Latest news with #ValaisBlacknose
BBC News
07-08-2025
- General
- BBC News
Cornish shepherd with no land faces daily struggles and makes no profit
A shepherd says she has to travel miles every day and spends most of her money on tending to her sheep as she does not own Galloway, 31, started breeding sheep about 10 years ago and is relying on unusual places to keep her 45-strong flock, which include rare breeds, the Valais Blacknose and the Greyface rams stay at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek in a mutually beneficial contract where they keep the grass down and attract visitors. But, her remaining flock are half an hour away in Galloway said: "The struggle for me is buying land, I can't do it. I'm not from a farming background so unfortunately I haven't had family farm passed down to me." The other site Ms Galloway relies on is in Camborne where a couple bought a house with land and are happy for the flock to graze it down. She has a full time job as well as looking after the sheep and says most of her money goes on them."I feel like all I do is drive around, it's tough on fuel costs," she said."I call it 'doing the sheep rounds', checking all of them in different places."Always a late dinner for does not want to reduce her number of sheep because she said keeping a large flock is the only way she can grow her business and "maybe one day make a profit". 'Quite tough' Her work has also increased because she has to bottle-feed a lamb, she calls Little Milk Thistle, every four hours after its mother stood on its leg during birth."It's been quite tough for me just being on my own and being a lone shepherdess as they say," Ms Galloway said."It's really hard for people starting out in farming; it's impossible to buy land and have a farm."But, she hopes her luck could be changing after a "lovely friend" has offered her some land for her sheep to be together."So I can get a certificate as a rare breed farm and do experiences where children and people can come and see the sheep and do smallholding courses and have my own business hopefully," she said.
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Jess's Horse Haven: A new riding school with heart opens near Haverfordwest
A NEW equestrian centre in the Pembrokeshire village of Broadway is offering far more than just riding lessons. Jess's Horse Haven, located at Mountain Farm, is already gaining a reputation for its personalised, therapeutic approach to working with children and young people who have additional learning and physical needs. The idea for the haven came from deeply personal roots. Founder Jess was inspired to launch the project after her seven-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with autism. 'She is the whole reason I started it up,' said Jess. 'You don't realise what's not out there for you until you are in that situation—whether it's not being able to do crowds or learn the way everybody else does.' With Charlotte attending a learning resource centre and Jess's son Arthur being home-schooled due to a rare immune condition, the family's experiences helped shape the ethos behind the centre. 'With our family set up came the experience and passion to deliver this,' she said. The haven is nestled in acres of countryside and offers one-to-one horse riding sessions, farmyard experiences, and tailored interactions. But it's not just horses—Jess's growing menagerie includes 20 horses, 14 dairy sheep, two Valais Blacknose sheep, around 30 chickens and ducks, three goats, and two rabbits. 'They can learn things here that they don't in school,' Jess explained, pointing to her own background as someone who thrived in hands-on, practical learning environments. As well as riding, the centre provides animal-assisted therapy and non-riding experiences such as feeding lambs and caring for chickens and pigs—experiences that are often life-changing for young visitors. One child, previously placed in an unsuitable school, flourished so much at Jess's Horse Haven that their family was able to successfully advocate for a move to a learning resource centre. They even gave a presentation at their new school titled 'My Farm.' Another young visitor who had experienced significant trauma and was initially unable to leave their mother's side now spends two hours a week at the farm—gaining confidence, independence, and joy. 'They've made so much progress and now enjoy positive play, acting out the farm at home. It's amazing,' said Jess. The farm, which is rented to the family by local landlord Phil Rees, has been given 'a new lease of life,' according to Jess, who praised Rees for his support in helping them build something that genuinely makes a difference. Since opening in December 2024, the response has been overwhelming. Jess, who is first aid trained and DBS checked, now operates with support staff and has even introduced weekend sessions and holiday events like Pirate Rides and Pony Treasure Hunts. 'We have everyone,' Jess added. 'Everyone can come in and just be themselves.' Jess's Horse Haven is fully insured and licensed. All sessions are by appointment. To learn more or to book a session, visit follow Jess's Horse Haven on Facebook and Instagram, or call 07502 545126.
Pembrokeshire Herald
26-05-2025
- Health
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Familiar face returns to Pembroke Dock with new IT venture
A NEW equestrian centre in the Pembrokeshire village of Broadway is offering far more than just riding lessons. Jess's Horse Haven, located at Mountain Farm, is already gaining a reputation for its personalised, therapeutic approach to working with children and young people who have additional learning and physical needs. The idea for the haven came from deeply personal roots. Founder Jess was inspired to launch the project after her seven-year-old daughter, Charlotte, was diagnosed with autism. 'She is the whole reason I started it up,' said Jess. 'You don't realise what's not out there for you until you are in that situation—whether it's not being able to do crowds or learn the way everybody else does.' With Charlotte attending a learning resource centre and Jess's son Arthur being home-schooled due to a rare immune condition, the family's experiences helped shape the ethos behind the centre. 'With our family set up came the experience and passion to deliver this,' she said. The haven is nestled in acres of countryside and offers one-to-one horse riding sessions, farmyard experiences, and tailored interactions. But it's not just horses—Jess's growing menagerie includes 20 horses, 14 dairy sheep, two Valais Blacknose sheep, around 30 chickens and ducks, three goats, and two rabbits. 'They can learn things here that they don't in school,' Jess explained, pointing to her own background as someone who thrived in hands-on, practical learning environments. As well as riding, the centre provides animal-assisted therapy and non-riding experiences such as feeding lambs and caring for chickens and pigs—experiences that are often life-changing for young visitors. One child, previously placed in an unsuitable school, flourished so much at Jess's Horse Haven that their family was able to successfully advocate for a move to a learning resource centre. They even gave a presentation at their new school titled 'My Farm.' Another young visitor who had experienced significant trauma and was initially unable to leave their mother's side now spends two hours a week at the farm—gaining confidence, independence, and joy. 'They've made so much progress and now enjoy positive play, acting out the farm at home. It's amazing,' said Jess. The farm, which is rented to the family by local landlord Phil Rees, has been given 'a new lease of life,' according to Jess, who praised Rees for his support in helping them build something that genuinely makes a difference. Since opening in December 2024, the response has been overwhelming. Jess, who is first aid trained and DBS checked, now operates with support staff and has even introduced weekend sessions and holiday events like Pirate Rides and Pony Treasure Hunts. 'We have everyone,' Jess added. 'Everyone can come in and just be themselves.' Jess's Horse Haven is fully insured and licensed. All sessions are by appointment. To learn more or to book a session, visit follow Jess's Horse Haven on Facebook and Instagram, or call 07502 545126.
