Facilities
The facilities at Moor End Stud have been designed and built to enable our horses to thrive and flourish so they can achieve their full potential on the race track.
After purchasing the stud farm in 2013, Ritchie immediately began transforming and refurbishing the facilities so that every element of breeding and training could be taken care of in-house. After three years of hard work and significant investment, the facilities we have built are industry leading and represent the very best in racehorse care and management. From the light and well-ventilated stables to the equestrian treadmill, each element has been meticulously researched and planned and implemented with precision to give us the edge over our competition.
The facilities at Moor End Stud have been designed and built to enable our horses to thrive and flourish so they can achieve their full potential on the race track.
After purchasing the stud farm in 2013, Ritchie immediately began transforming and refurbishing the facilities so that every element of breeding and training could be taken care of in-house. After three years of hard work and significant investment, the facilities we have built are industry leading and represent the very best in racehorse care and management. From the light and well-ventilated stables to the equestrian treadmill, each element has been meticulously researched and planned and implemented with precision to give us the edge over our competition.
Our stables have undergone a complete refurbishment and feature a fully insulated roofing system which while keeping temperatures cool in summer and warm in winter, also eliminates condensation.
We have a wide variety of stables to cater for each type of horse and their individual characters. We have an open plan American barn with drop fronted stables, loose boxes, foaling boxes, isolation boxes and a stallion box.
Each stable benefit from the same features; a full-length roof light so as the seasons change our horses come into their coats naturally, lots of natural light and ventilation, doors and windows for socialisation, rubber matting to the walls and floors, auto drinkers, swivel mangers and large hay feeders. Our stables range from a minimum of 12ft x 12ft to over 12ft x 20ft and our calm, relaxed environment is reflected in the happy relaxed nature of our horses.
Our stables have undergone a complete refurbishment and feature a fully insulated roofing system which while keeping temperatures cool in summer and warm in winter, also eliminates condensation.
We have a wide variety of stables to cater for each type of horse and their individual characters. We have an open plan American barn with drop fronted stables, loose boxes, foaling boxes, isolation boxes and a stallion box.
Each stable benefit from the same features; a full-length roof light so as the seasons change our horses come into their coats naturally, lots of natural light and ventilation, doors and windows for socialisation, rubber matting to the walls and floors, auto drinkers, swivel mangers and large hay feeders. Our stables range from a minimum of 12ft x 12ft to over 12ft x 20ft and our calm, relaxed environment is reflected in the happy relaxed nature of our horses.
We strongly believe that daily turnout is essential to all horses so that they have chance to behave as they would in the wild. Groups of compatible horses are selected to be turned out together so they can socialise, blow off steam galloping around the paddocks and enjoy a good roll.
To facilitate daily turnout, we installed miles of post and rail fencing and repaired the drainage system. After testing the soil and pasture, we initiated a program of reseeding to make sure every horse receives the required nutrition levels. In addition, we apply Sure Grow fertiliser and CSM minerals throughout the year to maintain the pasture sward and ensure consistent nutrition levels throughout the seasons.
We strongly believe that daily turnout is essential to all horses so that they have chance to behave as they would in the wild. Groups of compatible horses are selected to be turned out together so they can socialise, blow off steam galloping around the paddocks and enjoy a good roll.
To facilitate daily turnout, we installed miles of post and rail fencing and repaired the drainage system. After testing the soil and pasture, we initiated a program of reseeding to make sure every horse receives the required nutrition levels. In addition, we apply Sure Grow fertiliser and CSM minerals throughout the year to maintain the pasture sward and ensure consistent nutrition levels throughout the seasons.
Ritchie believed that the widespread usage of horse walkers was purely a labour saving device so multiple horses could be exercised while their stables were mucked out. After he observed horses on walkers in several different yards, they all displayed similar traits; the horses were bored; stopping and starting, kicking, rubbing their heads on the bars and suffering unnecessary wear and tear on their joints by repeatedly walking in circles.
There had to be a better way, and Ritchie was convinced that if he could teach his horses to use a treadmill, there would be many long-term benefits. The only surprise was how quickly the horses took to the treadmill, quickly loading onto it and then learning to walk in a controlled environment. Even unbroken yearlings naturally walk on the treadmill and within 1 or 2 minutes relax, drop their heads and blow and lick their lips accepting and then enjoying the experience. The benefits of uses a treadmill over a walker are huge. The horses are observed at all times so we can quickly spot any issues or see the areas where improvement is needed. The use of the incline on the treadmill helps to build up their neck, shoulder, top line or back end and as the horses are walking in a straight line, they naturally extend their stride without the risk of injury or wear and tear. Each horse has an individual work program which is particularly useful when they return to training or during rehabilitation from an injury.
Other benefits of using a treadmill are that because our horses walk up a ramp to the treadmill they are easy to load into a horsebox. They have also become desensitised to walking into an enclosed metal environment, so our horses walk straight into the starting stalls at the races.
Ritchie believed that the widespread usage of horse walkers was purely a labour saving device so multiple horses could be exercised while their stables were mucked out. After he observed horses on walkers in several different yards, they all displayed similar traits; the horses were bored; stopping and starting, kicking, rubbing their heads on the bars and suffering unnecessary wear and tear on their joints by repeatedly walking in circles.
There had to be a better way, and Ritchie was convinced that if he could teach his horses to use a treadmill, there would be many long-term benefits. The only surprise was how quickly the horses took to the treadmill, quickly loading onto it and then learning to walk in a controlled environment. Even unbroken yearlings naturally walk on the treadmill and within 1 or 2 minutes relax, drop their heads and blow and lick their lips accepting and then enjoying the experience. The benefits of uses a treadmill over a walker are huge. The horses are observed at all times so we can quickly spot any issues or see the areas where improvement is needed. The use of the incline on the treadmill helps to build up their neck, shoulder, top line or back end and as the horses are walking in a straight line, they naturally extend their stride without the risk of injury or wear and tear. Each horse has an individual work program which is particularly useful when they return to training or during rehabilitation from an injury.
Other benefits of using a treadmill are that because our horses walk up a ramp to the treadmill they are easy to load into a horsebox. They have also become desensitised to walking into an enclosed metal environment, so our horses walk straight into the starting stalls at the races.
Our 66ft lunge ring is perfect for starting our yearlings in a safe, controlled environment, it is also used to vary the training of our older horses.
Ritchie decided not to enclose the lunge ring because it helps the horses that are working in the ring to stay calm and relaxed if they can see the other horses in the adjoining paddocks. It has proved very successful and even our stallion, Albaasil, can be turned out alongside a horse working in the lunge ring without any disruption.
The surface of the lunge ring is waxed with additional stabilising fibres; this gives a consistent surface which can be worked to make it ride deeper or firmer. We can use the ring all year round as it never stands any water and it doesn’t freeze in the winter.
Our 66ft lunge ring is perfect for starting our yearlings in a safe, controlled environment, it is also used to vary the training of our older horses.
Ritchie decided not to enclose the lunge ring because it helps the horses that are working in the ring to stay calm and relaxed if they can see the other horses in the adjoining paddocks. It has proved very successful and even our stallion, Albaasil, can be turned out alongside a horse working in the lunge ring without any disruption.
The surface of the lunge ring is waxed with additional stabilising fibres; this gives a consistent surface which can be worked to make it ride deeper or firmer. We can use the ring all year round as it never stands any water and it doesn’t freeze in the winter.
Our 42ft covering barn has also been completely refurbished and is now ready for Albaasil’s first full season standing in North Yorkshire in 2017.
With high ceilings and lots of natural light, it is the perfect environment for safe and successful coverings. The walls are rendered to ensure it is a totally clean environment, and so we can wash down and disinfect on a regular basis.
Safety is paramount for our staff, our stallion and the visiting mare – especially if she has a foal at foot – and our specialist covering barn has plenty of space with designated areas for those in attendance which allows us to ensure that we carry out all live coverings as safely as possible.
Our 42ft covering barn has also been completely refurbished and is now ready for Albaasil’s first full season standing in North Yorkshire in 2017.
With high ceilings and lots of natural light, it is the perfect environment for safe and successful coverings. The walls are rendered to ensure it is a totally clean environment, and so we can wash down and disinfect on a regular basis.
Safety is paramount for our staff, our stallion and the visiting mare – especially if she has a foal at foot – and our specialist covering barn has plenty of space with designated areas for those in attendance which allows us to ensure that we carry out all live coverings as safely as possible.
Our other facilities include;
- Equestrian Weighing Scales.
- Purpose built wash-down area with warm and cold water feeds.
- Activo MedPulsed Electro Magnetic Massage Rug with Boots for treating soft tissue strains and injuries.
- Ventilator for administering medication and eucalyptus for horses with snotty noses or breathing issues.
- Thermal Imaging Camera to identify injuries that otherwise may not be visible.
- Equinity Girth Strap and Heart Rate Monitor for detailed analysis of the horse’s work.
Our other facilities include;
- Equestrian Weighing Scales.
- Purpose built wash-down area with warm and cold water feeds.
- Activomed Pulsed Electro Magnetic Massage Rug with Boots for treating soft tissue strains and injuries.
- Ventilator for administering medication and eucalyptus for horses with snotty noses or breathing issues.
- Thermal Imaging Camera to identify injuries that otherwise may not be visible.
- Equinity Girth Strap and Heart Rate Monitor for detailed analysis of the horse’s work.
Our brand-new Alexanders 2 stall horsebox allows us to travel our mares with foals, yearlings, and horses in training safely and comfortably and they stay calm and settled throughout their journey.
The horsebox is 8ft high internally with rubber matting to the walls and floors. It has full ventilation, travel and night lights, and a camera monitoring system so the horses can always be observed.
The VCA approved body, and steel reinforced bulkhead ensures the safety of the horses, driver and any passengers.
Our brand-new Alexanders 2 stall horsebox allows us to travel our mares with foals, yearlings, and horses in training safely and comfortably and they stay calm and settled throughout their journey.
The horsebox is 8ft high internally with rubber matting to the walls and floors. It has full ventilation, travel and night lights, and a camera monitoring system so the horses can always be observed.
The VCA approved body, and steel reinforced bulkhead ensures the safety of the horses, driver and any passengers.
Contact us today call 01765 676 965 or email [email protected]
Fiddes Racing
Moor End Farm
Littlethorpe
Ripon
HG4 3LU
Telephone 01765 676965
Email [email protected]
