Rachel’s Equine services

26/05/2024

12/03/2024

Just asked Alexa for the weather forecast for the next week…. If you were thinking of doing the same, don’t bother ☔️ 🌧️ ☔️ 🌧️ 😔

23/12/2023

Where we started vs how it’s going…. Super proud of these two superstars

09/10/2023

As we near Winter, here are my essential top tips:
1) Fibre - Horses are hind gut fermenters, therefore at least 50% of their diet should come from forage. They have a very efficient central heating system and make up most of their energy from fibre.
2) Fats/oils are another essential source of energy for horses - they do not digest starchy cereals so well, so always try high fibre feeds such as chaff, grass nuts, sugar beet and oils before upping any high starch mixes and nuts
3) As mentioned before, horses are hind gut fermenters which not only produces energy but also makes up a very efficient central heating system… a horse can warm itself up quite well, but if over rugged can not cool down so if in doubt, go for the lighter option and just give a little extra forage
4) if your horse is stabled more as the weather turns, try and always have some form of turnout time for a leg stretch, a roll and some mental stimulation amd do not be tempted to give them some extra compound feeds as a ‘treat’, although we may enjoy some extra comfort food on those chilly days, it’s not a good idea for our four legged friends. Instead try putting their usual dry feed in a treat ball and using a smaller holed haynet to make their feed last longer and give them something to do.
5) Remember that horse are designed to drop off some weight over the winter and pick up as the spring grass comes through so do allow for this
6) Feed before riding - we’ve always been told to not feed begore exercise, but this in fact not a good idea. If you are riding first thing, you must ensure your horse has had a handful of chaff or some hay to get that saliva going to buffer the stomach acid and protect the stomach lining and also to stop all that stomach acid sloshing around on an empty stomach, obviously do not give them their full feed, no one likes to do exercise on a full stomach 🤢 we don’t want to risk colic
7) Keep it simple - There are a few who like to add every supplement possible and mix several bagged feeds together that are really just unbalancing the feeds and are just a waste of money. Decent forage hay/haylage/readigrass, a fibre bucket feed - chaffs, grass nuts, sugarbeet/speedibeet, high fibre nuts, a decent oil and maybe some vits and mins is a great base. Those that have a high energy output through hunting etc may require more, but really research a slow release, low starch feed rather than chucking in a load of oats!
8 ) clean fresh water at all times!!

24/08/2023

So proud of how far these two have come. Sienna is Tommy’s first horse, she was a very young, green and unbalanced little sassy pants. With just a little bit of intensive schooling from me and a lot of determination from Tommy, she’s becoming less of a wiggly worm and they are forming a lovely partnership ❤️

28/04/2023

Some availability for may/June Tuesday’s all day and some afternoons!

10/01/2023

🌧🐴💩

10/01/2023

Some availability left for Mon/Tues/Wednesdays for February. Now if it could just stop raining, that would be marvellous 🙄

15/12/2022

Snow ponies 🦄

Taking bookings for Mid January onwards, normal duties resumed except for riding currently.

09/11/2022

Availability for yard work and teaching weekdays/Holiday/weekend cover for Dec… currently no riding availability

19/10/2022

Availability coming up from the 1st November for yard work, no long reining etc for a little longer whilst my leg gets a little stronger !

03/10/2022

Currently off games with a broken fibula but diary is open for November onwards! 🤞🏻

05/09/2022

The kids are back to school, the weather is on the turn! It won’t be long before the evenings really draw in and the colder weather arrives. Do you need help with stable duties/exercising or even walking the pooch?
Availability for end September/October.. 🍁 🍂🎃

01/08/2022

I have some availability now for end Sept and October for yard work etc….just drop me a message!

11/07/2022

Getting the horses exercised before the heat of the day sets in

08/06/2022

31/05/2022

Currently have limited availability for some weekdays and weekends - more availability in September - No Wednesdays or Thursdays until then

14/03/2022

14/03/2022

14/03/2022

Services offered

All Yard duties @ hourly rate of £12.50
Holiday cover
Lunging
Long reining
Groundwork for breaking
Dog walking
Advice/lessons on field/stable management
Advice/lessons in horse husbandry
Advice/lessons for the novice horseowner - Hourly rate of - £25
Some riding/hacking/schooling - @ £25hourly rate

14/03/2022

A bit about me : My name is Rachel and I have over 30yrs of experience in owning, working and training in the equine industry. I have two degrees, one in Equine Management and one in Equine Sports Performance. I have my BHS stage 3, PI teaching and NVQ level 3. I have worked in a riding school as head girl, teaching and managing the yards, worked as a groom/rider at hunt kennels, studs and racing yards as well as running my own large livery yard. I have started and broken numerous youngsters - hunt horses, race horses and riding horses I have also been sales adviser and a manager in a tack shop, offering advice on tack, feeding, and everything else. Horses are my passion and I have worked with most types, fit hunters, stallions, breeding mares, racehorses, youngstock, big horses, small ponies and everything in between! I’ve had a few years off of working with horses whilst I start my own little family, but have continued to care for our own three family horses. Now ready to take on new clients, two and four legged!