All about Little Park Equestrian.

Equestrian centers Near Malmesbury with ourdoor arena hire

Little Park wildlife photography by Jon Bastin

Eco friendly? We’re more than friends, tbh

Not to get on our high horse but we work hard at being a sustainable equestrian centre. It may not be the cheapest way to run an estate but, we believe it’s a vital part of what makes the Little Park experience priceless.

It’s the little things.

Bees, butterflies, and other insects are fundamental to our ecology. Which is why we go out of our way to protect their habitat. There’s no mowing of meadows between 15 March and 30 June as part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to enhance the environment for wild flowers, insects and ground-nesting birds. The bees seem to approve because their honey is, well, unusually yummy.

Hay, no toxins here thank you!

We keep pesticides out of our hay. Because, unsurprisingly, toxin-free hay is healthier for horses. The fact that we grow our own hay rather than buying it in also reduces our carbon footprint. Yay!

Embracing our wild side.

Everything from hedgerow inhabitants – such as dormice, hedgehogs and bats ­­– to amazing bird life and larger animals, including deer and foxes, call Little Park home. We call ourselves lucky to have them here.

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  • professional horseback and jumping facilities

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Making manure happen

  • The Boss

    Nike

    Owner of Little Park, Nike runs the estate. The closer she is to the stables, the happier she gets.

  • The Other Boss

    Mike

    The day-to-day business at Little Park is Mike’s domain. Need to know anything about anything? Mike has the answers.

  • The Snack Thief

    Alfie

    Be warned! Alfie likes takeaways. If you don’t watch your food, he takes it away. He has also been known to steal hearts.

Let’s trot back in time

A short history of Little Park

Records dating back to1229 list Little Park as part of various estates centered around Wootton Bassett.

Over the years, the property passed through the hands of royals, nobles and notables, including no less than 5 wives of Henry VIII. Little wonder then that, according to local lore, the estate is haunted.

A hunting lodge frequented Catherine Parr still forms part of the main house. Evidence of Little Park’s intended purpose also remains in the double ditches dug around part of the estate to fence in game.

The property became a distinct entity in 1676 when Sir Robert Howard of Vastern sold the estate to one Francis Moore.

When not in pursuit of game at Little Park, Catherine Parr busied herself with marriage (four husbands make her the most-married English queen) and with letters. She was the first woman to publish an original work under her own name, in English.

Last but most

Little Park as it exists today is in no small part due to the effort, vision and boundless passion of Florian Stahl.

The estate gave him great joy. He would have delighted in knowing it did the same for you.