Paddock Paradise Track System Livery

Important, please read: Our woodland yard is suited to ridden horses, owners who prefer surfaced track systems and horses who struggle with asthma, allergies etc.

The Woodland Yard

In February 2023, we officially opened our second, brand-new paddock paradise (track system) yard for barefoot ridden horses and more. This new and separate yard is an expansion of our current livery services - our retirement and rehabilitation paddock paradise yard (opened January 2018).

Our goal is to provide horses with species appropriate living on a paddock paradise (track system) whilst also incorporating the commonly found ridden facilities seen on traditional yards. This yard will be expanding more and more as time goes on with a range of facilities to offer as we progress.

What's on the track?

Adlib, netted meadow hay available 24/7
Solar panelled electric fences with back up batteries
Introduction pen and closed off feeding area
ByHiggins Lick Safe with salt and mineral licks on offer 24/7
ByHiggins Halter Hangers at the gate entrance
Automatic water trough
Seasonal salt water and water buffet
Natural shelter provided by the woodland
Enrichment additions such as the 'carrot dangler'

More additions to come!

The Facilities

Tack and tea room with secure storage, seating, kettle, microwave and fridge
Tuck shop
Indoor barn with holding pens for appointments and rainy day grooming sessions (not to be used as stables)
Secure yard area with tie up rings
Second yard area with ramp for easy access
Mini Hippo Shower
Outdoor seating area for liveries
On-site grass exercise or riding area
Small car park
Toilet
Lorry and trailer storage
Off-site hacking right from our gates: quiet country lanes, woodland/field trails or bridle ways

The Woodland Track

This track system runs through 8 acres of beautiful woodland and is currently being surfaced. As with all our other track systems, it is non grass and can accommodate horses struggling with Laminitis, EMS, grass affected issues, poor hoof health and more.

The woodland herd is a mixed herd of barefoot horses of all different shapes and sizes, encouraging natural behaviour and a calmer environment, all whilst facilitating health and soundness.

Why a track system?

Many owners are led to believe that track systems are only suitable for overweight horses or those retired. In reality, track systems provide an environment that encourages natural living, meeting the social, emotional and physical requirements of our horses.

Through herd living, free daily movement, a species appropriate diet and an enriching lifestyle, track systems can not only help manage or prevent unwanted health concerns, but keep them active, healthy and fit, with or without ridden work.

Reviews

'Team PB are truly amazing! My horse and his buddy were the first to join The woodland "ridden" track and it was the best decision I ever made. Team PB go above and beyond to ensure my horse is living his best life, nothing is too much. My horse was grass affected, he was overweight, he had separation issues and was incredibly anxious. 9 weeks later, he is a different horse. He looks and feels amazing. If anyone is thinking about it - Move to track, you won't look back! Thank you PB team for allowing us to be apart of your wonderful family.'

Dun & Blu's owner, Kerry

'Highly recommend. My horse moved onto track from being on a traditional livery yard where she had to wear a muzzle because of her weight and she always suffered with the condition of her feet. Since moving to track life her health has improved so much, she has gained much needed muscle and her feet are already showing signs of improving in a short period of time. They offer support and advice which is really appreciated as my horse suffered with health problems previously and it has helped understand these problems and understand her behaviours and how much grass had affected her in behaviour and body wise. I truly recommend track life to anyone considering it or wanting to do it, I wish I had done it sooner. Couldn't recommend this yard enough, it's family run and they are all so lovely and my horse couldn't be happier.'

Tess's owner, Hayley

'My horse moved onto the track 11 weeks ago from a traditional livery yard where fortunately he was able to live out and he was already barefoot. I'd successfully managed his weight muzzling him. Any owner who has had to muzzle knows how difficult (and expensive) it is to find one that fits well and doesn't rub. I wasn't happy to use one, but needs must and despite having metabolic signs, such as a cresty neck, fat pads (although he was no longer fat) and filled orbital cavities, he'd avoided ever getting laminitis. I'd worry when the spring grass came through, when it was frosty and when the grass was short and stressed during summer periods without rain, all year round basically!

After attending PB's open day last summer, me and my friend knew that we wanted track life for our horses. When PB announced they were starting a ridden livery, we were on the waiting list straight away!

My horse settled in immediately, although I was expecting him to gorge on the adlib hay and I expected him to put weight on initially whilst he regulated his hay intake. I've been really surprised to see that he hasn't piled on the weight, and it is obvious when riding him that his fitness has increased, just from the movement he gets on the track.

Within a couple of weeks his metabolic signs had disappeared. The cresty neck and the fat pads have gone and for the first time in the 10 years I have owned him, his orbital cavities are sunken. I no longer have to worry about laminitis, EMS and other health issues, not to mention obesity caused by grass, my horse is happy being a horse where he can interact with his own species and enjoy activities such as mutual grooming, now he doesn't have to wear a muzzle. He has developed more of a personality and is more affectionate. I've also noticed that he's stopped pulling a face when I fastened his girth, something he'd always done.

He also has a happy owner who knows that PB care about his wellbeing as much as I do. Everyone here, owners and fellow liveries believe that this is the best way to keep horses and it is so refreshing not being the odd one out on a yard because we do things a little differently. It is clear that this isn't just a business for PB, they really do care about the horses in their care. The hacking is lovely, safe and peaceful.

For anyone struggling to manage weight or health, I'd recommend that you come and look at what's on offer and speak to the owners, you won't be disappointed! Come to the open day, see what it's all about, why grass isn't necessary, or even good for your horse and maybe this time next year, you'll be a livery too!'

Raffles' owner, Ange