Nicky van Dijk - Director
Nicky has proudly been awarded the “Lifetime Achievement” award by the Equestrian Business Awards in 2023. She has been with horses all her life and previously ran her own livery yard and riding school in Hertfordshire. Deciding to move to Wales in 1986, some of the elderly horses came with her to retire in the beautiful surroundings of the national park. A few years later and the Happy Horse Retirement Home was officially founded in 1989 as the first private retirement home of its kind in the country. Most of our horses have since come from far and wide, primarily through word of mouth due to the reputation and trust we have built up over the years with our owners.
Our Team
We wouldn’t be anywhere without our amazing team at Happy Horse, our staff are all fantastic at handling our horses and giving them all the care and love they deserve.
Don’t just take our word for it, they are award winning! In 2016 we were honoured to win the national "Best Young Apprentice" award and then again the "Best small business in Wales" award in 2017. We have also just been announced as a finalist in the 2023 Livery Yard of the Year award.
Owner Testimonials
Fiona Morgan - Alice & Wally’s Owner
Delighted with the care our two receive - highly recommended!!!!! I have had 2 much cherished horses, Alice and Wally at Happy Horse for over 4 years now.
Words cannot express the gratitude I have for Nicky and the team.
The standards and individualised care are exemplary.
Tanya Broquet - Smartie’s Owner
My horse Smartie lived at Happy Horse Retirement Home for the final decade of his life. I can highly recommend this yard for its excellent facilities and the standard of care.
Nicky and her dedicated team are so professional and knowledgeable that I was able to travel the world, live a busy life back in the UK, and then emigrate safe in the knowledge that Smartie was safe and happy. I would visit a few times every year and I always enjoyed catching up on the latest news, as well as receiving regular updates via email and Facebook.
The horses get to live out their retirement with a small group of companions, similar to a herd in the wild. In summertime they enjoy very natural, free lives in the beautiful fields. Winters are of course harder on any older animal, but they are fed well and given plenty of shelter, as well as regular turnout to keep them moving. Any health issues are quickly identified and treated. The amount of experience Nicky has gained over the years from caring for elderly horses ensures that her judgement is spot on and she quickly picks up if there's a reason for concern.
Smartie passed away in March 2015 at the age of 33. Nicky was there during his final hours and communicated clearly to me when a decision needed to be made, which is all you can ask for when it's time to say goodbye to an old friend. You really couldn't find a better place to retire an elderly horse, pony or donkey.
Janie Wilson - Azuz’s Owner
Retired my Arabian horse from Dubai, he's been with happy horse for the past two years I am so pleased how he's settled in. This is all due to the love and care of the staff and owner at happy horse, I receive monthly updates and photos and it's just a joy to see him enjoying life.
Happy horse is a 5 star facility and I am so happy I chose them.
Jeddah Mali- Cody’s Owner
Happy Horse Retirement has been the answer to my prayers. I have a youngish thoroughbred who needed specific and fairly high maintenance care.
Nicky van Dijk and her team have been a godsend. From the moment I spoke to Nicky and the phone and especially when arriving with my horse after a 7 hour drive, I knew I had found the right place for Cody.
The physical set up at Happy Horse is perfect for him, and Nicky's experience, knowledge and approach to care have been just what he needed. I feel so relieved to have him in such good hands. And the best part is that he has thrived there and recovered from many of his previous ailments.
He is looking the best he ever has in his life, despite all the previous diets and trainers we tried. I believe Nicky's approach of good ground and good care to be the absolute best for any horse, and would heartily recommend it.