Malton has always had a strong equestrian connection, with both professional racing yards and livery stables. With the Roman fort housing a cavalry unit, horses have always been important in Malton, both for sport and recreation. There are a number of yards in the area which cater for training youngsters as seen below.
Source: Carol Leyland own video
There are two major equestrian shops in the town, horses cost a great deal of money to keep and their saddlery is expensive, and as an owner there is always something that they need! Robinsons and Parnaby’s do a brisk trade for both the serious rider and the hobbiest of which there are many in the area. Hunting is also a large part of Malton equestrian life including the Boxing Day meet in the Market Square.
The horse racing tradition in Malton and the surrounding area goes back to before 1692, with a racecourse at Langton Wold which held regular meets. The first recorded races began in 1801 at Langton, a small village a short distance away. When William L’Annson’s Blink Bonnie won the Epsom Derby in 1857. The course had a grandstand and held races until 1861 when the site was inherited by a vicar who ploughed up the racecourse and made the grandstand into farm buildings. There was a slight hiatus until 1867 when steeplechase races were held at Orchard Fields for three years. However the races were stopped there after an altercation took place between P.C. Norman and a man named Bowes who was hit over the head during a fight. He died the following day and P.C. Norman was found guilty of manslaughter and did nine months hard labour. They then moved to Highfield stables in Norton where the final races were held in 1904.
The racing tradition continues today with over 20 training yards in the area with many successful trainers such as Mick Easterby, Richard Fahey and Brian Ellison. Some have their own gallops or use ones at Langton Wold or Highfield Stables.
(1). Source: Louise Pollard Photography
(2) Source: Parnaby’s Equestrian
(3) Source :Malton Festival of Racing
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