West Kington Stud

12/12/2025

We were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of two legends, Valegro and Uthopia. Uthopia was a regular visitor to the West Kington Stallion Centre, and we feel privileged to have played a small part in his incredible story. It was an honour to welcome such an extraordinary horse and contribute to the legacy he leaves behind.

From all of us at West Kington Stud, our heartfelt thoughts are with Carl Hester and his team.

Sleep well Blueberry and Uti, two of the greatest horses of our generation.

It is with immense sadness that we have said goodbye to Valegro and Uthopia and without question, this is a loss that just feels hard to comprehend.

Trying to write a tribute to these two horses feels harder than I imagined. The yard just doesn’t feel the same without them, there’s an emptiness in the air.

Valegro and Uthopia did more than win medals and write history, they gave our sport a golden era. They both showed that greatness can be gentle, sensitive and harmonious and they made a nation proud and inspired so many.

Being part of their journey will always remain one of my proudest achievements and the whole team and myself are deeply grateful for the joy they gave to us at home but also to their fans around the world.

Their entire lives ran in parallel; they travelled to the shows side by side, lived in neighbouring stables, grazed in the same fields and retired together. Their bond and companionship were absolute.

As life as old boys advanced, so too did the health challenges, so allowing them to leave this world together was the final act of loyalty and dignity I felt I could give them, honouring a partnership that had never been separated in life.

They leave behind a huge void, and the yard has changed forever and so have we. They were our family and I will love and miss them always. The impact they had will remain but sadly, we don’t get to keep horses forever.
We only get to carry what they leave inside us. And these two left us so much.

Carl x

Photo credit: Rose Lewis

05/12/2025

We are especially proud to congratulate Jane Holderness-Roddam, WKS founder and director, on receiving the 2025 Horse & Hound Lifetime Achievement Award. 🎉

As West Kington Stud prepares to close at the end of December after many incredible years, this honour feels especially meaningful. It’s a chance to recognise the extraordinary woman whose vision made it all possible.

From her history-making Olympic gold in 1968 to wins at Badminton and Burghley, Jane has inspired generations with her courage, skill and dedication. But her influence goes far beyond the competition arena. Through West Kington Stud, she has championed sport-horse breeding, welfare, education and excellence for four decades, supporting horses, riders and breeders across the industry.

This award celebrates a truly remarkable career and a lifetime of service to the equestrian world.

Please join us in congratulating Jane on this richly deserved honour and in celebrating her outstanding achievements, both at West Kington Stud and beyond.❤️🐎

16/10/2025

SEMEN STORAGE UPDATE

With the forthcoming closure of West Kington Stud at Church Farm, we are delighted to confirm that B&W Equine Vets will be taking over our semen storage service. All stored semen stock will be safely relocated to their Willesley facility, unless requested otherwise and all clients will be contacted shortly with the following options:

- Transfer to B&W Equine Vets
- Move to another facility
- Request that semen is destroyed, if no longer needed

B&W will also be in touch with full details, along with their terms & conditions. In the meantime, please rest assured that all semen remains securely stored at West Kington.

** B&W Equine Vets will also be offering mare AI and stallion services following the closure **

29/09/2025

🎉 Congratulations Harry & Jess! 🐴💒

We are absolutely delighted to celebrate the wonderful news that our much-loved Stud Manager, Harry Thirlby, married Jess Lee on Saturday, 27th September.

Everyone at West Kington Stud sends their warmest wishes to the happy couple for a joyful and fulfilling future together. We couldn’t be more pleased for them both!

As many of you know, West Kington Stud will be closing at the end of the year, and this moment feels like the right time to pay tribute to Harry and all he has brought to the stud over the years.

Harry first joined WKS in 2010 as a groom and stallion handler, and quickly established himself as an integral part of the team, later becoming Assistant Manager, and then stepping into the role of Stud Manager in 2019 following the retirement of Tessa Clarke. His extensive knowledge of breeding, bloodlines, semen export and horse care is truly extraordinary, and he has generously shared that expertise with everyone around him.

He has worked in a number of leading UK studs, is a DEFRA Certified AI Technician, and has a particular passion for breeding, including his own small herd of rare Caspian horses and their part-breds.

Harry is not only a consummate professional but also a kind, funny, and thoughtful member of the West Kington Stud team. His dedication, warmth, and wisdom have left a lasting mark on all of us, and we are so grateful for everything he has done.

Please join us in celebrating Harry and Jess’s marriage and in thanking Harry for his incredible contribution to WKS over the years.

29/08/2025

Horse & Hound has published a lovely article recognising Jane Holderness-Roddam and the team at West Kington Stud as Jane prepares to retire at the end of the year.

You can read the article here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/west-kington-stud-to-close-after-30-years-901941

Many thanks to H&H for this wonderful reflection on the stud’s history, the horses, the people, and the impact it’s had on breeding in the UK and beyond.

‘What a legacy’: tributes have poured in for West Kington Stud and its co-founder Jane Holderness-Roddam as she confirms it is to close after 30 years. Read more below

18/08/2025

A huge 'THANK YOU' to everyone who’s responded to our post about the closure of West Kington Stud at Church Farm.

We’ve been extremely touched by your support and kind messages, and it’s been wonderful to hear from so many friends, owners, and clients, past and present. Reading your messages and memories has meant a great deal to us, serving as a lovely reminder of the many people and stories that have been part of the stud over the years.

In the weeks to come, we’ll be posting some of our favourite memories and looking back at the highlights of years gone by. If you have any special photos or memories, please do email them to us. We’d love to see them all and will share as many as possible.

✨🐴✨🐴✨🐴✨🐴✨🐴✨🐴✨🐴✨🐴✨

14/08/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT

After many enjoyable and fulfilling years, I have sadly taken the decision to retire at the end of this year. As a result, West Kington Stud will close for business in its current form on 31st December 2025. However, I would like to reassure our wonderful owners and clients that most services currently provided by West Kington Stud will continue to be available through B&W Equine Vets, who have always been closely involved with the stud.

It has been a great privilege to work with so many outstanding stallions, mares and foals over the years. One of my greatest joys has been our involvement in the production and evolution of so many superstars, and watching them, and their progeny, excel in so many different fields.

As West Kington Stud approaches its final months here at Church Farm, I’d like to thank everyone who has been part of the journey. My sincere gratitude goes to Harry Thirlby, his predecessor, Tessa Clarke, their dedicated and hardworking teams, and everyone at B&W Vets for their unwavering support and commitment over the years. While this marks the end of an era for the stud, I have every confidence that its work will be carried forward with the same care and professionalism by those who've long been part of its success.

In the coming months, we look forward to sharing some of the highlights and proudest moments from West Kington Stud’s history - from memorable horses and key milestones to the people who have helped shape its reputation. We hope you'll enjoy looking back with us as we reflect on what the stud has achieved and the role it has played in the wider breeding and sporting community.

Jane Holderness-Roddam

10/07/2025

Pay on Pregnancy Terms!

The following stallions are now available on pay on pregnancy terms for the remainder of the breeding season. This means that there is no stud fee payable until the mare has a successful heartbeat scan.

Please see our website for full details on each stallion and the discount code to take advantage of these great terms!
All nominations and orders can be placed directly through the website.

Stallions available:
Ansiei xx
Hearnesbrook New Moon
Jamhoori xx
Just Chillin
Pencos Arctic King

12/06/2025

The After Party is available fresh and chilled daily! Get in touch or visit the website to find out more

11/06/2025

Pencos Arctic King is available fresh and chilled daily! Get in touch or visit the website to find out more

11/06/2025

*Mare now found - many thanks to all who helped!*

We are urgently seeking a foster mare for a warmblood foal born this morning.

Please call 01249 782050
Or email manager@westkingtonstud.co.uk with any leads

10/06/2025

Just Chillin is available fresh and chilled daily! Get in touch or visit the website to find out more