About:
The set up at The Downs Stables gives horses a stress free environment where we have acres of turnout available and individual horses training needs can be catered for. The very experienced staff, work riders and family ensure that each of the horses and owners get individual special attention – one of the great benefits of having a smaller yard of horses. Owners are welcome and encouraged to visit their horses any day of the week.
Although the vast majority of the horses we have in the yard currently are jumpers, the vision for Nick Gifford is to train both flat and jump horses. At Findon we are very lucky to have the facilities perfect to train for the flat too.
All Weather Gallop: We have an amazing all weather gallop stretching to just under a mile on a steady incline. This surface is absolutely superb and is especially beneficial to the racing world. The horses can stride freely on it with minimal kickback and the perfect level of cushioning means that it is kind to the horses legs. This is the same surface used on the canter down at Cheltenham.
Grass Gallops: We also have four grass gallops including a very steep gallop, being on chalk the drainage is very good. Nick Gifford Racing is situated right on the downs, there are miles and miles of safe hacking, perfect for the start of the season, getting horses fit but also for sweetening horses up. We do particularly well with difficult horses not only because of the different facilities and relaxing environment but also because of different training methods.
In terms of our schooling ground we have a variety of fences to suit all needs starting off with tyres for the youngsters, hurdles, small and full size fences. We also have a horse walker, a lunging ring and a full size outdoor all weather arena.
Nick started training in 2003, taking over from his father Josh. He trained Point to Pointers for a few years before taking over Downs Stables.
Services:
Racehorse Training