Equestrian Property Loan: Helping a Young Couple Build Their Racing Business

When a young Devon couple set out to grow their thriving stud business and build a family home on their land, they faced a challenge. Despite strong industry reputations, multiple income streams, and family support, other lenders were reluctant to finance their plans due to the equestrian property’s small acreage. With planning permission already in place and foundations laid, they turned to UK Agricultural Finance. We recognised their vision, the strength of their business, and the security on offer — and stepped in to provide the funding needed to bring their dream to life.

From Jockey to Business Owners: A Racing Couple’s Vision for Their Stud Farm

The couple’s story is firmly rooted in the horse racing industry. The wife, a former jockey, continues to work in the sport as a racing commentator and runs her own PR and marketing company, producing content for some of the best-known trainers in the country. She has recently managed high-profile brand partnerships within the industry, including overseeing photography and social media for a major clothing brand’s ambassador programme. The husband also began his career in racing before moving into estate agency and finance in London. Both returned to Devon during the Covid pandemic to be closer to family and to focus on building their own business.

In April 2024, they were gifted a parcel of land next to the wife’s family beef farm. On the site is an American-style barn with stables, an extended stable block, all-weather gallops, and a horse walker — all designed to meet the demands of their growing stud. The business offers a full range of services: sourcing and breeding from quality bloodlines, providing pre- and post-natal care for mares and foals, breaking and pre-training young horses, and bringing on yearlings sourced from Northern France for resale to racing syndicates and yards.

Their vision is to combine this thriving enterprise with a family home on-site, replacing their current static caravan. With planning permission granted, they had already begun laying the foundations for the new dwelling — a home that will allow them to be close to the horses at all times while providing a comfortable base for their young family.

The Challenge: Securing Finance for a Small-Acreage Equestrian Property

Although the couple had a clear plan, proven expertise, and multiple income streams, securing finance for the next stage of their project was not straightforward. Many traditional lenders were reluctant to offer funding because the land itself measured under ten acres — a factor that can often deter conventional finance providers when considering equestrian properties. Yet, this small acreage was only part of the picture. The couple rented additional grazing from their family next door and harbour plans to acquire further acres of land in the area, making their operational footprint far more substantial.

The house build was already underway and foundations in place. The total build cost was estimated at £280,000, and while they had already invested personal and family-gifted funds, there remained a £150,000 shortfall to complete the project. Living in a static caravan on-site with their four-year-old son, the urgency to finish the build was as much about improving family life as it was about enhancing the business.

They needed a lender who could see beyond the basic acreage figure, recognise the value of the existing facilities and the thriving equestrian enterprise, and provide a flexible loan structure that would also leave room for future land purchase opportunities.

Our Solution: A Tailored £150,000 Equestrian Loan to Complete the Build

At UK Agricultural Finance, we take the time to look at the whole picture — not just the surface details. In this case, the couple’s established reputation within the racing industry, the quality of the existing facilities, and the low loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 39% gave us strong confidence in their project. We agreed to provide a £150,000 loan secured against the property, enabling them to complete their new home without compromising cash flow or delaying the build schedule.

We were also reassured by the multiple exit strategies in place. The husband is due to inherit a share in a property and a building plot from his grandparents, with planning permission being sought to enable sale. The proceeds from these future sales will provide sufficient funds to repay our loan in full. In addition, the couple benefits from ongoing financial support from family members, including non-repayable gifted funds that have already been used to advance the build.

Our facility was structured not only to fund the completion of the house but also with the flexibility to provide further finance should additional land become available nearby. By understanding their long-term ambitions, we were able to create a tailored solution that other lenders were unwilling to offer.

The Impact: How Flexible Agricultural Finance Strengthened a Growing Racing Enterprise

The loan from UK Agricultural Finance has given the couple the means to complete their home and establish a permanent base at the heart of their stud. Living on-site will allow them to oversee their horses around the clock, improving welfare and operational efficiency. The new home will also significantly enhance the overall value of the property, further reducing the already low LTV and strengthening their financial position.

For the business, the stability of a completed home alongside top-class equestrian facilities helps to attract new clients and cement their reputation in the racing world. The stud can now continue to grow its breeding, training, and resale operations without the distraction or logistical challenges of off-site living.

By providing this targeted support, UK Agricultural Finance has helped safeguard both the family’s quality of life and the long-term growth of their rural enterprise.

Looking Ahead: Expanding a Devon Stud Farm and Supporting the Racing Community

With their new home on track for completion, the couple can now focus on the next stage of their vision — expanding their stud by acquiring the additional 43 acres of land directly across the road. This will increase capacity for breeding and training, strengthen their position in the market, and create further opportunities for growth. Their ongoing involvement in the wider racing community, including supporting bursary schemes for young jockeys, reflects their commitment to giving back to the industry that has shaped their lives.

At UK Agricultural Finance, we are proud to have supported a young family in turning ambition into reality, providing funding where others would not. By taking the time to understand their business model, future plans, and the value of their existing assets, we were able to deliver a solution tailored to their needs — helping secure the foundations of both their home and their livelihood.