Retirement Livery
&
Grass Livery
Retirement Livery
We understand that Horse Owners’ lives are becoming busier with increasing demands on their time so they may be unable to offer their older Equine companion the care they need. This is where we can help. Situated in the Durham Dales, here at Percy Beck Farm we offer full 24/7 turnout for older retired horses who have reached the end of their working life. Within this calm, relaxing environment horses will not be disturbed by the normal activities of a busy livery yard with associated arena and training clinics.
We find full turnout is beneficial to older horses, as they age their joints become stiffer as do ours! They therefore benefit from being able to move around freely rather than being restricted in a stable. Of course, the British weather can be inclement, and occasionally hot and sunny so field shelters are provided for horses to use as they wish. Our yard is small enough to ensure that each horse is cared for like our own and treated as an individual. Horses are checked daily, feet picked out with any issues noted and reported as necessary. We will also change rugs (provided by the Owner) as required in winter. A rug washing, reproofing and repair service is offered at an additional cost.
Testimonial
Dawn provides a loving, caring home for horses no matter what age or reason for retirement. She looked after my Clydesdale/Thoroughbred cross mare, Kate for four years. With Dawn's extensive knowledge of all things equestrian backed up by local vets and farrier Kate could not have been in safer hands. Kate loved it there and it provided me with the peace of mind she was in the best place living out her final years on grass with her chums in the herd. Dawn took care of all the end of life needs for Kate with compassion at a very difficult and upsetting time.
Justine Bowman
We are lucky at Percy Beck Farm, that there is usually a prevailing breeze which helps keep flies at bay. However, we are happy to apply fly spray or suncream supplied by the owner as part of our daily checks or can provide products at an additional cost. We provide an outdoor totem brush for horses to groom themselves – and they love it! Great for their comfort and mental health to scratch that itch!
Arranging and tending to the horse during farrier, dentist, physio, worming, vet visits as required. A basic foot trim and balance by a Farrier and worming are included in the livery fee. Having shoes fitted is an additional cost. Other treatments are charged at an additional cost to the horse owner as required. All dental and veterinary bills are at the owner’s cost. We would contact you immediately should any medical care be required.
Hay/haylage is fed ad lib in feeders throughout winter from November to March, which is included in the fee. This is usually enough supplementary feed in winter when the grass stops growing for most retired horses, however if your horse requires an additional basic bucket feed to mask medication and supplements, it can be provided individually within the fee. This will include Hifi Molasses free chop and fast fibre. Other feeds and supplements can be provided at an additional cost. Medications must be ordered and paid for by the Owner. Horses are weighed by the weigh tape each month. A monthly report on each individual horse is provided, to give you peace of mind your horse is thriving, receiving the care you expect and living its best life.
Newly Arrived
Horse Totem
self-grooming brush
Gets that itch every time, saving stone walls and field shelters from damage! Horses just love it! :-)
We regularly paddock clean the fields during the drier months, to reduce the worm and parasite burden. We also bring sheep in to graze through Spring, Summer and Autumn to facilitate this and ensure the horses do not have too much grass to cause health problems. In Spring we also chain harrow and roll the fields to encourage ensure good pasture management. We produce our own hay and haylage so you know the quality is the same as the grass the horses graze.
Grass Livery
For those who wish to look after there own horses but wish them to be turned out 24/7 with field shelters.
Access to quality grazing and free flowing natural water supply. Paddock cleaning undertaken regularly.
Feed and haylage available, as required.