Dorset Heavy Horse Park Farm and Resue Centre

Description:

Come and visit us for a guaranteed educational and fun day out for all ages.

 

Daily attractions include educational daily shows, free wagon rides, tractor and trailer rides, miniature pony and cart rides and you even get the chance to drive a vintage tractor.

 

There's a full days programme of hands-on activities with our friendly farm animals.

 

Meet Mighty Shires, miniature ponies, donkeys, kune kune pigs, miniature goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, llamas, snow dogs and the rest of the menagerie!

 

New for 2009 Horse Power Era Display.

 

If the weather is not so kind, there are plenty of undercover activities.

 

The children will love the pony rides, go-cart arena, pedal tractors and play areas. Visit the cafe for some tasty farmhouse home-made food, or sit and relax in the picnic area and admire the countryside views. Whatever your age you will find this a great value and fun day out and remember your entry fee contributes to the conservation and rescue costs of the heavy horses.

The Heavy Horse Farm Park and resue centre
The magnificent heavy horse has faithfully served us for many generations, however sadly their numbers are now dwindling at an alarming rate. The Suffolk Punch is now on the "critical" list, the Shire is at risk and the Clydesdale is vulnerable.

The heavy horse was brought to the British Isles in 1066 and led our armies into battle carrying armored knights, hauling artillery and tirelessly ploughed the land.

 

Before the development of the internal combustion engine, the heavy horse was the only power on the land and drove the industrial revolution. Once upon a time everything was transported around the country by horses (even right down to the horse drawn barges that carried goods) the horses were vital to the livelihood of the country. (They were yesterday's transit van!)

 

After the Second World War the increase use of machinery saw the decline of use on the farm and by the breweries, due to the time and costs involved in looking after these great creatures. Not many breeders are willing to commit themselves to them. In the past few years the number of heavies has almost halved from 6000 to 3,500 today. Measures should be taken to ensure that these magnificent creatures do not die out. We may well need horse-power again in the future.

Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park & Rescue Centre was purchased by it's current owners in 2003. The site and sadly the animals were in a very poor condition. Since then we have worked really hard to put things right, investing considerable amounts of effort, time and money, both in the animals, which take priority and the site to bring them up to standard.

 

The park is a long term project and we intend to add new features on a regular basis.

 

We wish you a happy visit and thank you for supporting the last full time Heavy Horse Centre

The Dorset Heavy Horse Centre is now the last "full-time" Heavy Horse Centre left in the country and is the only Heavy Horse Rescue Centre.

 

All age groups will enjoy a trip to the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park Rescue Centre, especially the older generation as they are able to remember the horses at work all over the country,from the time, when everywhere was horse powered and the horse was practically yesterday's Transit van.

 

Your entry fee contributes to the rescue and sanctuary for for Heavy Horses.

Coach Parties
Special rates apply for coach parties, and can be suited to your own requirements to include, lunch or a Dorset cream tea.

 

We recommend four hours for your visit.

Opening Hours

Please remember your entrance will greatly help towards the conservaction and rescue costs of the Heavy Horses

 

To contact us please phone 01202 824040

 

The site is wheelchair friendly.

 

Dogs permitted on leads.

 

 

Open February half term - 4th April to End of October

 

November - 14th, 15th, 21st,2nd,28th,29th weekend

 

December - 5th-23rd Event (booking only)

 

Closed January until February half term

 

March all weekends until Easter school holidays.  Open 10am - 5pm

 

Admission Prices
Adults.....................................................£7.75
Children (2 - 14 years)...........................£5.95
Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children).......£24.95
Concessions ..........................................£5.95

 

Incudes free Heavy Horse Wagon Ride, Tractor and Trailer rides, Vintage tractor driving and miniature pony and cart rides.

It's great value and great educational fun for all the family.

 

Lots to do under cover come rain or shine 

 

We wish you a happy visit and thank you for supporting the last full time Heavy Horse Centre.