About us
Peace & tranquility
Access to Muston Down is via a long track which is bumpy but has a hard surface. We are between a byway and a bridleway, isolated and in the middle of some beautiful Dorset countryside in the Piddle Valley.
We offer assisted, or full livery.
Haylage is included in our pricing.
Regular visits from Equine Dentist, Farriers and Physio.
Individual turnout (shared grazing if preffered/possible) with an electric tape/ strip grazing system.
During extensive wet weather, we endeavour to get all liveries out for a leg stretch (and a roll!) in a paddock kept for these exceptionally wet periods. The horse walker also ensures that horses get to move and are not kept inactive any longer than is necessary.
Our grazing is on very old pasture, not modern rye grass that encourages weight gain.
Most of our fencing is electric tape and posts, moved frequently. Fields are strip grazed to avoid over-grazing and allow the pasture to rest. Grazing is more restricted when the fields are set up for hay, at which time, provision is made to allow sufficient space for owners to manage their own strip grazing within their allotted area. At a time when most horses need a bit less, this works well but we can always find a bit more for horses who don’t do so well.
There is no barbed wire near the horses, only on the perimeter fence. Next to this there is a newly planted tree line with an additional tape fence to keep horses away.
We have a strict policy of pooh picking fields no less than every 2 days and worm count all horses 3 times a year. Cleaning fields can be added as an additional service if required and worm counts are done by the yard and charged at cost.
Our grazing is horse friendly, old ley meadow grass consisting of flat water-meadows and higher, slightly sloping ground. Because the land has not been cultivated for a very long time, it is special and treated with care.
We always aim to get horses out, in spite of exceptionally wet weather and so far, we have managed to do so with only a few days where horses have stayed in. On these exceptional occasions, this has been requested by owners – and appreciated by horses!
We produce all, or most of our haylage (and hay, subject to weather) which allows us to keep winter feeding costs down for owners.
We have 3 farriers who visit the yard and 3 different veterinary practices. A physio visits every couple of months and an equine dentist once or twice each year.
Arrange for your own trainer to visit, or book one who already visits the yard.
Our jump lane is almost ready, it will be good for a bit of confidence – and control!
Services
We can provide, or arrange most services.