Middletown Farm Stables

05/01/2026

This lovely Haflinger is being sold by my friend, Juliet. Oakey is a lovely young horse; Juliet has brought him on slowly and carefully with sympathetic and consistant training. He has done very well in Gaia Natural horsemanship, Juliet and Oakey train with Ellen Cochrane and together they have won prizes in competitions.
A lovely young horse for an experienced rider to love and take great pride in owning.

One of Sultans first foals from the very successful mare Betty. A very sad sale for his owner who has had him since a yearling. An exciting opportunity for an experienced rider. Please message Juliet directly for details.

11/12/2025

Reasons why having a horse in winter is better than the gym.

1. Unlimited leg day: the non negotiable task of trudging through 8 inches of mud with a wheelbarrow full of horse sh*te that you’ve filled to absolute max capacity Tetris style to try to minimise the trips to the mud heap. Which is all fine till you hit a rock.

2. Personal trainer with attitude: Your horse will absolutely scream at you if you’re late. Peloton instructors don’t pin their ears and threaten violence. At least, not the ones I’ve seen.

3. Surprise cardio: Nothing spikes your heart rate quite like watching your horse gallop around in ice-slick footing while you shout, “STOP HAVING FUN, YOU COULD DIE.”

4. Resistance training: Frozen gate latches. Frozen water buckets. Frozen taps. You have two choices, attempt to smash through hulk style or sacrifice the tiny bit of warmth that remains in your hand on an attempt to defrost. Being honest, either way results in misery.

5. Sauna benefits: Yes, it’s winter, but by the time you’ve put on 14 layers, dragged three hay bales, and chased your horse who “doesn’t feel like coming in,” you’re sweating like you sprinted up Everest.

6. Improved flexibility: Ever tried pulling a rug strap together, sunk up to your knees in mud while your horse decides to side-step like a drunk crab? Welcome to involuntary yoga.

7. Balance training: Ice patches/bog. Usually in the wind while carrying an armful of hay that is actively trying to disintergrate/enter your eyeballs. Enough said.

8. Natural weight loss program: Who needs a diet when your calories burn themselves the moment you step into the barn and you see 3 escaped horses and one open bag of sugar beet nuts.

9. Mental toughness: Nothing is mentally tougher than a horse owner who is calling the vet out of hours on a Sunday night.

10. Built-in accountability: Your gym doesn’t care if you skip. Your horse does. Your horse really does. He will remember. Forever.

So really, you’re absolutely justified in swan-diving face-first into that tin of miniature Christmas chocolates you were “technically saving.” Even if it’s breakfast. Especially if it’s breakfast…

18/11/2025

Absolutely fascinating

Taste buds

Something a bit different that I wanted to share with you.

How cool are these two taste buds at the rear of the horses tongue.

I saw so many amazing things during the dissection that blew my mind away.

The position of them allows the horse to detect the bitterness right before swallowing, giving one final safety check for any harmful substances.

They are called vallate papillae & they’re the biggest taste bud structures in the horse. Each one sits in its own trench, and the walls of that trench are packed with taste receptors.

When I ran my finger over them they felt like firm, circular discs.

There’s well over 5,000 taste buds spread across:
the surface of the tongue
the soft palate
and the throat region.

Zoom in & have a good look at them.

☺️

13/11/2025

Good Morning, Evening Star

Good Morning, Little Hen

How lovely to see these two greeting each other and having a little chat. I had just let the hens out and Evening Star was waiting to go out to the paddock whilst I put her mackintosh on - ready for rolling in the wet mud. This is particularly nice because she can be a very nervous horse but she was completely calm and happy and even seemed pleased to see the little hen.

Evening Star is an

04/10/2025

The Bond Between Humans & Arabians: Why It’s Unique | By Arabian Horse Times

The Arabian horse is often called a living legend, not only for its beauty, intelligence, and endurance but also for its deep and lasting connection with humans. For thousands of years, this iconic breed has shared a special bond with people, a relationship that is as extraordinary as the Arabian horse itself. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique characteristics of Arabian horses that foster this bond and the history that has made it so profound.

A History Rooted in Partnership
The relationship between humans and Arabian horses dates back over 4,500 years to the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Bedouin tribes relied on these horses for survival, as they were essential for transportation, warfare, and herding. Arabian horses were treated as members of the family, often living alongside their owners in tents. This close relationship fostered mutual trust and a deep understanding between humans and horses, laying the foundation for their enduring bond.

Unlike other breeds, the Arabian horse’s history is intertwined with stories of loyalty, courage, and companionship. Bedouins selectively bred Arabians not only for their physical traits but also for their temperament, favoring horses that were calm, gentle, and willing to work closely with humans.

Intelligence and Sensitivity
One of the most remarkable traits of the Arabian horse is its intelligence. This breed is known for its quick learning ability and keen sensitivity to human emotions. Arabians are highly perceptive animals that can sense the mood and energy of their handlers, often responding in ways that demonstrate empathy and understanding.

This intelligence and sensitivity make Arabian horses highly trainable and versatile. Whether in endurance racing, dressage, or pleasure riding, Arabians excel in various disciplines because of their ability to form strong connections with their riders and adapt to different challenges.

Loyalty and Trust
The loyalty of the Arabian horse is legendary. Historically, these horses were bred to stay close to their handlers, even in the harsh conditions of the desert. This instinctive loyalty has carried over to modern Arabians, who are known for forming strong, lasting bonds with their owners.

Many Arabian horse owners describe their relationship with their horse as more than just a partnership—it’s a friendship. Arabians are known to seek out human companionship, often following their owners around and displaying affection in ways that feel almost dog-like. This level of trust and loyalty is rare among horse breeds, making the bond with an Arabian truly unique.

A Breed of Personality
Arabian horses are not only intelligent and loyal but also full of personality. They are curious, playful, and often display a sense of humor that endears them to their owners. Their expressive faces, large eyes, and lively demeanor make them incredibly engaging animals to interact with. These traits make the bond between humans and Arabians feel more personal and dynamic.

The Spiritual Connection
Many owners and riders describe their bond with Arabian horses as a spiritual experience. There is something almost otherworldly about the Arabian’s grace, beauty, and presence. This connection goes beyond physical interaction, delving into a deeper understanding and harmony between horse and human.

In Arabian culture, these horses are considered a gift from God and are often associated with spiritual significance. This reverence has carried over into modern times, where Arabians continue to inspire awe and admiration worldwide.

Caring for an Arabian Horse
Building a bond with an Arabian horse requires patience, respect, and mutual trust. These horses thrive on attention and interaction, making regular grooming, training, and companionship essential. They are not just work animals but true companions who thrive in environments where they feel loved and valued.

Owners who invest time and effort into understanding their Arabian horse are rewarded with a connection that feels almost magical. The more you give to an Arabian, the more it gives back, deepening the bond with every interaction.

Why the Bond is Unique
The bond between humans and Arabian horses is unique because of their history, temperament, and inherent qualities. Few breeds can match the Arabian in terms of its loyalty, sensitivity, and willingness to connect on a profound level. Whether galloping across a desert or sharing a quiet moment in the stable, the relationship with an Arabian horse is one of mutual respect, trust, and love.

Celebrating the Legacy
The bond between humans and Arabian horses is a testament to the power of partnership and understanding. These horses have not only shaped the history of equestrianism but also touched the hearts of countless individuals around the world. Their elegance, intelligence, and spirit continue to inspire and captivate, reminding us of the timeless connection between humans and animals.

Owning an Arabian horse is more than just a commitment; it’s an opportunity to experience one of the most rewarding relationships imaginable. For those lucky enough to share their life with an Arabian, the bond is truly unforgettable—a legacy of trust, loyalty, and grace that transcends time.

https://ahtimes.com/articles/the-bond-between-humans-and-arabian-horses-why-its-unique/

Beautiful photo of 28-year-old Regional Champion purebred Arabian mare CA Destiny Gro+ (*Grojor x Satanca by Figaro) and Jessica by Sweet Fresno Equestrian Photography 🦄

27/09/2025

H S Mignonne does enjoy a bit of scrumping. She goes out to the paddock every morning and heads straight over to enjoy the apples, crunching away and slurping on the juice. Only a few fall every day so she doesn’t get too many and they are obviously good because she is in tip top condition. You can see that there are no apples on the trees below horse nose height