Forest Stables

Horse Facilities

Each of our stables has rubber matting, an automatic drinker with fresh natural spring water and a Haybar. Find out about the benefits of the Haybar feeding system at the Haybar website.

The horses can see each other, thanks to the design of the barn, so the natural herd environment can be maintained even in the stable. The barn is well ventilated and the roof is insulated to keep the heat out in summer and the warmth in during the winter.

Our grazing is split into eighteen paddocks, each with a supply of fresh, natural spring water. There are many trees surrounding the fields and as the farm is nestled in a valley, there is excellent natural shelter.

We have used permanent electric fencing to avoid escape or injury. We operate a rotation management system for the grazing, using sheep and cattle. This keeps the grass in perfect condition for horses and minimises the worm population.

All of our retired horses are barefoot. Co-owner of Forest Stables Andy Desmond has trained with the UKNHCP and expects to become a Certified Practioner in 2008. At present he runs Naturally Barefoot™ a thriving barefoot business where he trims in the region of 60 horses on a regular basis. The barefoot trim is included in our standard livery and grass livery package and in our opinion, all horses benefit from this. However, if you wish your horse to remain in shoes this can be accommodated by a local farrier at cost.

Following recent lectures that we attended on nutrition all our retirees are fed on Simple System feeds. This reduces sugar and cereal intake and increase the fibre. Please see the Simple System website for more information. Simple System fits in very well with our holistic approach to caring for horses.

In line with our holistic philosophy, we have a qualified EDT (Equine Dental Technician) who visits us every couple of months. The basic check up and rasp is included in our standard livery and grass livery prices. We also have a qualified chiropractor and McTimoney chiropractor who visit regularly and this can be included at cost price if required.