In recent years our shetlands have had to learn to share their paddocks with our growing herd of dexter cattle. Each one of them has a character, just like the ponies and despite their constant moaning for yet more food, they are a joy to have around.
As a result, we are now able to now offer free-range quality beef. Prices vary depending on weight and cut however if you would like any further information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
History of Dexter Cattle
The Dexter breed originated in south-western Ireland, from which it was brought to England in 1882. The breed virtually disappeared in Ireland, but was still maintained as a pure breed in a number of small herds in England. The Dexter is a small breed but the body is wide and deep with a well-rounded hindquarter. Although usually black, a dark-red or dun Dexter is sometimes found, all animals are always solid colour, with only very minor white marking on the udder or behind the navel.
Dexters are classified as a dual-purpose breed, used for milk and beef; the meat is of excellent quality and flavour, with good marbling. However, they are often listed as a triple-purpose breed, since they are also used for oxen. Once very rare in both the UK and the US, Dexters have been enjoying a resurgence in recent years.
Our Breeding Herd
Lusty Purdy
Purdy knows she is a beautiful black cow who’s coat shines like velvet in the summer (and she lets the rest of us know it). She is the bossiest and greediest of all our cows and we all have to put up with her antics, humouring her just to keep the peace.
Balcombe Bubbles
Bubbles is the smallest and sweetest cow of our bunch. She has become very quiet and loves nothing more than a sneaky little titbit when the others aren’t looking. In 2011, after a long and complicated calving, she produced us our first short red heifer.
Born on Jackie’s mum Joan’s birthday, 21st June and with a real determination to survive, it only seemed right to name her Snelsmore Joan. She will join Gemma and the others to make up our breeding stock.
Prinsep Oleander
Olly has had several calves for us and she is great caring mother, but we have found on several occasions, especially at feeding time, where the expression cow kick comes from. She has taught us, more than any of our cows, “once bitten twice shy.”
Coldharbour Venus
Venus is a lovely well bred red cow and the founding member of our small herd. When she first arrived she was shy and had a mind of her own, but over the years she has developed her own personality and has become one of our favourites. In 2011 she produced a short red heifer called Snelsmore Gemma. Little Gemma will be one of the first heifers to form the beginnings of our homebred Snelsmore stock.
