FOR only the second time in a hundred years a cider mill in the Golden Valley was worked by a horse.

Visitors were invited to Fair Oak Farm in Bacton to watch a stocky Gypsy cob named Pye pull the stone wheel to crush the cider apples in the mill.

The seventeenth-century mill and press were restored four years ago by the owners, Matthew and Hilary Engel; and they believe it is the only mill in Herefordshire now still being worked by a horse.

Pye comes from Llanigon, above Hay-on-Wye and was bred by John Lloyd, and trained by his wife, Wendy, as a driving pony.

"He’s learned to go round by himself now," said Wendy.

"He seems quite comfortable with a working collar, and he wears blinkers, so he doesn’t mind all of the people coming and going.

"We’ve put sand down on the cobbled floor so it’s easier on his feet. He only has to work for a few minutes at a time, and he gets plenty of breaks, and TLC."

Alan McCardle, of the St Margaret’s Cider Company, was again in charge of making the new batch of Fair Oak Cider, with his assistant Gary Starkey and a team of helpers. They produced around 400 litres from two pressings.

The Fair Oak Cider made last year by Pye – sweet, medium, medium-dry and sparkling – is now on sale in Lock’s Garage and Ewyas Harold Stores.

For more information call Hilary Engel on 01981 241 210 or Alan McCardle on 01981 510510.