A ‘Behind The Scenes’ opportunity to visit Pond House Racing Stables

Would you like to visit the home of 2 Grand National winners and numerous Cheltenham Festival and Grade 1 winners?  Horses have been trained at the fabled Pond House establishment since 1974 and we are pleased to offer the opportunity to view the facilities which revolutionised the racing world.  They include an equine pool, indoor covered ride, extensive gallops and schooling grounds and have enabled David and his father Martin to train over 5,000 winners.

Itinerary

  • 8.00am  Arrive at 'Strand Stores' Culmstock (full address and sat nav postcode will be provided) where you will be met by your host who will explain the itinerary in more detail whilst you enjoy a fine breakfast.

  • 8.50am Depart for the short journey to Pond House. Upon arrival you will be greeted by David in the main yard, and after introductions it will be time for the second lot to pull out. David will talk you through the horses as they warm up and then you will make your way to the gallops to enjoy them being put through their paces.

  • After exercise you will return to the yard, where you will have opportunity to meet our horses. Some may be on the rota to swim, have a session on the equine treadmill or even a schooling session may be planned, it very much depends on the schedule of the day. For those of you interested in the science of training racehorses a visit to the on-site laboratory will prove fascinating. Either way you are sure to find the visit enlightening and a real insight in preparing a horse for the racecourse.

  • At the end of the tour, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee or glass of champagne and the opportunity to discuss the morning, before departing at around 11:30am.

An Ideal Present for the racing enthusiast

The tours are an ideal and unique present for a friend, family member or colleague who loves horse racing. The tours are restricted to seven people and will cost £99pp plus VAT. They provide a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of one of the most famous training yards in the country.

For further information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*Whilst David Pipe will make every effort to attend every stable tour, circumstances do change and his presence is not guaranteed.

Please note, you will be watching the horses alongside the gallop so please dress accordingly – warm clothing and waterproof footwear.

Current tour date availability

DATES FOR 2022...

Unfortunately, owing to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, we are not offering any tours at this time.  Updates will appear here.

If you would like to block book a day with 6 people then please contact us and we can arrange a convenient date.

Testimonials

"I felt I should contact you to acknowledge the effort put in by the team that ensured our stable visit was a day to remember.

From meeting Martin Higgs at the Strand Stores, enjoying an exceptional breakfast to leaving Exeter races, everything was first class.

Martin and David Pipe were extremely generous with their time and very honest with their views on all things horseracing!

David's hospitality at the racecourse was unexpected but really appreciated, even ensuring that we got into the owners lounge and the parade ring!

We were really glad that David had a winner on the day, he fully deserved it.

The hospitality provided by David and Martin went above and beyond the norm ensuring we all had an enjoyable  and informative day. 

Well worth the cost and I would recommend wholeheartedly". Alex C - February '19


A Fantastic Day to Remember

"From meeting Martin Higgs and the other stable visitors at Strand Stores for a delicious breakfast to being met to a very warm welcome at Pond House by both Martin & David Pipe.

The tour around the stables was exceptional, the whole of the stable personnel made us feel very welcome. This was a birthday present for my husband who has always had the Pipe's as his number one trainer so to be taken around on an in depth tour by them personally was fantastic, they were both very honest with their views and answered all questions asked. Their hospitality went above and beyond our expectations.

We would highly recommend this stable tour. A big thank you to the David Pipe Stables for a day we will never forget."  Catherine M - March '19

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