THE SWETTENHAM DIFFERENCE

Bucking the trend of the fast paced, one-stop-shop attitude, Swettenham Stud is dedicated to quality, drawing on tradition, excellence and commitment. With the focus on quality, not quantity, they give their young developing thoroughbreds the time, care and attention they need and deserve.

Swettenham Stud, Victoria’s most respected thoroughbred nursery will join you on your breeding journey, providing high-quality services, superior facilities, and a wealth of knowledge and experience to make each step one you can enjoy.

Beginning with the decision to breed your mare, Swettenham Stud’s Rachel Ritchie can assist with pedigree advice when selecting your stallion and provide realistic guidance on the best possible mating choice.

“Between Adam (Sangster), Brian (Gorman) and myself, there is over 80 years professional experience working in the industry. Thoroughbreds were a large part of our families; we all grew up with breeding and racing. We have had a lifetime of involvement and it’s in our blood,” Ritchie said.

Swettenham endeavours to make the process of nominating a mare a good experience, and by drawing on years of involvement, they can answer all your questions about breeding and stallion selection.

“We work as a team to support and advise each and every client. It’s not a numbers game. We all have different areas of expertise, and we capitalise on that to help get the best result for the breeder. We become part of our client’s breeding journey, and we are there to see it through.”

“We are all individual breeders in our own right; it’s important that we support the industry, be it shares in racehorses, breeding a mare or selling a yearling.”

Swettenham’s senior veterinarian, John Hurley is based on farm 24-hours, specialising in all areas of thoroughbred breeding, reproduction and foaling.

“John will ensure your mare is spot on to increase the chance of a viable pregnancy and provide expert care post serving to safeguard the pregnancy developing to the vital 45-day positive test,” Ritchie said.

Swettenham’s Veterinary facilities on-farm include an isolated equine hospital, a laboratory and hospital boxes. Supported by skilled equine vet nurses and a knowledgeable and dedicated team, they pride themselves on the level of specialist veterinary care given.

The nutritional needs of the pregnant mares are made a priority, providing premium agistment with lush, improved pasture, safe fencing and supplementary balanced feed. Every mare’s health and condition is monitored daily during the 11-month gestation period, along with regular worming and qualified farriers to provide trimming and corrective shoeing services.

A well-lit, state-of-the-art foaling unit is an integral feature of Swettenham Stud.

“Our foaling division will guarantee your mare, and the future foal are in the best hands possible. The highly competent foaling and night watch team will achieve the best possible outcome, ensuring your mare receives individual care and attention to deliver a strong and healthy foal,” Ritchie said.

Weaning the foals from their mothers is accomplished without any anxiety or stress. The team at Swettenham makes sure that the foal is ready both mentally and physically to begin life on their own. Being well grown and developed, the support and guidance of a nanny, keeps the cheeky juvenile’s in line.

Swettenham Stud’s sales preparation has a very proud record at the sales holding the highest priced filly ever sold at the Inglis Premier Sale and the equal highest priced weanling at the Inglis Great Southern Sale.

“We are loyal supporters of the Victorian breeding industry, and well respected for the professional standard we prepare and present a quality draft to. Always ranked well in leading vendors, along with our high rate of clearance, our clients trust us to reach the maximum possible price for their yearling, weanling or broodmare,” Ritchie said.

Trusted by some of the best breeders in the country, the sales are a combined effort of the entire Swettenham team, the leaders, grooms, nominations and marketing. Coupled with Swettenham’s renowned warm hospitality in their marquee, both the clients and buyers will be sure to have an enjoyable experience at the sales complex.

“Having Brian (Gorman) at the helm with his long history of preparing and selling yearlings through Bellerieve and Segenhoe, he has developed a strong relationship with the sales company that spans over 30 years,” Ritchie said.

Sales preparation is an exciting stage for a thoroughbred youngster as it provides a valuable experience needed to adapt to the hustle as bustle of a busy racing stable.

So if you dream of standing in the crowd and cheering on your homebred galloper at the track, talk to the team at Swettenham Stud to help you breed your potential racehorse, confident in the knowledge that they are committed to tradition, experience and excellence.