31/07/2025
Our time at rathkenny stud - formerly Lowton Stud has come to an end.
I want to thank Gordon and Amie for their support during that time but the reality is running a yard just doesn’t pay what it should for the amount of hours and stress.
Having spent 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the last 5.5 years ‘on call’ my time has come to prioritise myself and take a step back.
For a long time now the costs of keeping horses in this environment have been rising and the return on the hours worked has been non existent.
I have always prided myself on doing things right and unfortunately that is very labour intensive, especially where the treadmill is concerned. My business model required every session to be operated by a qualified physio or equivalent and that is expensive.
Not only that but I have made sacrifices on behalf of my own horses in pursuit of the business which is sad because they were the reason for doing it for in the first place.
The rest of the yard has expanded over the last few years with all credit to Gordon and Amie, but with this has become much busier and less ideal for rehab. I am looking forward to having the horses in a small quiet private yard again.
It is perfectly amicable between us all and I look forward to supporting Gordon with any injuries his racehorses might pick up over the coming seasons.
On a personal note I have had a lot going on in my private life which many of you may know about. This has run alongside the business and frankly it’s a wonder I’m still standing because of it. As that also seems to be reaching a close it seems like natural progression for me to take some time and prioritise myself. I’m truly exhausted.
I will still have a small number of stables available at my new base not far away but these are currently full. Put your name down to go on the waitlist as things can change at any minute.
I may also soon have a local yard available to take any intensive Indiba rehabs under my instruction, where I can pop down and treat during the week but this is something we’ve not had time to get around to finalising details just yet. Details to follow!
I will however be back focusing on treating out in the field and my work with elite sports horses which is ever expanding. I will have the availability to take on new clients subject to location.
Plus there are a few other little projects that are in the pipeline.
I want to thank each and every one of you that have supported me, trusted me with your precious horses and given me your loyalty. I can feel great pride in knowing that there are a lot of owners out there getting more time with their horses because of our work.
I also want to thank all the girls that have been part of our journey here, especially Kelsey and jazz who have been with me since the very beginning and Chloe who has worked so hard and will be an asset to any yard.
For appointments please email [email protected] and speak to Emma. I will be working as usual and will endeavour to catch up with you all soon.
Carole
