Local Horse Owner Faces Noise Complaint in Newmarket, Suffolk

Newmarket, often referred to as the "headquarters of horse racing," boasts a rich equestrian legacy that dates back to the 17th century. This picturesque town in Suffolk is synonymous with horses, making it a unique place for equine enthusiasts and owners alike.

coin However, a recent complaint has stirred some controversy among residents. Mandy Young, a horse owner residing approximately 10 miles from Newmarket’s famed racecourse, received a notice from the local council regarding her horses' "constant neighing." This unexpected communication has left her bewildered.

Young described the complaint as “ridiculous,” emphasizing the region's deep-rooted connection with horses. She noted, “The area is super horsey. It’s the main home of horse racing … Newmarket is one of the few places where they have actual roads and crossings dedicated to the horses.” She further estimated that the local horse population might even outnumber the human residents.

At her property, Young cares for 15 horses, and she mentioned that five out of the seven neighboring properties also house horses. “I think there’s about 25 horses in about a half-mile radius,” she stated, highlighting the community's equestrian nature.

The complaint, which was registered at the end of last month, is believed to be linked to a specific period when Young was weaning her foals. According to World Horse Welfare, an international animal welfare charity, weaning can be a stressful time for horses, often leading them to vocalize more than usual.

Young clarified, “They did call a bit but it definitely wasn’t constant. It was just a bit more than it would usually be, and it is over now.” She explained that during the weaning process, the horses might call to one another for a few minutes, but it does not persistently disrupt the peace.

She speculated that the complaint might have originated from her decision to wean the foals in a different field than usual, as nearby residents may not be accustomed to the sounds of horses. Young asserted that horses are generally not among the loudest animals, stating, “Cattle are noisy… One of my friends said: ‘They should be here. I’ve got cattle next door.’ When they’re weaning the calves, they make an awful lot of noise.”

Young practices a gentle approach to weaning, separating the foals from their mothers for several hours each day before fully separating them. “So they are actually used to not being with their mums sometimes. It’s not such a shock to them, so they don’t make as much noise,” she explained.

In her reflection on the situation, Young remarked, “Moving to Newmarket and then complaining about horse noise is like moving next to a railway track and then complaining about the train.” She expressed her surprise that instead of directly addressing her about the noise, a neighbor chose to report her to the council.

The West Suffolk council, which sent the notice to Young, clarified that they are required to act on any complaints received. A spokesperson for the council stated, “We haven’t substantiated the complaint – the letter also says: ‘If you do not consider you are making any unreasonable noise you need take no further action.’” They explained that the notice was merely a procedural step in response to the complaint.

The situation in Newmarket highlights the complexities of living in an area steeped in equine tradition while navigating the challenges of community living. For horse owners like Mandy Young, the balance between caring for their animals and maintaining good neighborly relations can sometimes be difficult. Despite the noise complaint, Young remains committed to her horses and the lifestyle that comes with owning them in a town where equestrian culture is celebrated.