Bottisham Heath Stud Facilities Click the images for a large version
Our Polytrack
Our 7 1/2 furlong polytrack was one of the first installed back in 1997 by Martin Collins. It has stood temperatures of -15 in the past so it is a true all-weather gallop. We are able to maintain the track with our 2 power harrows to whatever ground we feel appropiate whether it be soft or firm but generally it rides as good ground. The track is never over used therefore it is fresh and safe for the horses.
The Horse Walker
The yard has 2 Claydon horsewalkers, which are covered and floodlit to enable use when it is dark and during bad weather. Each walker can take up to five horses at any one time and these are invaluable for horses coming back from injury who require steady controlled exercise. They are also used to loosen muscles prior to exercise. We now also have an indoor horse walker.
American Style Barn
The horses are kept in an American Style barn, which is fully ventilated, very light and also fitted with heat lamps. Most of the horses are bedded on large flaked shavings, as they are easy to maintain and are almost dust free. Those that are not bedded down on shavings, have straw, generally those on straw are either recuperating from injury or illness.
Our Second Yard
Our second yard consists of 18 large brick stables with high ceilings. The water mangers are automatic and most have rubber floors. This yard is self contained with its own feed house, shavings and hay stores.
Our Paddocks
To unwind it is vital that the horses are able to have some freedom. We here at Bottisham Heath Stud have an advantage over most training yards in that there are acres of fresh grazing paddocks. We have small nursery paddocks, fully boarded paddocks (for windy days) and normal post and rail paddocks. The majority of our success is based on this as our horses whilst racing are able to experience hours of freedom.
The Starting Gate
Our three bay starting gate is Jockey Club approved and tested. Each horse, especially the young ones, before they run will have been jumped from the gates many times. Their education begins with trying to get them to have confidence and to accept that the gate is exciting rather than frightening. The staff play a leading role as it is a very dangerous piece of kit if incorrectly used.
Feed
Most are given an early morning breakfast then after exercise their lunch. When evening stables are finished around 5:00pm they are then fed a decent supper to last them through the night. Rations of feed are based solely on the individual horse and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. The hay that we use is local and has a distinctly fresh smell.
The Horse Box
Our horsebox is a 2 stall Iveco. It benefits us to have our own box for a number of reasons. It allows us the flexibility to arrive and leave at our descretion from any venue. There is less probability of catching a virus or skin disease from other yards. In the case of emergencies we can transport the animal to our vets in Newmarket within minutes.