Stables
There are 36 spacious and well ventilated stables constructed in a converted barn which, along with tack rooms and feed room, make the perfect relaxed environment for the horses and a secure and easily manageable working surroundings for the staff.      

All Weather Gallops
The most important feature of any training yard is the gallop and our new four furlong all weather gallop is as good as it gets.   Constructed by David Humbert of Dri-Ex, the surface is the latest wax coated Eurotrack, made by Parkway.  The gallop has a steady incline rising a total of 300 feet from bottom to top providing a genuine test of stamina for the horses.  View gallop here.

Loose School
The loose school was formerly a large silage storage area; it has now been converted to provide a secure area for the horses to learn and practise some of the basic schooling techniques.  This is where we start off all the young horses by teaching then to jump over poles and show jumps. 

Hacking
We have access to 1000 acres of grassland surrounding Thorndale and the hacking options are endless.  Hacking is important for horses either to enjoy a simple leg stretch on an easy day or simply to freshen them up by giving them a change of scene.  This can be invaluable for horses who may have become bored of the day to day routine and who may need a different approach.

Schooling Fences & Hurdles
We have a row of 5 schooling fences which includes an open ditch and we also have a line of 5 smaller regulation and brush hurdles.  Schooling is such a hugely important part of our job; one mistake in a race can be the difference between winning and losing.    Schooling is all about confidence and of course a good schooling jockey is also very important.

Horse Walker
Our new Claydon horse walker was installed when we arrived at Thorndale. This is a mechanical automated exerciser that can take up to 6 horses at a time.  It is great for cooling down horses after exercise.

Turnout Paddocks
At Thorndale we have up to 30 acres of paddocks, ideal for resting horses and giving them the opportunity to enjoy their natural outdoor habitat.  The horses are turned out on a regular basis to help them relax and enjoy as much fresh air as possible.

Owners Room & Office
Where feed silos and grain stores were once housed, owners can now enjoy delicious breakfasts round the huge dining table in this converted barn.  This comfortable, airy and light filled room also serves as an office from where you can see the horses coming and going from the gallops.

Staff Accommodation
The staff are lucky enough to live in the farmhouse at Thorndale.  This beautiful Cotswold building is handily situated next to the stables with sweeping views over the gallops and the countryside beyond.  Darren Swanton, our head lad, has his own self contained flat adjacent to the main owners room and office building.