Equestrian facility sits on prime pasture
A horse training facility established as a legacy by the late Kevin Pratt, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, is for sale, offering numerous options in its current operation or for alternative land uses.
The 53ha property at 522 Napier Road, Whakarongo, is being marketed for sale by tender closing March 11, through Bayleys Feilding.
Agent Andrew Bonnor said the 53ha facility on Napier Road near the edge of Palmerston North city sits on some of the region’s highest quality soils with a proven history for growing high quality produce and pasture, which offers another income option for a buyer.
‘‘The property has also been appointed to a very high standard including a five-bedroom executive style home, and a second home that is in itself a very high standard, along with the assorted facilities built for the horse agistment business.’’
Rosy Pratt has been overseeing the property since her father’s death last August. She said the operation, which was only fully established in 2014, is the culmination of her father’s passion for horses and his ability to make smart business choices over the course of his career.
‘‘Dad worked hard for many years, then came back to his passion for horses. His greatest desire was to see horses that had been trained here go to the races and do well, and as a family we are doing our best to fulfil his dream.’’
Kevin was a latecomer to the racing industry and was drawn to the sector when his younger sister Brenda became ill and he purchased her a racehorse to provide a welcome interest during her illness.
That horse, King Kamada, won a race at Trentham only a week before Brenda died. At the time Kevin said the joy it bought his sister was enough to prompt him to take a deep dive into the industry and commit completely to the facility as it is today.
Rosy said the horses thrived in an environment that included the best of facilities, overseen by her father who she said never did anything by half measure, and poured his energy into the property.
Those facilities include a surgery for minor operations, rehabilitation stables, a full 1900m racetrack, high quality stabling and electrified railing fences throughout.
Rosy admits selling the property has a sense of the bittersweet with it, but she is proud of the effort Kevin put in to make it a standout, high quality facility.
Bonnor said options for potential buyers are many, given the facilities and the natural assets of contour, soils and fertility ensuring some viable alternatives to its current use.