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Scotts Build New Polo Facility

Ever since the first English polo game took place on Hounslow Heath back in 1869, polo has continued to grow in popularity. Today, the sport is enjoyed by thousands of enthusiasts. When Alex Clover decided to create his own purpose-built polo facility, he relied upon Scotts of Thrapston to build the stable yard of his dreams. Situated in the heart of racing country, near Newmarket, the bespoke yard can currently accommodate 13 ponies and boasts a host of specialist features to keep both grooms and horses happy.

Design

The entire complex is very impressive, spread over several acres with two full size polo fields, various paddocks and a stable yard. The yard itself was conceived by Scotts’ designers, to meet Alex’s precise requirements. The company then produced detailed drawings and plans for planning approval.

Vicarage Farm’s high specification equestrian buildings are arranged into an efficient "U" shaped yard - great for horses who like to see what’s going on - with a barrel-vaulted walk-through in the centre, which serves as a practical wash-down area as well as an attractive and convenient rear access.

Function

As a hard-working, commercial polo centre, Vicarage Farm needs to be multi-functional. A purpose-built tack room, feed store and toilet facility complete the set-up to make the whole stable yard ideally suited to all of its occupants.

The roof, which has been finished in pantiles to match the local vernacular, conceals Scotts’ cleverly designed "scissor" roof trusses, which give an increased internal head height and better ventilation for the horses. An enlarged overhang around the entire perimeter of the building gives the horses and grooms added protection from the elements, and the rear top doors give horses an all-round view and additional ventilation.

As with all Scotts’ stables, adding extra loose boxes and enlarging the facility is straightforward. Alex Clover’s yard was full within days of completion. In fact, it has been so busy that he is already planning to extend the current yard to double its capacity.

Finish

Externally, aged oak posts lend the building a sense of history whilst the pressure treated cladding has been painted in a specific shade of blue-grey with terracotta detailing to give the whole yard a very distinctive visual appeal.

The "ponies" get star treatment too. Technically, of course, they are not ponies at all since most of them exceed the threshold of 14.2 hands and they will be glad of the roomier loose boxes measuring 3m x 3.6m (10’ x 12’). Some additional boxes measuring 5.4m x 3.6m (18’ x 12’) ensure maximum comfort for any foaling mares.

Construction

Scotts’ extensive equestrian experience is evident throughout the building and their robustly constructed, high performance buildings are ideal for this use. Initial fabrication took place in Scotts’ purpose built factory and then dedicated staff completed on-site erection in less than 8 weeks.

Scotts Build New Polo Facility

Design

Function

Finish

Construction

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