A film star horse, an equine swimming pool and plenty of wheelbarrows

An enviable setting

Sandhill Racing Stables, near Minehead in Somerset, is set within 500 acres of farmland owned by the Crown Estate.

The stables at Sandhill

A mixture of old traditional stables and large American barns house up to 112 horses that Philip and his wife Sarah has in training.

The film star: Dream Alliance

The incredible story of the former Philip Hobbs-trained Dream Alliance was made into a film entitled 'Dark Horse' in 2014. Having been bred by his owners on an allotment in Wales, the gelding went on to win the Welsh Grand National in 2009. The 15-year-old is now happily retired from racing but still enjoys parading for his many fans.

Gearing up for the jump season!

These substantial looking brush fences have been spruced up and will be ready for schooling sessions during the National Hunt season.
There is an all-weather, fibresand schooling arena, which is used to school horses of all ages over poles, barrels and easyfix fences.

The Hobbs residence

This beautiful house sits at the heart of the yard. Philip started training in August 1985 with just six horses. Sandhill has also been home to Philip and Sarah's three daughters, Caroline, Katherine and Diana.

A swim with a view

The outdoor equine swimming pool sits high above the yard, overlooking the surrounding fields and yard.

The horse walkers

There are two indoor horse walkers at Sandhill, both housed within one of the American barns.

The gallops

At Sandhill, there is a five furlong woodchip gallop with a good incline and drainage. During the jump season, this gallop will be used the most — with the horses going up it twice.
There is also a polytrack gallop which has an incline over three furlongs and can be used in temperatures dropping down to a chilly -12 degrees.
It is used for schooling when the usual schooling ground is unsuitable due to ground conditions.
This gallop is mainly used for the horses' preparation work and building up their fitness ahead of the season — usually involving three canters up to three times.

Just a few wheelbarrows…

Enough wheelbarrows to muck out 112 horses — used by the approximately 20 dedicated stable lads and lasses.

Back from summer holidays

Like many of the Hobbs-trained horses, nine-year-old Kruzhlinin, owned by Clare and Paul Rooney, has returned from his summer holiday and will begin building up fitness again ready for the start of the jump season.

Travelling in style

The fleet of horseboxes used to transport the Hobbs team of horses to the races.

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