Having welcomed in 2025, we are delighted that we’ve had a fairly dry spell of weather of late. It’s never an easy time to run a livery during darker days and colder wintery weather. But, having a relatively dry spell over the last few weeks makes things run more smoothly. The fact that there have been alot of riders managing to get out and about and enjoy the fabulous hacking makes this time of year better for the horses and riders.

The fields always get muddy at the gateways in winter, as the horses are turned out every day to enjoy the benefits of grazing, stretching their legs and being part of the herd. It should never be underestimated how important it is for the horses health to be given the acres of space to roam the fields and be sociable and secure within the herd.

We  keep things ticking by defrosting water pipes, putting  hay out for the horses who graze in the fields all year as well as making sure the horses have their needs met and the water troughs are defrosted every morning. It’s a busy time of year but it’s also a time and opportunity to make sure our paper work is up to date. We take time to undergo training to keep up to date for our British Horse Society  stamp of approval. These measures are in place to ensure that health and saftey standards are being  met within our livery yard. We believe its something all yards should be doing for their customers in this day and age. Being professional as yard owners and having systems in place  to ensure we are running the yard with saftey at the forefront of everything we do makes our customers feel  relaxed in the knowledge that we are making the yard a safe and secure place to be. Here at Blackfaulds Farm & Livery, Alloa, we value our customers and love nothing better than to see them getting  enjoyment from their steed and equine friends. Let’s look ahead to the lighter morning and  evenings to squeeze in more time to spend with our horses and ponies.