Breeding boost bid
Application to enhance stud farm
A show jumping business which has sold a single steed for $ 1 million wants to expand to even higher levels.
The Foxfield Stud near Symington wants increase the number of broodmares from two to 10.
And it will include a £ 50,000 investment in new artificial insemination equipment.
The business has been run longterm by the Crocket ironmongery empire since its foundation 14 years ago.
Now Alastair and Morag Crocket want their daughter Lisa McConville to take over the reigns of the stud.
She has applied to change the use of a giant shed into a rearing centre.
That would include eight foaling pens and a horse solarium as well as a semen unit.
It also includes a bid to get a new four- bed house built alongside.
The Crockets - who also run an outdoors store in Ayr and recently shut their iconic ironmongery in Glasgow - launched the equestrian business across 37 acres next to the established Muirmill centre.
They’ve spent £ 250,000 on facilities including an outdoor arena and horse walker
The stud specialises in producing “world class showjumping horses.”
Three years ago it produced Follow Me which made $ 1 million, the highest price to be sold out of scotland.
Youngsters of Follow Me have been kept and the stud has sole distribution rights to his frozen semen.
They also have a two- year- old stallion Follow That, and animals sold by Foxfield compete all over the world in venues from Las Vegas to New Zeland.
Their agent said: “They are now in a position financially where they are able to follow the horses competing and conduct business with other investors and potential clients at these venues.
“Mrs Lisa McConville has gained a thorough working knowledge of the business operation at Foxfield Stud having worked there for over ten years assisting Mr and Mrs Crocket from a young age.
“The intention is for Lisa to take over the day to day running of the existing business.”
Ayr- based consultants Ima say a house on site is vital of security and for ovulation scanning every two years.
They added: “There have also been several attempts of theft of the horses on site, one such attempt recently when intruders spent more than five hours.”
The area has become a horsey heaven with surrounding businesses Muirmill, Galrigside and Morris Equestrian all attracting visitors.
South Ayrshire Council will rule on the application at a later date.