FROM WORK TO REST: THE RISE OF EQUINE RETIREMENT HOMES

An increasing number of horse owners are choosing retirement homes for their beloved companions as they enter their autumn years. MumsHaynet speaks to two livery yard owners who specialise in giving elderly horses the opportunity to live their best retired lives with friends, forage, freedom - and a little extra TLC.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Haddington, just south of Lincoln, Ellen Chapman’s retirement livery offers a sanctuary for horses in their golden years.

Over the course of eight years, Ellen has built a quiet haven where retired horses can enjoy their 3Fs – friends, forage and freedom – along with specialised care to meet the individual needs that old age or career-ending injury brings.

“It takes a certain type of owner to appreciate what retirement means for a horse,” says Ellen. “Horses give us their best years, and I firmly believe we owe them the dignity of a good retirement.”

Ellen’s love for horses began in her childhood, though her family wasn’t horsey.

“I was one of those kids who begged and borrowed rides,” she recalls. “Horses were my respite. They got me through a difficult childhood, and I’ve never looked back.”

Her journey into equestrian work was anything but straightforward. From coaching in Northern Ireland to running a business connecting horse buyers and sellers, Ellen gained experience in nearly every facet of the equine world. Yet it was her deep commitment to horse welfare that led her to establish Lincoln Equine Retirement Care eight years ago.

The vision for Ellen’s livery is simple yet profound: providing horses with a natural, peaceful environment where they can thrive. Her 25-acre property is currently home to 11 horses, with another on the way.

“We give them the space to just be horses,” Ellen explains. “They can graze, forage in hedges, and form bonds with their friends.

“It’s about finding the right balance between letting them roam and giving them the care they need for their health and well-being.”

Retirement, of course, often involves managing chronic conditions like arthritis, Cushing’s disease, or laminitis.

“Horses don’t retire for no reason,” she says. “Whatever brought them to this stage needs ongoing management. For many, the constant, gentle movement of living in a herd does wonders—it’s better than any medication.”

Running a retirement livery isn’t without its hurdles. Ellen is discerning about the horses and owners she accepts. “I ask a lot of questions because I’m not just vetting the horse—I’m vetting the owner,” she says.

Some owners, she explains, view retirement livery as a temporary solution or expect the horse to deteriorate quickly. “That’s not what happens here,” Ellen asserts. “When you give a horse freedom and friends, they often thrive. We’ve had horses arrive in poor condition who, after a few months, are practically galloping around the fields.”

For Ellen, retirement livery is as much about the owners as it is about the horses. She’s seen too many people try to rehome their ageing companions without considering their well-being.

“If a horse has given you their best years, it’s your responsibility to give back,” she states passionately. “Whether that’s providing a proper retirement or, in some cases, making the difficult decision to let them go peacefully. But handing them off as a companion or light hack? That’s just wrong.”

Ellen’s dedication extends beyond providing a service; it’s about fostering a culture of respect and care in the equestrian community. “These animals live their entire lives for our enjoyment. The least we can do is ensure their later years are filled with dignity and comfort.”

As retirement livery becomes more popular, Ellen hopes her work inspires others to prioritise horse welfare. “It’s not just about giving them a place to live—it’s about giving them the life they deserve,” she says.

A Retirement Home so Good, There's a Waiting List

More than 30 years ago, Nicky van Dijk established the first private retirement home for horses in the UK. Today, her care, compassion and expertise has turned this family-run business into a multi-award-winning paradise that attracts residents from across the globe.

"It has been an incredible journey," Nicky admits. "We have horses from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Each has a unique story, and seeing them thrive here is the greatest feeling."

Nicky and her husband Raymond set up the Happy Horse Retirement Home in the 1990s after spotting a gap in the livery market.

“I've always liked the veterinary side of things,” she says. “I've done all my BHS qualifications and I just found caring for older horses exceptionally rewarding. It's a job that you have to love. It's not something you're doing for the money.

“As well as a love of horses, you do need a lot of veterinary knowledge in this game. Every day, we walk around and check the horses, and you've got to recognise when something is wrong and very quickly act on it. My daughter-in-law is also an equine vet, which helps.”

Nicky’s Happy Horse Retirement Home is a sprawling standout piece of equine heaven set in 68 acres of lush grass and rolling hills in the village of Crai in the Brecon Beacons National Park in mid-Wales. 

In the winter, each horse is stabled at night with daily turnout within their chosen groups. As well as dealing with the medical needs of each of the horses – from worming to dentistry to the administering of meds – Nicky also sends owners a monthly report and regular photos of the horses they have loved and done the best for.

It is this standard of care that has attracted clients from as far away as the Gulf and Bermuda, there are actually five horses from Dubai currently at the yard.

Unsurprisingly, there is also a waiting list of horse owners planning ahead, such is the reputation of Nicky and her team.

As well as giving former desert horses their first experience of open fields and grass, Nicky’s retirement home has proved to be a balm for the soul for other horses who have arrived in Wales after experiencing extreme trauma.

Recalling two bullfighting ponies rescued from Spain, she says: "One had a bull's horn injury through his hindquarters, so the sight of them finding peace and bonding with other horses was unforgettable."

Having seen so many horses come and, sadly, go over the years, Nicky emphasises the importance of herd dynamics at Happy Horse Retirement Home, challenging the common misconceptions of some owners.

"People often worry their horse will be bored or a 'field ornament,” she says. “But horses evolved to live in herds. They naturally find purpose within the group, whether as a leader, a lookout, or a companion."

From competition dressage champions to ex-racers, Nicky tailors each horse's environment to suit their temperament and needs. "We match them carefully,” she reveals. “Younger, playful horses won't be placed with older ones who prefer tranquillity. It's about ensuring every horse feels comfortable and valued."

Nicky frequently advises owners grappling with their horse's changing needs, advocating for understanding and patience. "Horses don't need to be ridden to have a purpose. They need space, companionship, and care – and that message is starting to be heard more and more.

"It's wonderful to see more people taking an interest in their horses' well-being. The more we understand them, the better we can care for them."

After more than thirty years in the business, and now in her 60s, Nicky is growing increasingly conscious of her own future retirement, though she says it’s nothing she will be considering anytime soon.

Her mission remains as clear today as it was when she set up Happy Horse Retirement Home: to offer a safe, nurturing environment where horses can live their golden years in peace and dignity.

"Every horse deserves a happy ending," she says.