Frank Shellard, a 67-year-old farmer from Bath, Somerset, is pioneering the UK’s only commercial production of mare’s milk—one of the world’s most expensive and unique dairy alternatives. Priced at £24 per litre, or about £6.50 for a 250ml bottle, this rare milk is attracting attention for its touted health benefits and distinct sweet, nutty taste.
Shellard’s family business, Combe Hay Mare’s Milk, currently manages eleven mares that produce between 12 and 14 litres daily. The farm not only bottles the milk but also creates skin care products like hand cream and lotion, made from the nutrient-rich mare’s milk.
The inspiration for this venture came from Frank’s daughter, Alison, who suffered from eczema. After using a horse-milk-based cream during a visit to Belgium, her skin condition improved dramatically. Encouraged by this success, Frank decided to establish his own herd and introduce mare’s milk to the British market.
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Despite the benefits, Frank admits introducing mare’s milk to Britain has been a challenge. “The British are difficult people to change,” he explains. “People in America and continental Europe are more open to it.” Milk from mares is still underappreciated partly due to cultural biases and the strong influence of the traditional cow’s milk industry.
Mare’s milk is renowned worldwide, with approximately 30 million consumers, particularly in Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mongolia, where fermented mare’s milk—known as Kumis—is a traditional beverage.
Frank emphasizes that mare’s milk is not intended to replace cow’s milk but to complement a healthy diet. It contains significantly less fat and has a lower carbon footprint since horses emit minimal methane compared to cows. There are also fewer health risks, such as tuberculosis, associated with horse milk.
Having personally benefited from drinking mare’s milk after suffering a stroke, Frank highlights its positive effects on digestion and cholesterol levels. His routine includes drinking 250ml at 7 a.m., a habit he credits for aiding his recovery.
Recently, Frank visited Kazakhstan to learn more about mare’s milk traditions and even hosted the Kazakh Ambassador to the UK at his farm. With customers across Great Britain, from Cornwall to Scotland, Combe Hay Mare’s Milk is steadily building a reputation for its niche product.
Frank encourages anyone intrigued by mare’s milk to give it a try, noting that it might even be suitable for those with lactose intolerance. “There are many reasons to give it a chance,” he asserts, inviting consumers to experience the unique benefits of this extraordinary milk.