarding the improvements on the blocks with outgoing allocator's can be made.
There are also undeveloped blocks the club has released you can pick up to start from scratch and design your own little paradise.
There are currently about 25 blocks ranging from half an acre up to 10 acre blocks. The club also has one Community Arena with lighting and a 20-25 meter lunge / roll yard. One Gymkhana Arena with a holding yard fully fenced in the middle of the paddock, which also has a 1800 meter oiled training track for the race horses. And also a track which follows the boundary for slower training which is about 3000 meters.
If you are looking to move to the area and wish to come out to Shoata for a look contact Shiobhan on 0417980921 or EMAIL Shiobhan is also the club's Secretary so can provide you with all the information and paper work needed to join the club.
Port Hedland Pony Club
PHPC is located in at Pretty Pool, Port Hedland. It's tucked right in around a creek system only a stones throw from the beach. They have a varity of stabling sizes with various sheds. They have two Arena's, one is fenced the other is flat but has a border on the ground. Plenty of area to ride and doubles up as a jumping arena. Contact President Steve Meadowcroft on 0409780865 for a tour or how to join the club or agistment facilities.
Port Hedland Turf Club
PHTC no has on course stabling facilies but has stabling available at the Pretty Pool area. If your just needing a stable for the night of a local show, they generally have plenty of stables. For a visiting race horse trainer or over night stays please contact Nigel Weston (phone number to be listed shortly)
South Hedland Rural Estate
If your looking for a more permanet setting then you can always take a look at this. You will have to chase up local real estate agents for this. Blocks are from 2.5 acres right up to 30 acres for some of the orginal sized ones. Build the house of your dreams only a few km's to South Hedland and all its admenities and just up the road from the Shoata complex. Added bonus of your horse/s out your back door.
Riding Out
Shoata Style:
The Pilbara has some of the most beautiful scenery to ride in. But for those who are not so adventurous or not ready to take their horse's outside of the complex. There are trails within the Shoata complex in both larger paddocks. Two major boundary fence lines you can stroll along, within the middle of these are smaller trails leading into the bush. The Gymkhana / Race Track paddock is quiet flat so you can have a good canter or gallop to let your hair down, there is also a nice sandy slowly slopping ditch in which as kids we use to tear up and down in playing tag. The Dola paddock has a some what half finished cross country course so on the trails you might come across tyre jumps at various heights and a small embankment style jump which all winds through the local trees and bush.
Beach Time
Over the summer months we organise group beach trips. Travel to one of three beaches in Port Hedland with the horses. Finicane Island, Spoil Bank (renamed Mystery Bay) or Pretty Pool right next door to the pony club. Depending on the tides decides which location we go to. Pretty Pool and Finicane are probably the prettier of the 3 area's. With both locations with big sand dunes we all ride through, come cantering down the hills into the water. Spoil Bank is man made giant sand bar at the entrance to the harbour.
Bush Bashing
Out of the Shoata complex its your wide world. You can stick to dirt roads or follow old horse trails or even the cattle trails. Sometimes riders get together and do big rides around the edge of South Hedland, with water check points with who ever live closest to the edge of town.
Health
Port Hedland has a small and large animal clinic in South Hedland. They also treat ponies and horses with various injuries or illness. You can take your horse to them or they will travel to you.
If for some reason they can not treat your horse they will recommend the next best option. Contact number for the South Hedland Veterinary Clinic is 08 91721608.
Farrier & Dentist
Port Hedland has one resident farrier and dentist, he deals with all hacks, ponies and race horses all year. Number can obtained by emailing us and we will forward on his contact number. Email Here
Through out the race season May till August there are generally a few more farriers as they travel or fly up for race horse trainer's and they pick up extra work while here to help cover the cost of the flights.
Stockfeed & Equipment
Wedgefield Stockfeeders.
Located 6 Sandhill Street in Wedgefield in the light industrial area of Port Hedland. Stocks your most common horse feed all year round. If they don't have it they can normally order it in. They offer a delivery service on certain days.
They also stock your vitamin and mineral supplements, and basic horse gear. Such as halters, bridles, bell boots, sometimes second hand gear and grooming products. Plus much more.
Open times are:
Monday 3:00 - 5:00
Friday 3:00 - 5:00 &
Saturday 9:00 - 12:00.
The other option some people follow is to purchase their own feed most of the time in or around Perth and have it freighted up. In which case they generally do a bulk buy of feed to keep cost down on freight.
Buying horse equipment: The local stockfeeders is a great shop for 'I need it now' stuff like your horse has broken your halter for instance. You can drive down pick up another in quick time. For the slightly more expensive range of equipment most people turn to buying online or waiting until they visit Perth to stock up. On the links page is a list of sites commonly used to buy from.