Sustainability

Sustainability at Four Hills Country isn’t a marketing angle. It’s simply the natural result of living and working on a rural smallholding, caring for horses, and running a small business thoughtfully and intentionally.

We don’t claim perfection. But every decision we make, from the products we stock to the way we ship orders, is shaped by a desire to tread lightly, reduce waste and build a business that respects the land we live on.

A slower, more intentional way of retailing

We believe that equestrian and country retail doesn’t need to be fast, disposable or overly commercial. Our approach is rooted in slow, steady, intentional choices:

• smaller curated ranges instead of mass overstocking,
• batch shipping twice a week to reduce unnecessary courier journeys,
• buying to demand where possible to avoid waste, and
• supporting independent makers and British brands with sustainable production practices.

By choosing quality over quantity and curating thoughtfully, we reduce the environmental footprint of both our business and our customers’ purchases.

Circular & Reused Packaging

Packaging shouldn’t be perfect - it should be practical.

At Four Hills Country we reuse packaging wherever we can: boxes, padding, kraft paper and fillers are given a second life rather than going to waste. Your order might arrive in a box that looks well-travelled, and we see that as something to be proud of.

When we do need new packaging materials, we look for recycled, recyclable or responsibly sourced options.

Batch Shipping for Lower Impact

We dispatch orders every Monday and Thursday. This reduces the number of courier vans visiting our rural location, cuts down unnecessary emissions, and makes our packing process more considered and efficient.

It also allows us to consolidate supplier deliveries to our warehouse rather than having multiple journeys every day, a quieter, calmer way of running a business that supports both our workflow and the environment.

Thoughtful Products that Last

Every product in our range - whether it comes from a leading equestrian brand or a small independent maker, is typically chosen with longevity in mind.

We prioritise:

• durability and repairability,
• timeless design over trends,
• quality materials,
• tools and accessories that stand up to real yard life.

We do our best to avoid low-quality, disposable or gimmicky items that won’t last a season. If we wouldn’t use it ourselves, we don’t stock it.

Partnering with Makers Who Care

Friends of Four Hills - our collective of independent brands and British makers — shares our values around slow, responsible, small-batch production.

Many of these products are:

• handmade in the UK,
• produced in small batches,
• customisable or made-to-order to reduce waste,
• shipped directly from the maker to minimise travel.

Supporting small makers supports local economies, craftsmanship and more sustainable models of production.

Respect for the Land

Because our business is rooted in a working smallholding, we see every day how the land responds to weather, use and care. This shapes how we think about sustainability, not as a trend, but as a responsibility.

We are continually improving:

• drainage and turnout areas,
• wildlife-friendly planting,
• pond and hedgerow conservation,
• tree planting and natural shelter.

These improvements benefit both our horses and the wider environment, small, steady changes that build a healthier landscape over time.

Honesty Over Greenwashing

We aren’t perfect. We’re learning, adjusting and improving as we grow. But we are committed to honesty, transparency and making decisions that reflect our values, not marketing trends.

Sustainability isn’t something we announce in one big statement, it’s something we live quietly in the background of every day.

Thank you for choosing thoughtful retail

When you shop with Four Hills Country, you’re supporting a independent and small rural business that genuinely cares about the land, the animals and the people connected to it.

Every order helps us continue building a more sustainable, more intentional approach to equestrian and country retail.