Ivy Hall Retirement Livery.

16/08/2024

I am so glad that we have a brilliant vets practice, just a few miles from us, you never know when you will need them.

Unfortunately, and we still don't know how/why it happened, a few of our horses must have got spooked or frightened by something in the night, causing one of them to run straight through a wooden 5 bar gate, and demolish it, resulting in them getting out onto the footpath that runs through our property. Fortunately, we installed kissing gates either end of this footpath, so that in the event of this happening, they still wouldn't be able to get off the property, onto the road, or crop fields behind us.
Unfortunately, we found one of the horses, Indy, in one of the empty fields on her own (the other two were on the footpath) with a nasty gash to the front of her leg, that was very deep, down to the bone, and actively bleeding. She also had some other superficial wounds, and a swollen nose, and looks to have suffered quite a bad nose bleed.
We think she had probably come through the gate (quite literally) and somehow got herself over the fencing into the spare field, although the fencing was mostly intact, so we are still unsure how.
Anyone that knows Indy, knows she has the calmest temperament, and hardly anything phases her. So what ever caused this to happen, it must have been bad.

The lovely Magda, from Fuller Equine came out to clean, stitch and dress Indys leg, and check over her other cuts and lumps. Indy was the model patient for Magda, and took everything in her stride. We can't thank Magda and all the staff at fuller Equine enough for their excellent care to our horses at Ivy Hall, as always.

Thankfully, the field is now secure again, and Indy was allowed to return back out with her little herd, as we decided this was the best way to keep her calm, and give her leg a chance to heal. She hasn't been stabled at all for over 20 years or away from her son in 25 years, so we felt box rest would not be the best option for her, as it would stress her out too much.

I am so thankful to have such an excellent team of people around us to help in a crisis. Even our lovely neighbour came over with a spare gate, and to help out, so we could get the horses back in their field and secure.

Fingers crossed Indys leg heals up without too many complications.

03/06/2024

We are looking for a part time groom to cover 1 weekday (flexible on day) and 1 weekend day mornings only. Approximately 3 hours per morning, depending on the time of year.

For Full retirement livery yard. Main duties include Poo picking ,(with ATV) feeding, Haying, changing rugs, checking horses and sweeping yards, field shelters and stable block areas. Nothing is stabled, so no mucking out.

Applicants must be reliable, not afraid of hard work and Mud, experienced and over 18, as you will be in sole charge on your mornings (after training) and able to drive.

Outskirts of Braintree. Message for more details.

30/11/2023

There's a little bit of Matchy match going on with these two. Mother and Son Indy (29) and Monty (26) both sporting their new rugs from

13/10/2023

Oh no. It looks like Autumn has arrived with a bang.
Time to dig the rugs out.
We can't complain too much though, we did have an extended summer.

12/07/2023

Due to the Sad loss of our oldest pony last week, we now have one very specialist Pony space for Full retirement livery.
This would be for a pony up to 14hh, that needs restricted grazing, but can still live out all year. They would be sharing with another 14hh pony (that is still in work). Their field facilities include use of a 1 acre paddock, with attached yard, large field shelter, and large all weather turnout pen, which is perfect for when the field is too wet in the winter, or to restrict the amount of daily grass intake. Post and rail fencing.

They would have to be good with other horses, as sharing with one other, but also good to be left alone with horse company in seperate fields nearby.
This would be 7 day, 365 Full livery. Including basic feed, hay, all care and handling, and regular hoof trims.
Not included, specialist meds or supplements, however these will be administered included with livery costs. Shoeing, however, handling for farrier is included.
Or specialist feed.

Please PM me for more details.

12/07/2023

We are looking for a part time groom to cover 1 weekday (flexible) and 1 weekend day mornings only. Approximately 2-3 hours per morning, depending on the time of year.

For Full retirement livery yard. Main duties include Poo picking ,(with ATV) feeding, Haying, changing rugs, checking horses and sweeping yards, field shelters and stable block areas. Nothing is stabled, so no mucking out.

Applicants must be reliable, not afraid of hard work and Mud, experienced and over 18, as you will be in sole charge on your mornings (after training) and able to drive.

Outskirts of Braintree. Good rates of pay.

04/07/2023

This morning we had to say one final goodnight to our smallest and oldest resident here at Ivy Hall. Polo.
Despite his small stature, he was without a doubt the biggest of characters. A typical cheeky pony to the last, he has battled through countless life threatening illnesses and infliction in his 33 years, but he made the decision that this morning would be his last sunrise, his fight was over.
It was a fitting and peaceful end for him, and I am grateful to our excellent vets Alex at Fuller Equine for coming over at 6.30 am to aid him in his passing.

We will all miss him terribly. Especially his field mate Bruce.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

If it should be I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
The you should do what must be done
For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad – I – understand
Don’t let your grieve and stay you hand
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years
What is to come will hold no fears
You’d not want me to suffer, So
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
Only stay with me till the end,
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you too will see,
It is a kindness you do for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We’ve been so close – we two, these years
Don’t let your heart hold any tears

02/02/2023

We have 1 space coming up in the spring for full retirement livery.

Must be a mare, under 15.2hh, must be able to live out all year in a small mixed herd. Non ridden.

Concrete yard area and field shelter on winter field, plus lots of natural shelter. Lots of natural shelter in the Summer field.
Hay and standard feed provided, worming, rug changes, twice daily checks, holding for vet or farrier, medicines/supplements administered, 8 weekly hoof trims, fields poo picked daily, post and rail fencing, small quiet yard, owners live on site. Experienced groom.

Shoeing costs (fronts only allowed), vet bills, additional feed or supplements at owners expense.

£500pcm

Please PM me for more information.

31/01/2023

Wanted
Groom to cover Sunday (occasionally Saturday instead) morning. Possible weekday also. Approximately 3 hours a morning. Also Holiday cover.
Must be experienced, reliable and work to a very high standard.
No mucking out as all the horses live out. Yards and fields needs poo picking, and yards swept Daily. We have a John Deere Gator to do this, so no pushing barrows. Horses checked, fed and hayed, rug changes as needed etc.
Must be prepared to start by 8 am at the latest, but can start as early as 6.30am if that fits in better for you.
You will need your own care, custody and control insurance.
Lovely yard, easy to get to, about a mile from Towerlands, Braintree.

24/12/2022

We at Ivy Hall would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New year.

27/10/2022

**SPACE NOW FILLED**

Due to the Sad loss of one of residents early this week, we have a rare space become available to the right horse. Preferably a quiet Gelding to live out with another gelding that is sadly now without his field mate. Non ridden.

24/7 turnout, all year. Concrete yard area and field shelter , plus lots of natural shelter. Quiet tranquil yard without lots of coming and going. Secure site, with electric gates and cctv. Storage area for belongings.
Hay and standard feed provided, worming, rug changes, twice daily checks, holding for vet or farrier, medicines/supplements administered, 8 weekly hoof trims, fields poo picked daily, post and rail fencing, owners live on site. Experienced grooms.

Shoeing costs (fronts only allowed), vet bills, additional feed or supplements at owners expense.

£450pcm.

Please PM me for more information.

24/10/2022

Sadly this morning we had to say Goodnight to one our of liveries.
Byron was a Prince among horses. A larger than life character who loved a cuddle.
He will be greatly missed by all of us, and has left behind his field mate and friend of over 20 years.
Our greatest sympathy to his owner, who has owned him for the last 22 years.

A huge thank you to all, at our wonderful vets Fuller Equine , who as always where prompt, efficient and compassionate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If the day should come when I'm in pain,
And you know I won't be well again
Promise you'll do what must be done
If this is the battle that can't be won.

It'll break your heart, but please be kind,
Don't let your grieving sway your mind.
For this is when you'll let me see
Just how much you do love me.

​Together we've had happy years
The future now can hold no fears.
Please don't let me suffer so
When that day comes, please let me go.

For my usual vet please will you send?
But stay with me until the end.
Hold me steady, speak to me
Till my once bright eyes no longer see.

In time I hope you'll come to see
It's the last kindness you'll do for me
One more time please stroke my mane
And know that I'll have no more pain.

​And don't be sad that it was you
Who decided this was what to do.
We've been such buddies through the years
Don't let me be the cause of tears.

You'll always see me graze now,
with the sun upon my back
Painful limbs won't tire me now,
however long the hack.

I live now in your heart and mind,
a lovely place to stay.
And what you have in memories,
no one can take away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♡~~~~~~~~~~~~~

12/09/2022

After months of drought and desert brown fields, it's so nice to see everything greening up nicely again.

12/09/2022

When you get to the grand old age of 32, you are entitled to Breakfast in bed 😍

03/05/2022

Today 3 of our equine residents had a visit from the wonderful Barnes Equine Dentistry for a routine check up.
All 3 are over the age of 20 now. As horses reach veteran age it is very important that they have regular visits from the dentist to check for missing teeth, worn down molars and other irregularities that occur with aged teeth, in order to be able to adjust their diets accordingly.
Bad teeth in horses can cause a variety of problems, choke and colic from un-chewed food, loss of condition, and infections from food impactions in-between missing teeth. Not to mention the usual ulcers from sharp edges ect.
In elderly horses their teeth can change dramatically from one month to the next, so regular dental appointments are vital.

This was the first time we have used Natalie at Ivy Hall, as we have struggled to get a hold of our regular dentist, and I have to say, we were very impressed with how thorough and knowledgeable she was. Recommending that the older of the two now switch from annual to 6 monthly appointments, as their teeth are reaching their natural shelf life, and starting to deteriorate, just so we can keep a closer eye on them.

I would highly recommend Natalie to anyone in the Essex area who is looking for an Equine Dentist

29/01/2022

As it was an unseasonably mild day today for January, 14°C from 9 am this morning, all the horses at Ivy Hall got to spend the day without their rugs on all day! Lovely for them to be able to get some air on their skin, something which is not usually feasible at this time of year, and have a good roll and scratch, and a good opportunity for me to check their condition properly.

As you can see, little Polo is really starting to pick up now, and gain some much needed weight after his choke, then pneumonia just before Christmas. He came home from the vets with a body score of 2/10. I would guesstimate him at about a 4/10 now, so not much more until we hit his ideal weight.

06/01/2022

A little update on the Wonder pony that is Polo!
As many will know, just a few weeks before Christmas, Polo suffered a really bad Choke which meant he had to be rushed into RVC to have it cleared. He spent the following 5 days there with the added complication of aspiration pneumonia, and was very poorly. He finally came home to receive further treatment, but still had a very diminished appetite, and was very thin. He was given the all clear from the pneumonia a few days before Christmas, and has gone from strength to strength, eating at the moment 4% of his current bodyweight a day, (which equates to 2.5 % of his ideal body weight) split between 6 buckets of feed a day, and is gradually gaining back some weight. All feeds are high fibre and oil, with added feed balancer. All feeds are soaked mush!
As you can see, The cheeky chap looks bright and well, and is back to his usual chatty self. He obviously decided, that despite now being 32 years old, it was not his time yet, and fought hard to overcome this life threatening illness.
Let's hope we have many more years with this resilient little man 😀

I can't thank our wonderful vets for their care and dedication to our horses, big and small, enough, without their quick and initial interventions, and their excellent aftercare we would have lost him.

Also the team for their excellent care of Polo while he was with them.

25/12/2021

Merry Christmas from all of us at Ivy Hall.

21/12/2021

We have had a very trying time over the last 12 days at Ivy Hall. Our smallest, oldest and much loved pony Polo developed a very serious choke, that our fabulous vets were unfortunately unable to clear. He was quickly referred to RVC as an in patient, who did manage to clear the choke via gastroscope after 16 hours. Unfortunately one of the common side effects to prolonged choke is Pneumonia due to inhaling food particles and fluid into the Lungs. This can be deadly in a usually fit and healthy horse, so as you can imagine, in an elderly horse, chances of survival are minimal.
Polo came home from RVC after 5 days of being in, and continuous IV antibiotics and fluids. For us to continue his care, armed with more antibiotics.
It was touch and go for the first 24 hours, and we actually had yet another mild incident of choke, we think it was caused by his throat still being so swollen, despite now only having a diet of Mushy feed. Luckily he managed to clear this one himself, and fairly quickly.
Polo has just had his post discharge check up with my vets for the Pneumonia, and our wonderful vets have given him the all clear! Saying he defies all logic, at his age, no one was expecting a positive outcome. But he has done it! Fought and won!
Such an amazing little man. The best Christmas present for us all at Ivy Hall.
Especially his best friend Bruce 😍

A Huge thanks to all involved, who have battled with us to keep him here.
Our amazing vets Fuller Equine
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) for their extra special care.
And Nags On the Move Horseboxhire-Transport for promptly getting Polo to horsepital

21/01/2020

So I am guessing that Polo has decided that spring must be on it's way (great news) as he has picked one of the coldest days of winter this year to start shedding his mammoth coat! Funny old boy 😍

03/01/2020

Happy New year everyone.
I have had several enquiries over the last few weeks for livery, unfortunately at the moment I am unable to take any new horses in until toward the end of March.
Due to the adverse weather we have had over the last few months our winter turnout fields have suffered a lot more than they would usually. In order for us to maintain 24/7 turnout for our current horses, we feel that we cannot accommodate any more footfall on them until the ground dries back up.

However if you are looking for a long term home for your much loved retired horses, and can wait until March/April, please do contact us.

03/12/2019

Horse to human ages. How old are your horses?
This would make our oldest resident 88 and our youngest 28!!

30/11/2019

Yes we have some mud, hard not to after the amount of rain we have had recently. But No, we haven't closed our fields or even restricted turnout. The horses are still all out 24/7.
They have field shelters and hard standing areas not that they are on them much, and plenty of natural shelter too.

24/11/2019

Spot the horses. You can just about make them out through the miserable weather.
This was taken on the new field cctv camera. :)

19/11/2019

Just as the Sun starts setting at Ivy Hall is one of my favourite times of day. All of the horses are fed, rugs changed for the night time and hayed again. Lots of peace and quiet, and luckily for us not too much mud yet. Considering all of our horses live out 24/7 and the amount of rain we have had lately. We are managing ok.

19/11/2019

These two make me chuckle. Both so different in character. Bliss (left) is timid and shy, but occasionally likes a fuss, Belle (right) is the absolute opposite.follows me around like a dog, begging for horse treats. Loves a cuddle and a scratch.

12/11/2019

Bruce loves his hay saver slow feeder.
Much safer than haynets for him, he likes to get his rugs hooked on them, and much better for his neck and back.
He makes less mess with it too, so less wasted hay.

10/11/2019

07/11/2019

So happy to see little Polo is managing to hold his weight a bit better this year. It is always a juggling act, due to having laminitis and Cushing, added with very little left in the way of teeth and the fact that he is 30, and suffers with intermittent bouts of upset tummy makes finding appropriate feed a constant struggle.
He is currently fed Topspec Fibre Plus as a hay replacer 2 1/2 scoops a day soaked. Half a scoop of speedi beet and a mug of baileys lo cal for vits and minerals. And protein acid ease. Split between 3 meals a day.
We also chop his hay up in to chaff so he has something to chew on (well gum on ) throughout the day and night.
After nearly losing him last year through colic and dramatic weight loss, I am very pleased with how he looks coming into winter.