Downs-Side Riding Centre

21/08/2025

Neville the fussy eater update!!! Neville is an older horse and as such keeping the weight on is really important for him. With grazing being so poor this summer (please rain) we have had the challenge of feeding him additional feeds.
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I am not exaggerating when I say that Nev is the fussiest eater you will ever meet. He will even turn his nose up at a carrot if you give it to him for too long! This makes it hard to get him on to a feeding pattern as he starts to refuse food after about a week!
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But we have had a breakthrough! We have found a mash he likes and are supplementing it with other hard feeds to mix it up for him. We have also found that feeding him first thing in the morning helps. He also seems to have a sixth sense for when it was made, so speedy beet that can be made quickly rather than left over night has made a difference.
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So why are we sharing this? To encourage anyone in the same position to keep at it. You will be able to find what works and get a feeding pattern in place. Nev is gaining weight and looking better everyday. Owning older horses can be a worry but it can also be rewarding. 💚
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20/08/2025

Swipe for instagram versus reality and prepare you self for a terrifying visage!!! 😂
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19/08/2025

Bertie enjoying a massage from the wonderful .equinemassage yesterday. This kind of work can help release tension and identify any sore spots your horse may have. Bertie was all fine and just had a relaxing spa afternoon!
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18/08/2025

Ruby showing off her pretty face!
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17/08/2025

Throw back to when the fields had grass in them! 😭
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16/08/2025

We have our most loved school master up for full loan to stay on current yard at Downs Side !

Storm is up for full loan ! Storm is 10’2hh and is 16 years old

If anyone knows Storm then you’ll know he was and still is one of the most loved Downs Side riding school ponies we’ve ever had. He’s taught many young children to ride and absolutely loves his job ! He’ll stand all day to be groomed & bathed. A perfect pony to do all sorts with. He’d suit any child that’s starting to ride at lead rein pony or if you’re moving onto your second pony. He’ll turn his hoof to anything. Lovely 3 rhythmical paces in walk trot & canter. Enjoys jumping and hacking out ! If you would like more information about Storm please message us today.

As a loaner we expect you to take full responsibility for the everyday care of looking after storm. This includes mucking out, brushing, handling, rugging when necessary, riding. Keeping his tack clean.

Other responsibilities of a full loan will be paying any additional fees such as farrier (every 6-8 weeks) taking out riders and horse insurance inc vet insurance. And vets, physio, worming bills are also expected to paid by you.

£300 pcm + any additional fees when needed

16/08/2025

Babs giving me serious side eye because I was flapping a hat about trying to get her ears forward! 😂
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15/08/2025

15/08/2025

NO MORE RESPONCES PLEASE...
Thank you to all that has responded to this post and there has been a lot, to all that has responded we will get back to you and let you know what has been decided, once again thank you all.

Hi all we have just had our Andalusian horse 16.1 become available for part loan, she is very safe and sweet, please contact us if you have any further questions.

14/08/2025

Little creeper Latté lives nothing more than a mid afternoon nap! Whilst chatting to her owner this week it has been really interesting to see the difference of going to a dry yard to being stabled. She is actually looking better than she did because now because her owner is able to manage her food intake and turn out.
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Getting the balance of food intake and turn out can be a challenge for horse owners. Every horses needs will be different and it will depend on their breed, any health conditions they may have and the amount of work they are doing.
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13/08/2025

Let’s talk road hacking! In the UK we have bridleways but usually you will have to ride on the road for a period of time before you get to the bridleway. Also we are losing access to a lot of our bridleways which is forcing more and more riders on to the roads. Here are our top tips for staying safe on the roads:
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1. Wear hi-vis clothing and the more the merrier! It will make you more visible to drivers.
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2. Use the correct tack. If you are in a good bridle and saddle you will be in a better position to stay in control of something does go wrong.
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3. Wear a go-pro or another type of camera so you are able to record any drivers and incidents. Also always carry a phone so you are able to call for help if needed.
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4. Report any incidents to the society. They track road incidents across the UK.
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6. Try to avoid driving at peak traffic times when there would be more cars on the road.
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11/08/2025

The face of a horse trying to make friends with Cherry! (She wasn’t interested! Check out our reels for the full drama).
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