Abbotts View Livery

Barefoot and Back to Nature

About

Abbotts View Farm is a small family run farm based in the beautiful village of Aston Abbotts, situated between Aylesbury and Leighton Buzzard in Buckinghamshire.

Our farm is home to a variety of animals and we breed alpacas, and keep sheep, pygmy goats, ducks, rabbits and g-pigs! For more information please visit Abbotts View Alpacas.

Abbotts View Livery was created by me, Amy, the eldest daughter of three, as I felt there was need for a livery for like-minded people and their barefoot equine partners!

The 'traditional' way of keeping horses (shod, stabled and turned out onto lush grass) that has been performed for many years works for some, but for most has huge faults and negative impacts that need addressing, to enable horses to be healthier both physically and mentally. We need a way of keeping horses that provides more turn-out, decreased behavioural problems, more movement and better management of the high sugar and starch grasses of England that are detrimental to the health of the majority of today's horses (think EMS, Laminitis, obesity, cushings).

Being able to keep horses living out 24/7, year round, whilst still managing grass intake and your horses mental and physical well-being is a huge task, whether your horse is retired or in full ridden work. A track system is a new and exciting way of keeping horses that provides all of these things, and I believe, is the key to having mentally and physically healthier horses.

So after a lots of research, budgeting, planning and dreaming my vision of running a yard came to fruition! I feel so excited to be able to create a livery environment that I dreamed about for me and my horses, and I'd love to share it with you and your equine partner.

My mission is to create a livery yard for like-minded people where their horses are free to express their natural behaviours and is a place of retreat, where people challenge themselves to build on their relationships with their horses and offer encouragement, guidance and support to one another.

"The key to having physically and mentally healthier horses" Jaime Jackson

Our Tracks

What is a Track System?

Find out what a track system is, and why we keep our horses this way.

Our Tracks

We currently have two tracks, and two herds. Find out how our tracks are laid out, and what hardstandings/features they include.

How We Hay

Find out how we give our horses hay, in order to increase movement and control weight gain, whilst allowing horses to be ad-lib as nature intended.

Our Fencing

Find out about what makes our fencing so superior in equine safety and security

Livery

What's Included

What's included in livery

Facilities

Facilities included in livery

Pricing

Cost per calendar month

Livery Availability

Find out if we have any vacancies in either herd

TRACK SYSTEMS GUIDE BOOK

BUY NOW

Track Systems Book

Track Systems Book image

My new book 'Horse Track Systems: A How To Guide to a Healthier Horse in Body and Mind' was released end of November 2022 and is OUT NOW!!!

Over 100 five star reviews on amazon! Read some of my favourites here.

Buy directly from me for a SIGNED COPY by click here (dispatched in 3-5 working days) UK ONLY

For the rest of the world please buy through Amazon. Please note that some countries will not be able to buy the standard print version of my book and will need to purchase the premium colour print version (Australia and New Zealand)

If you would like a signed copy and you live outside the UK, please contact me for a price for postage to your country.



A track system or 'Paddock Paradise' is an exciting new way of keeping horses that was created by Jaime Jackson, who spent years researching into horses' natural environments and studying how they live in the wild.

Rather than being turned out into paddocks, a track is fenced along the perimeter of the paddock, allowing for restricted grazing and increased movement.
Laminitis, colic, obesity, EMS and other equine health problems are on the rise and the majority of these are caused by incorrect management. A Track System looks back to nature, and aims to mimic this within a domesticated environment creating a way of living that is closer to what nature intended, and in turn, creating horses that are healthier in both body and mind.
In a nut shell, a track system:

  • Increases movement whilst reducing grass intake
  • Mimics the horse's natural environment
  • Allows horses to express their natural behaviour
  • Discourages vices and unwanted behaviour
  • Creates a stimulating and enriched environment for the horse
  • Allows 24/7 turnout 365 days a year
  • Has many health benefits including a lower risk of our most common health problems such as stomach ulcers and laminitis.
This book goes into detail about what a track system is and how you can create, build or improve your own track for either or your own horses or as a livery business, to create happier and healthier horses.

This book includes:
- What is a track system?
- Detailed descriptions and step by step instructions on different surface options and how to implement them
- Track system templates
- Introducing new horses on track
- Creating points of enrichment
- Running a track system as a business

And much much more!

Track System Consultancy

Do you want to set up your own Track System? Whether it be for your own horses or as a livery? Do you want to make a huge difference to your horses and/or other horses in your area and do something that you LOVE everyday?

See Track Consultancy below for more information

Track system consultancy

Do you want to set up your own Track System? Whether it be for your own horses or as a livery? Do you want to make a huge difference to your horses and/or other horses in your area and do something that you love everyday?

Setting up a Track System is not easy. How wide to make the track? What surfaces and fencing to use? How do you introduce new horses to the herd? These are all questions I can help you with. From my experience, through trial and error and some expensive and emotionally draining mistakes along the way, I can help to ensure you don't make the same mistakes too!

I started Abbotts View Livery in 2016, and over the past 5 years I have learnt more than I ever imagined about track systems, herd dynamics and horses in general. I am the only track livery of my kind within a 2 hour travel radius, making my business a niche, and a huge risk when I started - not knowing whether I would get any interest, let alone actual clients!

Five years on with a full livery yard of happy horses and clients and a long waiting list, I now find myself receiving a huge number of emails, FB messages, comments etc from horse owners and new business owners alike asking for advice. That number seems to have increased exceptionally in the last few months and I am excited to be able to offer this as a service!


Please click here to see our separate website for consultancy services. 
Track system consultancy imageTrack system consultancy image

Jobs - Work with us

No Jobs Available

Please contact us if you are interested in working with us and we will keep your details on record and contact you should anything arise. 
Apply Now

Meet Our Horses

Bloo

Buckthorn

Little Buck

Darroch

Ben

Owen

Mojo

Cracker

Arrow

Saphy

Pepper

Diva

Willow

Maggie

Shirley

Meet our Humans

Amy

Founder and Yard Owner, owner of Buckthorn, Saphy and Arrow

Curtis

Amy's husband - Main maintenance man!!

Flynn

Head Groom

Joanne

Farm Owner

James

Farm Owner

Evie

Groom

Em

Owner of Bloo and Shirley

Izzy

Owner of Little Buck

Amy

Owner of Darroch, Ben and Owen

Jenny

Owner of Pepper

Sarah

Owner of Diva

Charlotte and Lily

Sharers of Ben, Darroch and Owen

Livery Testimonials

     

 My bare-foot trimmer suggested Abbotts View Livery when I was looking to move my rather fragile thoroughbred from a yard that was fading and closed-down three weeks after I left. It was the second yard where the owners had moved on and I wanted to find somewhere run by someone young and enthusiastic. Amy was young 22 or 23 when we arrived. There was a track, a barn, a lot of wind, alpacas and boundless energy. The flatness and the wind put me off. The horses, the humans and the mission statement that could have been written for me won me over. "My mission is to create a livery yard for like-minded people where their horses are free to express their natural behaviour and is a place of retreat, where people challenge themselves to build on their relationships with their horses and offer encouragement, guidance and support to one another." We moved. Flare is a complicated creature and the track system ended up not suiting her. I fell for Amy, her family, her partner Curtis and my fellow liveries, but thought I had to move my horse again. She was seizing up, (partly old injuries, party her reluctance to move) and her fragile thoroughbred soles were getting thinner by the minute. Meanwhile tracks had moved, a round pen had been built, another barn put up, roads put down. I loved the sense of being in on something as it grew. A wind turbine appeared, as did a cattery, and happy crowds of alpaca walkers and needle-felters. I felt gutted, but said to Amy I was thinking of moving my horse. She said what does she need. I said, ‘An old fashioned paddock and a friend’. Amy provided it. We stayed. She did better and then sadly worse again. I decided to retire her At the same time, I decided to find a horse who was structurally sound and whom I could ride. Martine Lettau of Spanish Mustang’s came into my life, as did Bloo. She’d written a piece about him, and that was pretty much all I needed. He has exceeded all my expectations and although I thought I would have him where Flare moved to, I decided I would rather travel to two different places that lose the magic that I’d found at Abbotts View. The horses, the people who love them; their generosity, modelled by Amy and her willingness to come with, hold, wait, support, laugh, chat and photograph, just at the right moment. She not only looks after our horses but looks after us. Herbs, bushes, mounds, schools are being spoken of. There is little that stops this young woman. Hooray! It is not perfect, but I have incredibly happy times here with horses and humans. I recommend it. A last comment. I have never been photographed so much in my life as I have by Amy. It makes me laugh. I’m beginning to love it. Em Farrell 

Em Farrell
     

 "I moved my horses over 200 miles to bring them here after looking at so many yards I never thought I'd find what I was after. I needed somewhere to suit my arthritic, laminitis-prone, retired horse where he could live out and enjoy being a horse without being in horrible restricted paddocks. Amy cares so much about the horses and goes above and beyond to make sure they are happy. My horses are so relaxed and happy and I am too because I know that they are well looked after when I'm not there. " Louise, owner of Dan and Lenny 

Louise Stobbs
     

 I joined AV in August 2017 with my two hensons horses Bull and Belle. Bull has insulin regulation issues and has steadily gained weight since coming to the UK, which became too much of a problem. They have always been barefoot so after coming to view the yard on a Wednesday, Bull and Belle arrived on Friday !!! I have never looked back ! AV is everything I’d hoped for and more. On top of the feature that Amy works hard on (no mud, horse safe fencing, etc... see website), I have found so much more. Physically my girls have changed, from never being stabled anymore, constant movement, and meeting various surfaces... their feet are so much better too. They no longer need hoofboots when going on stony ground. Mentally both horses are happier too ! Belle used to be a complicated horse, scared of everything. She is now in regular work, improving her physical fitness and emotional fitness everyday through the variety of environments we can work on/with (hack/forest/fields/round pen/local schools). The ability to hire schools next door or down the lane helped this winter too. I truly believe we wouldn’t be as advanced as we are now in our work and relationship if we hadn’t come to AV ! What it changed for me is also very important : I don’t worry about my horses anymore !!! Amy takes care of all the horses like her own (if not more), so being away on holiday (or a sick child, etc) is never a worry. One of my horses allowed Amy to approach her when she was napping in the field before she allowed me, that’s how good Amy is ! I have also found a group of likeminded friends, with different life paths which is always enriching and in turn benefits our horses too. I am impressed by Amy's constant aim to better the facilities and her ability to second guess and reassess. Amy also tries hard to take everyone’s opinion into consideration, which is great comfort, discussion is always welcome. Being able to just relax, laugh and breathe, in harmony with humans and horses (and alpacas and pigs and goats and sheep)... that’s the invaluable feeling at abbotts view. 

Dona Poitrat
     

 Moving our old boy to Abbott’s View gave him a new lease of life, and he enjoyed a bonus two years in a loving environment that really suited his arthritis. Although we couldn’t stop the inevitable he had the best retirement possible, with people and horses who loved, cared for, and respected him. Nothing was too much trouble for Amy, and she treated him as one of her own (and spoiled him rotten!), for which we will be forever grateful. 

Graham Turner
     

 When I think of the lengths I have had to go to with previous horses to manage their weight and, in one case, severe metabolic issues, I wish I had found a track system earlier. My PRE mare moved to Abbotts View in December and despite having 8 weeks off during lock down in the peak grass season, she is 50kg down on this time last year and maintaining a healthy weight without having to spend time in a stable, have her diet restricted or wear a muzzle. 

Liz Williams
     

 My idea of horsey heaven - Amy is wonderful and i know my horses are cared for exactly as if I were there, even when I'm not! She loves them all and treats them all as well as she does her own. 

Anna Walton
     

 Abbotts View Livery is an amazing place for horses. My mare has arthritis in her hock, and needs to move or she gets very stiff. She can also suffer from sugar related problems in the spring/summer. The track system means she is moving all year round, has constant access to forage, without risk of weight gain and metabloic issues. Amy is vigilant, and as soon as she sees as issue she acts. Due to the great set up, it is easy to manage issues without a whole heap of stress. The fencing is also super safe and strong (gone are my days of catching escapees and reinforcing electric fences!!). The track, neighbouring field and round pen mean I can exercise my mare safely, and Amy also helps with this when I'm busy. A lovely relaxed environment with lovely relaxed, knowledgeable staff. highly recommended. 

Laura Ward

 I moved my horses to Abbotts View in July 2020 after having turned them away on another track over 150 miles away from home in the early part of that year for rehabilitation purposes. Despite the fact they were doing brilliantly, I was extremely keen to have them much closer to me but intent on keeping them on track so was delighted when spaces came available 20 miles away instead at Abbotts View. From day 1 of my first communication with Amy I have always found her to be sensible, practical, highly knowledgeable and with wisdom far beyond her years. Her passion for the space she has created, the philosophy for her business and each and every animal at Abbotts View is incredible. I have a retired racehorse and a quarter horse who both have several different issues ranging from hormonal, confirmation, impact of a traumatic racing life and injury recovery and at times have been at my wits end trying to find the best for them. My quarter horse in particular has struggled with being highly grass affected and prone to bouts of laminitis, a deep digital flexor tendon tear that never seemed to fully recover and general foot soreness. She suffered with abscesses during the year as well as struggling a lot as her soles were so thin. My ex-racer had difficulty keeping his condition and was extremely stiff (likely arthritic) behind as well as still finding it hard to be barefoot. Roll on a few months and my horses are both doing brilliantly. The combination of Amy’s hard work and commitment and Kat, our trimmer’s great advice and handiwork mean they have made it through a tough old winter more sound, in great condition and generally in the most brilliant head spaces. This is really important for me as I use the horses for therapy work and need them to be happy in body and mind in order to be able to offer themselves up to others. I can’t recommend track life enough and especially Abbotts, a truly special place. Infact, I’m starting to think we will never leave!!! 

Claudia Ackenson
     

 Having Dreamer at Abbott’s View Livery is an absolute weight off my mind. Knowing that he is happy, playing with his friends and receiving the best of care possible, is such a relief. He is a sensitive soul therefore eyes on him is needed and I know with Amy and the team, that is always the case 

Charlotte Bagg
     

 My pony Buck was diagnosed with EMS nearly 2 years ago and it was a tough ride. I had to pull him off of grass and away from his herd and I watched him slowly get more sad, get thinner and he lost the spark in his eye. Everything done was cruel to be kind but it broke my heart seeing him so down and I didn't know if I could ever make it better for him again. Until I stumbled across Abbotts View Livery website and it just seemed perfect. I was prepared to be put on a waiting list in the hope that one day me and Buck could join the yard. But Amy had a space come available and soon enough we were making the move and I can tell you, I never want to look back. I have my old pony back and it puts a lump in my throat to see him so happy again. Amy is caring, attentive, loves them all like their own, vigilant, passionate and so helpful. As a very protective pony mum, I have no issues or concerns leaving Bucks primary care down to Amy. Buck is living his best EMS life and its a huge weight off of my shoulders. Thank you and Amy and Team 

Izzy Louise
     

 When I think of the lengths I have had to go to with previous horses to manage their weight and, in one case, severe metabolic issues, I wish I had found a track system earlier. My PRE mare moved to Abbotts View in December and despite having 8 weeks off during lock down in the peak grass season, she is 50kg down on this time last year and maintaining a healthy weight without having to spend time in a stable, have her diet restricted or wear a muzzle. 

Liz Williams
  

Worm counts

Worm counts image
We complete all of the FEC worm tests for our liveries to ensure we are not worming horses unless required.

Faecal egg counts are essential to find out it your horse has worms, and if so how seriously they are affected. Routine worming is no longer recommended as this can lead to parasites becoming resistant to horse wormers.

We perform worm counts every 3 months and worm accordingly. This also enables us to keep track of each horse's individual worm count, and monitor whether they rise or decrease and be on the look out for any resistance issues. 

We can also offer worm counts for horses outside of the livery. All that's required is a faecal sample.

Please contact us for more information.


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F.A.Q

 How is a track and equi-central system different to grass livery?

Unlike grass livery, on this system horses only have limited access to grass and are fed a diet of ad lib hay instead, which is lower in sugar and starch and therefore a better forage for horses.

This system also requires a HUGE amount of maintenance, from winter proofing to making sure hay stations are never empty and the track/corral/paddocks are cleared of droppings. Surfaces are frequently needing to be topped up and new hardstanding’s are put in place as the weather dictates. Horses are encouraged to be on the move, eating little and often, as they would naturally.

What is a track system?

Rather than being turned out into paddocks, a track is fenced along the perimeter of the paddock, allowing for restricted grazing and increased movement. The horses are fed ad lib hay, and the track creates minimal grass. Horses are encouraged to forage as they would naturally and are fed a diet of ad lib hay from various slow feeding stations around the track.

See 'What is a track system' for more info.

My horse has never been on a track system before and I am worried about feeding ad lib. Surely he will just eat and eat until all the hay is gone?

Before I first trialled my horses on the mini track this was one of my main concerns too, especially as one of my horses is a rescue, a case of neglect who was found starved and malnourished. I thought he would see the hay and eat and eat until he keeled over with colic! However, I needn't have worried. It didn't take him long to realise that because the hay never ran out he didn't need to scoff it as soon as it appeared! Within a few days I was returning to half full haynets and happy full horses who would never have to feel the horrid and unnatural pains of hunger again!

Plus, all of the hay stations on the track are fed through small holed nets/slow feeders, to slow the eating process, waste as little hay as possible, and avoid new trackies from gorging on the hay. If you are really concerned about your horse adapting to track life, please don't hesitate contact me and discuss what we can do to help- we can even double-bag haynets for a few days until your equine friend realises that the food is always available and he/she doesn't need to gorge.

But horses are just supposed to eat grass and it can't do them any damage, right?

Wrong! Our grasses today can be extremely dangerous to horses, especially in the Spring, causing common problems such as obesity and laminitis and can even cause fatalities if not restricted. Our grasses have changed so much when compared to grass that the wild horse would graze; Grass in England seems to be predominantly cow grasses, which are rich in sugar and high in starch = not the best forage for horses! The horse is designed to move a lot and eat little and often, but alot of the time our horses are seen just standing and eating, and not really doing much moving at all.
The wild horse would travel miles per day, stopping to eat a little grass and graze plants as they went. Our system mimics this natural behaviour, and reduces the risks of health problems caused by non-restrictive access to sugary grass, that are becoming more and more common. The horses kept at here are allowed access to grass during the winter months when it has stopped growing and to restricted grazing during the summer, alongside ad lib hay and hedges to browse.

Do the horses have to be barefoot?

The clue is in our name! Yes they do. This is not only because we believe this is the healthiest and best option for your horse’s all round longevity, health and welfare, but also because it minimises risks of injury in a herd environment. We also feed our horses from ground nets, which the horses could potentially get a horse shoe caught in.

Do you have stables?

Yes – we have two huge airy stables in an indoor barn that is directly opposite the farm house. The stables are only for ‘emergency’ use, such as if a horse has an injury that requires box rest, or for the vet/farrier/grooming etc. We also have two surfaced pens with shelters on the main yard that can be used instead of stables in a box rest situation.

Do the horses live out all year?

Yes - Our horses live out 24/7 365 days a year. They always have access to the large hardstanding’s/corrals situated at the front of the track’s with a walk in/out barn.

Are the tracks open all year round?

Yes!

Do the horses have access to grass?

A very small amount yes. Our tracks are not surfaced apart from the big hardstanding’s at the front, which we feel is more natural and beneficial to the horses. This means that some grass roots do grow on track which we find encourages the horses to move more and provides enrichment. There is never more than short sprouts of grass so no horses that are at risk of lami etc. will be affected.

If your horse requires grass this can be arranged and he can be given access to our carefully managed track middle paddocks. 

What if I want my horse to have some grass?

We are very flexible here at AVL. If you have a young or old horse who can eat grass, we always have one of the paddocks in the centre of the track free for them to go into as you please. At the moment, we have one old retired boy who goes into the field overnight to enjoy the Spring grass and help him keep condition.

What if my horse or I don't get with this type of horse keeping?

As much as I think keeping horses on tracks and/or equicentral systems is the way forward, I understand that it may not work for every horse, be it for a medical reason or behavioural problem or an owner problem!! Some horses (or owners!) may be so set it in being kept 'traditionally' that they may struggle to adapt, or some horses may be too food aggressive and a danger or threat to other track members. For this reason, any new member is required to complete 3 month's trial - this way you can decide whether the livery is right for you and your horse, and I can decide whether you and your horse are right for the livery!

Why do you have two herds?

We have two herds because we found two smaller herds of 6-8 horses works better than one big herd. This is because not all horses get along, lots of geldings have stallion retained behaviours so cannot live with mares, and because from a management and safety point of view, it works better! We have one herd of geldings only, and one mixed herd.

Do you have a farrier/ trimmer/ep?

Yes, we have an excellent equine podiatrist called Katherina Jay who has been coming to AVL since we opened - see her website. You can however, use whoever you like, whether this be a barefoot trimmer/ep or a farrier.

Do any of them get a feed?

Yes, in fact all of our horses get a feed every morning. It is entirely dependent on the owner as to what they have and whether they get fed, but we recommend that all horses are fed a vit and min balancer, and salt daily. Some horses also require medications and supplements to help with various issues. However, none of them get fed any feeds that contain molasses, or high sugar. The majority get a handful of chaff, and a balancer and salt, and only a few have more bulk or linseed to help maintain condition.

Does anybody ride?

Yes!! The majority of horses here are ridden.

Do you have local hacking?

Yes – see facilities for more info or our gallery for pictures. We also have a huge surfaced round pen for riding and ground work all year round, as well as the choice of two neighbouring schools if required.

Do any of the horses wear rugs?

Yes if they require it. A lot of it is owner preference but we try to encourage the owners to not over rug. The horses don’t need rugs unless they are clipped, underweight, old, young, or have a lack of immunity/on-going condition.

Do you have worming programme?

Yes. Our horses are worm counted and only wormed if required. I am trained to do faecal egg counts, so samples are collected and tests done on site. We also saliva test for Tapeworm and/or treat for tapeworm and encysted red worm once a year.

Do you quarantine new arrivals?

Yes. As instructed by our vet, horses have to be blood tested for strangles 2 weeks before arrival, and are then quarantined for one-two weeks once they arrive, and have a second blood test two weeks after the first to ensure they are strangles free. Don’t worry though, your horse will not be required to be stabled for quarantine as we have appropriate surfaced pens where they can see other horses.

Contact

  • Aston Abbotts, Aylesbury HP22 4NF, UK
  • Abbotts View Farm