Phone 07796 315546

Alders Farm Retirement livery

A tranquil, natural equine paradise based just outside Ashbourne, Derbyshire, within the Peak District National Park.

We are a family run business offering a very special home to horses for their retirement years.

Please phone or message Ellen or James on 07796315546 for a friendly chat to see if Alders could be the perfect home for your horse or pony

We have 60 acres of beautiful pastureland allowing all year 24/7 herd turnout in large fields. It features natural water sources, hills, wooded areas and plentiful natural shelter and mental enrichment. Horses are thoroughly checked daily, and we live here on-site. The herd is managed and overseen by Ellen who is a Veterinary Surgeon, and who’s own retired horse was the inspiration for the business and part of the herd until he passed away aged 30 in spring 2025.

Our ethos lies in providing a home and management system that is as close as possible to a natural equine life, we believe this provides the best welfare for retired horses.

What we offer at Alders:

  • Horses either live out year-round 24/7 in their herd on established grassland 24/7, or there is an option for winter housing on our large sheltered hardstanding area, with free access to a loose barn and ad-lib hay/haylage
  • All routine healthcare included in price: farrier trims, vaccination (flu and tetanus), worming programs (egg counts, and worming where necessary), annual teeth check and routine rasp – we look after all routine care for your horse to keep budgeting simple
  • Treatment of minor wounds/ailments, arranging and meeting farrier/dentist/vet
  • Excellent grazing in beautiful pastureland
  • Daily checks by experienced horse-people
  • Weekly update messages and photos of your horse, if you are unable to visit in person
  • Owner visits welcomed every Saturday, and at other times by arrangement

Price: £350 per calendar month, per horse- all routine healthcare and forage included in one monthly price

Unfortunately we cannot take horses that have any history of laminitis, EMS, PSSM or severe obesity, as we do not have facility to restrict grazing. We also cannot give regular bucket hard feeds due to herd dynamics.

Client Reviews 2026:

Gala’s Owner

“I’ve had my horse on retirement livery at Alders Farm with Ellen and James for three years now, and choosing them was the best decision I could have made for her. Letting someone else take over her care was something I always struggled with, but from the very beginning they put me completely at ease.
The love, kindness and genuine dedication they show to every horse is incredible, I wouldn’t trust anyone more with her happiness and wellbeing. Seeing her so relaxed, healthy and content means everything to me.
The weekly updates and photos are so thoughtful and reassuring, and it’s clear how much care goes not only into the horses, but into the land and fields too, making sure there’s always plenty of space and grazing.
If you want the very best retirement for your horse, there is nowhere better.”

Leo and Tango’s owner:

“Moving our two boys onto Ellen and James beautiful retirement livery was the best decision we could have made. From day one, we’ve had complete peace of mind. The care and attention given to them is exceptional, and they are happier and healthier than ever. We are kept regularly updated, and nothing is ever too much trouble. It’s such a comfort knowing that they are spending their retirement in such kind and capable hands.”