West Kington Stud

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

09/06/2025

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

08/06/2025

Hearnesbrook New Moon is available fresh and chilled daily! Get in touch or visit the website to find out more