At Tarcombe, we manage two distinct herds of horses, each integral to our breeding and training programs. Our main breeding herd is a diverse group of horses of various ages and genders, with a primary focus on mares and their foals. Alongside this, we maintain our ridden herd, which also includes horses at different stages of their development. Both our Norwegian Fjords and Welsh Ponies are paddocked together, allowing them to interact naturally across breeds.
In both herds, we encourage natural behaviours and social structures, allowing the horses to interact in a mixed-age and mixed-gender environment. This setup fosters a natural hierarchy, promoting healthy social interactions. Foals, in particular, benefit from this environment as they learn key social skills and behaviours from both their peers and the adult horses around them.
The ridden herd, like the breeding herd, thrives in this diverse group setting. Horses in various stages of training and riding careers are kept together, allowing for natural socialisation. This approach not only supports their mental and physical well-being but also helps reduce stress, leading to calmer, more cooperative horses—an especially important trait during training.
MEET OUR WELSH MARES