Bourne Vale Stables

09/06/2026

What is Pony Club, and what do children really get from it?

It's more than the riding, and often more than parents and guardians expect. This article explains what Pony Club is and how it helps children thrive. (And no, your child doesn't need their own pony to take part.)

What is Pony Club and what do children learn? A guide for parents covering activities, life skills, costs and how to join at Bourne Vale Stables.

09/06/2026

There is an old saying in the horse world - No Foot, No Horse

Yesterday, Sally and Danny had a visit from Kelvin at Sandpit Forge for a refit of their specialist glue-on shoes.

These are not ordinary shoes. They are part of the careful, ongoing management that keeps both horses healthy and happy.

Sally has navicular disease, so she needs specialist support to help keep her moving well.

Danny has an autoimmune condition that affects the quality of the horn he grows. He has previously suffered with deep cracks in his hooves, which became infected. His therapeutic glue-on shoes have helped protect the hoof, allowing it to heal and grow stronger.

Both Sally and Danny have benefited hugely from this specialist farriery. Without it, they would not be sound enough to continue comfortably in lessons.

Huge thanks to Kelvin at Sandpit Forge, whose skill and patience make such a difference to them both.

This kind of care is specialist, ongoing and expensive, but it is also essential.

That is why our Pizza and Quiz Night on Friday 19th June is raising funds towards Sally and Danny’s ongoing remedial shoeing and farrier treatment.

It is one of those behind-the-scenes activities that makes a huge difference to the welfare of the horses.

08/06/2026

This year’s Pizza and Quiz Night is fast approaching 🍕🧠🐴

Last year was our most successful yet, and looking back through these photos has made us even more excited to do it all again in just a few weeks.

It was such a brilliant evening at the yard, with wood-fired pizza, drinks, plenty of laughter, a fantastic quiz and a real sense of community.

This year, we’re back on Friday 19th June, from 7pm to 10pm, with fresh wood-fired pizza from , summer drinks and cocktails available from the bar, a raffle, and another brilliant quiz to put your knowledge to the test.

We’ll also be raising funds for Sally and Danny, who both need ongoing specialist farrier care and remedial shoeing to keep them comfortable and doing what they love.

Tickets are £25 for adults and£12.50 for under 16s.
BVS members discounts are available

Bring a chair, bring your team, and come and enjoy a fantastic summer evening at Bourne Vale!

To book please call 0121 353 7174 or follow the link below:

https://www.bournevalestables.co.uk/event/quiz-pizza-night/

06/06/2026

Today we are talking about 💩

Over the last week, Abi and the rest of the team have been busy collecting and cataloguing poo samples from all of the horses and ponies.

It might not be the most glamorous job on the yard, but it is an important part of our horse welfare plan.

The samples are sent away for faecal egg counts, which help us monitor for worm eggs, including those from redworm. The results show whether a horse is shedding a low, medium or high number of eggs, which helps guide whether treatment is needed.

This matters because worming should not just be done automatically. Testing helps us target treatment properly, avoid unnecessary worming, reduce resistance to wormers, and keep the horses and ponies as healthy as possible.

At Bourne Vale, samples are checked every 8 to 12 weeks as part of the routine care plan that sits behind the scenes for each horse

Not glamorous but definitely very important!

03/06/2026

After a good spell of warm, settled weather, wet evening feeds came as a bit of a shock.

For the horses, the priority is keeping a familiar routine while adjusting to what the weather is doing. Checks, hay, water, rugs where needed, dry beds, and making sure everyone is comfortable and settled.

For the humans, it usually means waterproofs, wet boots and accepting that the yard jobs still need doing.

The horses didn’t seem bothered at all. Maybe they were pleased with the cooler weather?

Anna was slightly less impressed.

But everyone was fed, checked and settled.

Which is the bit that matters.

30/05/2026

Always wanted to learn to ride?

Or maybe you rode as a child and have been thinking about coming back to it for years.

We teach lots of adult beginners at Bourne Vale, and we know that taking the first step can feel like a big thing. Some people arrive excited, some are nervous, and most are a bit of both, which is completely normal.

We start by having a chat about your experience, your confidence, what you would like to get from riding, and anything you are worried about. From there, we help you find the perfect place to begin.

There is no right age to start, and it is never too late to take the first step.

If you have been thinking about learning to ride, or coming back to it, send us a message and we will be happy to answer any questions.

You can also visit our Adult Riding Lessons page to find out more about how lessons work and what to expect. The link is below 👇

https://www.bournevalestables.co.uk/adult-riding-lessons/

29/05/2026

A huge well done to everyone who took part in today’s Pony Club Combined Training Competition 👏🐎

Pony club members completed a dressage test in the morning, followed by a showjumping round in the afternoon. It was a brilliant opportunity for them to put into practice everything they have been working on in their lessons.

Competitions do not always go exactly to plan, and that is an important part of the learning. What impressed us most was how they responded when things did not go quite as expected. They showed determination, resilience and a real willingness to keep going.

It was lovely to see their confidence grow throughout the day.

Well done to everyone who took part. We are very proud of you all and look forward to seeing you at the next one!

27/05/2026

Today’s gallery of ponies who have had a pampering with a bath or a trim. Aren’t they looking clean and shiny ✨ 😁

How long do you think it takes us to give a deep cleaning bath?

26/05/2026

Bookings are now open for the June clinics now running on Wednesday evenings at 6pm.

Clinics are limited to 4 to 5 riders depending on the of its flat or jumping.

For more information drop a message or call the office on 01213537174

25/05/2026

Well, that was a warm one today!

On hot days, horse care is all about making sensible adjustments. Shade, hydration, rest breaks and careful timing all matter, especially for horses who work hard for us and deserve the very best care.

With the midday heat building, we brought the horses in so they could rest out of the sun, cool down, and have easy access to water.

This evening, once the temperature had dropped, they all went back out to enjoy the field again in much more comfortable temperatures!