The Happy Horse Retirement Home was officially opened in 1989 and was the first private retirement home of its kind in the country. Most of our horses come from far and wide by word of mouth because of the reputation and trust we have built up over the years with our owners. The yard is managed by Nicky van Dijk an experienced, qualified British Horse Society Stable Manager. The caring staff are very knowledgeable and constantly trained and updated. The yard is British Horse Society approved.
We appreciate that, making the decision to retire your horse can be a very difficult, emotional decision. Distance - security - professional care - finance, all play a part, we are convinced we can take all those worries away for you, but prefer you come and visit us and decide for yourself. Most horses that retire with us have come from mixed working yards where horses are coming and going all day with different routines, horses are creatures of habit, they love to go back to the herd instinct and make friends, and keep the same routine everyday.
Each horse has his own large brick stable. The horses live in groups of four to six depending on their age and character. They are out in large spacious fields and form a very strong bond of friendship. The horses live out in the summer months and come in at the end of September, depending on the weather. During the winter months the horses are turned out every day. The soil is based on lime and old red sand stone, very well drained and rich in natural minerals. The fields are rotated often, droppings are picked up and there is a mixed grazing system with sheep.
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