Chris Budgett - Stud Manager

Born in Oxford, the son of Arthur and Bay Budgett, Chris was raised at 'Whatcombe' the famous racing stables. Following school, Chris spent three years at Cirencester Agricultural College before gaining valuable experience at Haras d'Etreham in Normandy, Arthur Hancock's Stone Farm in Kentucky and Lindsay Park Stud in South Australia.

Chris returned to England to work with his father and took over managing the stud in 1984. In 1989 Chris made the bold decision to relocate and purchased 350 acres 'across the road' from Kirtlington Park.

With the support of a loyal and select group of owners, Chris has been developing the present stud ever since.

Richard Evans - Stud Groom

Richard's parents originally farmed on the slopes of Bredon Hill on Gloucestershire/Worcestershire border, just down the road from the Holland-Martin family's Overbury Stud. This is where life in the industry began for Richard with the stud breeding the likes of MUMMY'S PET, PARSIMONY and numerous other Group winners. The highlight of his formative years was being involved with Derby winner GRUNDY and his European sales topping full-brother.

In 1987 Richard moved to Fiona Marner's Kingwood Stud. A great learning curve as Fiona had just formed the Kingwood Bloodstock Syndicate, one of the forerunners of foal pinhooking, acquiring or breeding the likes of ROCK CITY, ELBIO and GALLIC LEAGUE to name but a few.

The new Kirtlington Stud had just been formed when Richard joined in 1992. The setup offered a real opportunity for scope and expansion and has been everything he could have wished for with the broodmare band increasing threefold and the involvement 20 years on with his second European sales topper.

Johan Burger - Stud Hand

Born and bred in sunny Cape Town, Johan worked in Medical Technology for four years before joining SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) where he met many interesting people recording programs.

In 1999 Johan moved to the UK with his wife Erica and daughter Nicole and worked at Cliveden Stud until it was sold in 2005 when he joined Kirtlington Stud.

Outside of stud work Johan enjoys mountain biking and photography.

Terry Brock - Stud Hand

Terry was born and raised in Oxfordshire, in a village just down the road from Kirtlington Stud. His first job was with the M.O.D at R.A.F Upper Heyford where he stayed for 15 years before becoming a Security Guard at Bicester Village Retail Outlet.

Alongside his Security job, Terry pursued his passion for horses by running a livery yard and is proud to have taken charge of VINTAGE CROP as one of his boarders.

Terry joined Kirtlington Stud in November 2002 as a stud hand and lorry driver and gets great satisfaction from his role.

Hazel Woods - Stud Hand

Born in Oxford in 1981, Hazel studied at Oxford Brookes University to achieve a Bsc Hons in Equine Science International Thoroughbred Management.

Whilst studying, Hazel worked part time as a Veterinary Student Nurse and Polo Groom.

After graduation Hazel worked at Templeton Stud as Second Person and then at Witney Stud before joining us at Kirtlington in May 2005.

Hazel has a large involvement with Enstone Young Farmers and also enjoys competing her horses, teaching young children to ride and breeding and producing children's ponies to sell.

Bella Bennett - Stud Hand

Born in Canada, Bella's family moved to the UK whilst she was young. Bella worked at various stud farms in Cornwall gaining valuable experience with a wide range of breeds before working at Shires Family Adventure Park. Bella stayed there for 12 years breeding the Shires and driving them for the public.

She then spent two years at Timbarra Valley Stables in NSW Australia breeding Arabs and trail riding. Bella came to Kirtlington as a Polo Groom before joining the stud in January 2005.

Bella has competed in Long Distance Riding and enjoys travelling abroad.

Ruth Morley - Stud Secretary

Born in Oxford in 1977, Ruth grew up riding and competing at a local level and as a member of the Pony Club Show Jumping Team.

After leaving school Ruth studied for a HND in Business & Finance, Stud & Stable Administration at West Oxfordshire College.

Whilst studying, Ruth spent a summer working at Kirtlington Stud followed by sales and weekend work. She then joined the team as Stud Secretary in July 1997.