Andrew Balding, Park House Stables, Kingsclere Visit...

Back in September I had the pleasure of visiting Andrew Balding's yard, the famous Park House Stables, Kingsclere, Newbury.. to view the yard, facilities and meet the horses, staff and of course, Andrew.. Anna Lisa, Andrew's wife gave a lovely introduction to the morning and answered any questions..

A brief History...

Kingsclere was built in the late 1860's and has been continually updated to make it one of the finest training establishments in England.  Andrew Balding suceeded his father, Ian in 2003 having assisted him from 1999 and has had international success with his team at Group level.  For more information head over to www.kingsclere.com

Together his team of 70 staff and over 170 horses they inhabit Kingsclere.  The yard has 175 boxes split between 7 yards with an equine swimming pool, 2 lunge pits, horse walkers, treadmills and more.. the horses health is number one and every whim catered for!

Kingsclere also has the luxury of it's own gallops situated approx half a mile away from the yard, with a further 15 acres of grassland for training.  The location is simply stunning, it is not hard to see why so many youngsters want to work here, it's beautiful with the benefit of live-in accomodation.

Whilst on the gallops we got a glimpse of the childhood home of Andrew and his sister, Clare that they grew up in, and what a lovely childhood they had, very envious!  I would highly recommend Clare's first book, 'My Animals and Other Family' makes for an enjoyable read...

The gallops at Kingsclere... space is not an issue!

the gallops at Kingsclere...

watching 2yr old  'Chartbuster' work...

Can't resist a grey, 'Meccabah' 2 yr old filly...

Shall be keeping my eye on this Frankel colt, Count Octave in future races.. he looks wonderful already.

'Count Octave' 2yr old Frankel Colt... #FrankelWatch

Andrew giving work rider, Will instructions...

There is also a further 100 acres to use on Watership Downs for faster work..
After the horses returned to the yard it was time to see the facilities ...

There are 7 grazing paddocks...

Andrew's father, Ian still rides / jumps! on this big softie...

Time to take a peek inside the tack room at the jockey silks.. there were so many and all currently in use .. including the Queens silks..

recognise these silks? Her Majesty, The Queen's colours...

Then it was back outside to tour the yards starting with the Flying Fox, an original brick built yard..

covered stables in the Flying Fox yard surround a courtyard...

Next stop..

The Ormonde, another outside brick built yard..

The inhabitants of the Ormonde yard keeping an eye on the mornings proceedings...

Next stop my favourite yard..

The Mill Reef statue stands proudly in the middle of the yard...

the outdoor stables of the Mill Reef yard...

Back outside and opposite is the Selkirk Yard...

time for a little walk...

the endless facilities...

Then it was a tour of the large American style, indoor barn...

ever get the feeling you're being watched...???

A quick hello to Tullius in yet another indoor barn but time flies when you're having fun, and it was the end of the tour, time to say goodbye to the horses...

A nice end to the day, a chat with Doctor Bong!

Ahuge hanks to Andrew, Anna Lisa and all of the staff at Kingsclere for all their hard work and dedication and for a wonderful visit... Looking forward to seeing my little colt out on the track for the All Weather later this year!

Evie xxx