Cross Trees Livery

08/02/2025

Love this ❤️ Our stables are completely open at the top so the horses can groom each other. It keeps them all so calm and relaxed when they need to come in.

Building stables?

Most stable designs allow horses to see each other when standing, but when lying down, other horses are out of view due to solid walls.

This can reduce the horse’s desire to lay down, which leads to a lack of REM sleep.

It follows, then, that horses who don’t sleep well because they cannot see their mates will be slower to form the habitual responses that trainers desire.

These needs surely speak to the importance of enabling the social needs of horses for optimal management and optimal learning.

Leonie Lee of Equined created a special social stable design showing the importance of touch and visibility from floor to ceiling ❤️ Check her out at: https://equined.com.au/

30/01/2025

So true. Always best to get professional advice.

Just a quick note this morning to really think where and who you are going to for feed (or any!) advice. The world of social media has so many benefits but it does come with a major red flag!! In the last week alone I have seen some very questionable ‘advice’ being thrown around on various groups. People are genuinely trying to help but some of the advice has potentially serious implications for the long term health of your horse.
Some of the instances I have seen THIS WEEK:

🥕 A cup of copra a day contains everything your horse needs alongside hay - INCORRECT

🥕 You don’t need to feed at the recommended daily allowance, just feed half quantity of balancer and they’ll get everything they need and save money - INCORRECT

🥕 X balancer is exactly the same as Y balancer but half the price - INCORRECT there will always be a reason it is so much cheaper

🥕 Corn oil will prevent ulcers - INCORRECT

Be sure to ask for advice from a trained professional/qualified expert in whatever area you are seeking help

What’s the strangest advice you have ever received or seen?! Horse 🐴

19/01/2025

Handsome Duke gives his ‘roll of approval’ on moving in day 🌟 He’s been with us 2 weeks now and has settled like a pro ❤️

19/01/2025

Saw this and thought its such a great visual illustration of pain had to share.

17/01/2025

Sun’s out so rugs off… Neala and Nugget are showing off their gorgeous shiny coats ✨ Did someone say it’s still winter? 🤣😍🥰🌟 ❤️🐴

14/01/2025

Sun ☀️ equals rug free day to roll roll roll ☺️

10/01/2025

Why we do what we do 🩷

Borrowed post with perfect words....

WHY I KEEP THE OLD HORSES

A young man stood in the entrance way to the stable trying to understand the connection with horses that his girlfriend seem obsessed with. As we chatted he hesitated for a moment before asking the question. "Why do you keep all these old horses?" he said. "They aren't being used anymore, why don't you take them to auction like other stables do?" he added. I smiled and looked out to the south. Trying to explain it isn't always about economics, I began my sermon.

"The ribbons may be faded, the applause silenced, but the memories of good rides and victory passes never leave." He cracked a smile as I went on. "Some of these horses I've bred, raised and trained. Many I have purchased. Some have been donated back to farm by their owners when they could no longer ride them. All have worked hard; all have trusted me with their welfare." I smiled back at him and then continued. "They are in fact an extension of myself. I care for them as I would like to be cared for." I went on. "Just because our bones are aged and some of us don't stride as easily or gracefully as our younger counterparts, we are wise." My visitor strained his ears to listen for more. "When they have aches and pains, I treat them. When they are tired, I rest them. And when I can no longer ease suffering, they are laid to rest by my veterinarian." I looked to the gravesite as I went on. "You see this horse business is an emotional business. It is unlike any other job you will have. These horses are a gift that are lent to us for a short time. We have a duty to care for them and not betray them. They have a history with humankind and I don't mean being displayed on a dinner plate." I continued with my sermon sadly acknowledging that the kill pen is the last stop for many unfortunate horses. "When you take on a horse, you take on a financial responsibility. It shouldn't be an impulsive purchase. You can never tire of it and throw the horse away when you are done with it." My visitor's face was softening as I pointed to a headstone. "I have a conscience that makes me at ease in my heart knowing my old friends have lived and passed on the lands they freely roamed and enjoyed. I gave them dignity in life and death and loved them all." As I turned back to face the young man, I noticed a small tear roll down his cheek. I think he got my message.

04/01/2025

Beautiful Tango recovered nicely after a few days in the stables. It was lovely for one to one pamper time, something all our horses enjoy regularly. Abscess season is upon us, and with the colder weather coming in, we hope it will reduce the chances of further abscesses this winter 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

31/12/2024

We wish you a wonderful New Year and the best 2025. 🎉🌟🩷

13/12/2024

BBC to broadcast London International highlights: find out how to watch live

Read more via link below

04/12/2024

Ohhh here comes trouble 🤣🤩🩷 Loveable Beast bounds over for kisses 🥰 He’s one of our newest members and has settled like he’s one of the OG’s. Happy, having fun, and enjoying being a horse. We’re super pleased with his weight as he’s on a tight ulcer weight management programme, so 10 points for Beast and the team 🎉

26/11/2024

Beautiful double rainbow after the storm 🌈

16/11/2024

💯% we’re with you Bucklands 🌟

12/11/2024

Captain quality assuring the hay delivery… he approves ✅ 🤩