Smallholding courses, weekend experiences
and animal interactions
Are you thinking of starting with livestock? Perhaps as pets or aiming to be more self sufficient and welfare conscious with your meat. Maybe you're seeking 'the good life' and wonder where to begin. We can guide you through it. Set in the beautiful Welsh hills near Llandovery, Happy Valley offers day courses and weekend experiences in all things smallholding. Whether you're a dreamer or just starting out, there's something for everyone.
"Had a great day on the introduction to smallholdings course - learnt so much and came away with lots of ideas. Would recommend it to anyone else whether you are a complete novice like me or already keeping animals and want tips or advice!" Alice - Yorkshire
Smallholding for Beginners - £75 per person (adults only)
Your day will involve a broad spectrum of topics for the budding smallholder. Whether you're wondering where to start with your new hobby or wanting inspirational ideas to make your new lifestyle profitable. We'll explore the basic care of several species such as sheep, goats, pigs and poultry, and also the legalities of keeping livestock. You'll have a guided tour of our farm and meet the furry and feathered residents of Happy Valley. A varied day which will leave you buzzing with ideas.
"Thanks to Laura and Steve for a wonderful day. Very informative and instructional (goat course) and a pleasure from the point of view of seeing all your happy animals, your lovely site and surroundings - with fantastic views too. (And felt safe due to your Covid measures/practices that didn't hinder at all" Sean - Carmarthenshire
Guide to Goats - £75 per person (adults only)
We'll guide you through some of the different breeds and the variation between heritage, fibre, milk or meat breeds. Best practice of husbandry, environment, feeding and common ailments will be covered. Legalities such as tagging, movement licences and registering your holding will be explored. We'll discuss breeding and kidding, if you're lucky you may even see some of our own kiddings (dependant on time of year). You'll also be given the opportunity to hoof trim or milk following a demonstration.
"Had a fabulous day at Happy Valley learning all about goats with Laura and Steve! Had a go at milking, hoof trimming and tagging (which I am very nervous about) and learnt so many interesting and useful things about looking after goats and life on the smallholding. Thank you Happy Valley for a really enjoyable day." Anna - Powys
"Laura and Steve, thank you so much for today. It was very informative and helpful and absolutely wonderful to see your lovely smallholding" - Katie, Carmarthenshire
The BIG Weekender - £130 pp (min of 2 people, adults only)
This weekend is very hands on, perfect for those wanting to becoming smallholders, are new to smallholding, or those that just want a different, active weekend away! You will experience a selection of essential smallholding tasks over the two days whether it be fencing, rounding up the sheep, mucking out, medicating livestock or collecting the eggs, the variety is vast. You'll see our set up, meet the residents and are encouraged to ask as many questions as you like about all things smallholding! There is no classroom type content with the big weekender, it's all about experiencing the day to day tasks of the smallholder.
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This weekend includes an optional night's basic camping, however if that's not your cup of tea, there are several lovely local hotels and B&B's within a 15 minute drive in the nearby town of Llandovery.
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Please note: If the dates we have arranged don't suit you, feel free to contact us as we may be able to offer alternative dates for a minimum of two participants.
"We would like to thank you again for a very enjoyable weekend. It was a pleasure to meet you both and share your smallholding for the weekend. It has given us a lot to think about in a positive way. We wish you success and happiness in the future" - Morag and Martyn, Caerphilly
Cuddling Sessions - £7.50 per person (including spectators)
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Come and enjoy a little cuddle with the cutest, cheekiest and naughtiest residents on our smallholding. Children are welcome for this fun filled experience with cuteness overload! Enjoy a cuddle with our resident goats, goat kids and lambs. A Lovely therapeutic experience that's not just for the kids! To avoid overwhelming our animals, sessions are limited, so get your ticket whilst you can! A fabulous half an hour, perfect for any animal lover.
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Please note, everyone attending the session will require a ticket, including spectators.
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Farmer for the day! - £50 per child (7-16 years) £75 per adult
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Have you ever wondered what it's like or fancied yourself as a farmer? You'll participate in a variety of tasks that a farmer would do throughout their day, whether it's feeding the animals, collecting the eggs, cleaning out the shelters, mending the fencing or herding the sheep, the list is endless! A fun filled, hands on day for the family.
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Please note, everyone attending the session will require a ticket, including spectators.
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Donkey Meet and Greet - £10 per person (including spectators)
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Come and meet our wonderful donkeys! You can learn all about them whilst grooming, stroking and feeding them. This activity is perfect for all ages, especially those whom are unable to undertake the donkey walk. A fabulous 30 minute session to get up close with our gentle donkeys.
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Please note, everybody attending the session will require a ticket, including spectators.
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Donkey Walks - £40 per donkey handler, £20 per extra person
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The ultimate donkey lovers dream! Your visit will start with a meet and greet grooming session, we'll then head out into the pasture and woodlands for a wander. We'll take the pace leisurely, allowing plenty of time for selfies, cuddles and donkey snacks! Your donkey walking experience will last approximately
2 hours, pace dependant, and is for those 6 years and over with moderate fitness.
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Please note, everybody attending the session will require a ticket, including spectators.
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