Arthur Wright Baker (22 May 1920 - 16 Mar 2017)

It's sad learning you past on I use to ride at yours before I went to college Pickles I did bare back to fields and magic normally in lessons last few I got Lloyd and Rocky in the beach I was known as shepherd back then you taught me loads and was strict I miss those old days your never be forgotton

As a child in the late fifties I had my first riding lesson at The Park Riding and Hunting Stables, little did I know what would lay ahead of me. Yes, your where strict, but Zena was always there "protecting us". Yes you'd joke, like the Christmas I was given my first shaving kit (bit early as i wasn't shaving) I must have plastered aftershave and hair cream on, you had Zena checking the house as you was sure the cat had made a mess, such a stink! A little job for me you said one day, I was to become a jockey for Ken Dolbys racing donkeys - I was hopeless, and there was money put on me at your shows, no wonder you wanted to clip my ears. Off course who could forget the trips to The Golden Sands, my job was look out in the back of the morris pick up, Zena driving, you in the front, me in back after delivering a load of manure, Arthur we only were going at 40 miles per hour, the police would never bother us, in fact you just wanted to get me mucky!!

Arthur I and many other children of those and indeed recent years can never thank you enough for your Stables. Now as I look back in my retirement, to my days as a Riding Instructor in the 1970's, with your standards and values, which got me some dam good jobs, including riding event horses and show jumpers. Hunting with some fantastic packs of hounds, and owning several horses of different standards. You enjoyed my son's stories of his time in The Life Guards, and pulling me apart in front of him. Learning from you, I have given young people a chance to ride my horse's when I've had them around in competition's. Arthur you'll always be remembered in my family as the man who taught me to ride and who's standard's I still try to maintain.

So now rest after a long life, gather all those horses around you, and pat Surprise for me, much love, Dirty Dick and the Old Grey mare, (Richard and Lynette Rasdall)

Fondly known as 'uncle Arthur' so many people were taught so much by you...not just about horses but lessons in life. known for all different aspects of the riding school ...including RAF saddle clubs & riding for the disabled association. You were well known locally and you reputation in the horse world was renown in more ways than one. You could be arrogant obnoxious overbearing hurtful and sometimes downright rude but despite all this you were loved by many and those who truly knew you also saw the other side of you a softer more understanding gentleman. Over the years you have been my teacher, my friend.my employer and my confidant and I will never forget you. We have laughed .. we have argued but still we were friends... I think its called mutual respect
I have so many stories to tell I could write a book ..some happy some sad but I wouldn't change any of it. The phrase "MY WORD " will never sound the same again
I know that you will already be rounding up some trusty old four legged friends to restart that stable in the sky.. keep one saddled up for me.
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I say farewell...... Rest in Peace my friend
Affectionately your Braces x

Mr Baker allowed my daughter aged 2 to come and ride at his stables, she loved so many ponies but smokey was her favourite, he could be a grump, but in the next minute such a funny man and had many stories.

He instilled a love of horses that now will make my wallet very thin ???.

RIP Mr Baker, you will be very much missed xxxx

A true legend who has bought happiness to so many people with his riding school . Will never forget the hours of fun spent at his shows and as a member of his riding club .
Finally at rest with his horses . RIP