Horse Paddocks

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The Parks Trust’s property portfolio includes 45 permanent paddocks and five temporary paddocks throughout the city.

Paddocks vary in size, accommodating one two or three horses. Located predominantly throughout the Ouzel Valley and Loughton Valley Park linear parks, Great Linford and Caldecotte Brook. Most paddocks are within easy riding distance of the bridleway network. Rents vary in accordance with the facilities provided.

Our paddocks are in high demand. If you wish to express an interest in becoming a tenant, please email ops.support@theparkstrust.com or phone 01908 233600.

Good Grazing Practices of Parks Trust Paddocks

Paddocks are leased out under a grazing licence, whose terms include the following conditions:

  • Paddocks should only be grazed by horses or ponies equating to the number of spaces rented. This is to ensure that paddocks are not overgrazed and that the safety of both other riders and horses are not put in danger.
  • Where fields are grazed all year round then strip grazing is encouraged to control the horse’s access to grass at all times and to allow areas of grass to rest and grow.
  • Manure should be picked up regularly as this controls parasitic worms that can affect horses and ponies.
    Drains and ditches should be kept open and in good working order to ensure that water leaves the area. Damp areas will encourage the ground to become poached.
  • Grassland should remain in good order and free from harmful weeds such as nettles, thistles, dock and ragwort by hand or mechanical means only. The use of herbicides is not permitted without the specific authorisation of The Parks Trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My pony is only small, can I have a reduced rate?

    Our prices are per grazing pony/horse. We do not give discounts for smaller ponies.

  • Can I have a Donkey in the paddock?

    We do not accept Donkeys into our paddocks as they bray and are known to be noisier, which may cause disturbances to neighbours. Our paddocks are generally close to neighbouring properties.

  • What happens with manure?

    Field shelters should be mucked out daily and manure would need to be removed from the licensed area at least once a week as this controls parasitic worms that can affect horses and ponies. It is the tenants’ responsibility to regularly remove the manure from the paddock and dispose of appropriately. Manure should not be left on adjoining land.

    Some tenants have contacts at allotments that come and collect the manure. Some post on gardening groups to let them know there is manure available to collect, and others have made arrangements with private landowners.

  • Can I have hay bales in the paddock?

    We do not permit hay bales to be used as this encourages poaching. The use of hay nets however is welcomed. Straw and hay is not to be stored in the paddock or field shelter.

  • Can I put woodchip in the gateways?

    We do not allow the use of woodchip as when this decomposes, it adds to the accumulation of mud, resulting in worsening ground conditions around gateways and shelters.

  • Can I share a paddock?

    Unfortunately, we have now made the decision to not allow new tenants to share paddocks and understand this is going to be disappointing for some. We are honouring agreements that are already in place for current tenants.