We are a family business at Highclere Stud. I’ve learnt how to invest from my father John, who was racing manager to The late Queen and now to King Charles; how to rear from my mother Carolyn, who is an incredible horsewoman; and how to market from my uncle Harry Herbert, chairman of the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicates.
Those people have been the most important in teaching me how to do this job.
For more than 100 years we’ve been cultivating this 300-acre piece of land specifically to rear the thoroughbred as best as we can. We’re growing grass, developing hedgerows and pastureland, and every year we’re investing in the infrastructure of it.
Our year is very cyclical. On New Year’s Day we make the farm ready for the youngstock; between January and May 45–55 mares will foal. We have people who sit up all night with the mares as the first 48 hours are critical.
Things can go downhill fast and a lot of the breeding that takes place here comes with very high investments. We might have mares due to foal to a stallion that’s standing at hundreds of thousands of pounds per cover.
Esta historia es de la edición April 18, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
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Esta historia es de la edición April 18, 2024 de Horse & Hound.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change