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Get Ready for the Christmas Market
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre Christmas Fayre - 2023 Join us on the 11th and 12th of November for a festive extravaganza at the Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre. Dive into the spirit of the season with unique craft stalls, delectable food offerings, and the enchanting...
Opening for the New Season
We are thrilled to announce that our much-awaited reopening for the new season will be on March 21st, 2023. We have been working tirelessly to prepare for this moment, and we are excited to finally be able to welcome back our visitors. Whether you are a regular...
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If you didn't see Robson Green at Hay Farm the first time round it is on now on BBC 2.
Don’t forget we have our delicious homemade produce in our cafe…a perfect stop for a snack or lunch
Have you herd…![]()
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The centre is a proud member of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) as an approved farm park dedicated to heavy horses. As such, all our horses play different roles with the centre. Some of our ladies are breeding mares, the boys promote the working aspect through driving or more laterally the riding, whilst we of course have our beloved pensioners, who may have come to us through needing a new home or have simply aged along the way with us. ![]()
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All of our horses are very dear to us, and we try to replicate a herd lifestyle as far as possible. Those who are not in work daily, live in social groups, mostly live out and are allowed to get a little bit dirty! It is important that if they are out and could be exposed to the elements that their coats are allowed to build up lanolin (natures waterproofing) and also a bit of dust, to keep their skin dry and prevent them from becoming cold. We are soft at heart though, and when winter comes, they will either come in for shelter or be dressed appropriately! ![]()
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Living out in a social group also replicates their natural pecking order, which is good for them mentally, usually has a mare in charge, and often the older ones in the group will “bring up” younger ones to have a place within the hierarchy. ![]()
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Our working animals, also have free time outside each day within a social group, but have to come in for extra pampering. It would be unacceptable to have one of our driving horses, for instance, left sweaty after working, as this can cause skin issues and they also need additional feeding to support them. This is often why there is a selection of horses within the stables barn for you to meet up close, and of course try and beg some tasty treats from you! ![]()
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We hope that you have enjoyed reading this post and look forward to welcoming you at the centre.
Introducing……..MERRY 💕![]()
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Regular visitors will know this super old lady, and will also know, that Merry is Lily’s mum. Merry came to us after she was sold to a lady as a riding horse. Fortunately for Merry her new owner was a lovely lady and after having trouble when riding, had Merry fully assessed by the vets. It was found that Merry had kissing spine so could not be ridden, and Merrys new owner didn’t want her to be passed around so asked if we would give her a forever home. We of course said yes!![]()
We chatted with Merrys owner and our vets and it was deemed safe to try for a foal, Merry then went on to have Lily the following year. ![]()
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As Merry was getting older, we never tried for another foal and she will live out the rest of her life with us as a pampered and valued member of our herd. When you see Merry you will notice she has quite a dip in her back, this is due to her kissing spine, but does not cause her any pain on a day to day basis. Merry is actually a favourite with our farrier, as she is such a sweet and polite lady. ![]()
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Be sure to find Merry and say hi when you visit us at the centre ![]()
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Photo courtesy of Sue Rutherford from her recent visit…thank you!
Don’t forget our little lady is here and waiting to see visitors 💕 ![]()
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Jeannie our Clydesdale foal ![]()
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Photo courtesy of Olive Taylor
A lovely shot captured by one of our visitors…many thanks to Elizabeth Bowers 💙