About muston Down
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.
Welcome to
Peace & tranquility
Horses come first on our yard and our maintained routine, keeps them happy. We don’t over-regulate what owners want to do with their horses, only that others on the yard are considered so everyone enjoys being with their horse.
We offer assisted, or full livery.
We don’t do DIY but offer 3 different packages and prices for assisted livery, as well as full livery.
Holiday visits can also be accommodated – subject to available space.
Haylage is included in our pricing.
Shavings are kept on the yard and charged at cost, as required.
Regular visits from Equine Dentists, 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. Worm counts are done by the yard, owners will be charged and invoiced for the test and any required anthelmintics.
Cleaning fields can be added as an additional service if required.
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.
Arrange for your own trainer to visit, or book one who already visits the yard.
Our jump lane is good for a bit of fun, confidence and checking the level of control!
Services
We can provide, or arrange most services.