SOPHIE BUCKLEY

Stud Manager

Sophie grew up on a farm in Ireland’s Co. Kildare, and trained in her teens with international dressage instructor Gisele Holstein before spells with Irish show producer Frances Cash. Pursuing her dream to work within the racing industry, Sophie became assistant to Shadwell Racing Manager, Angus Gold and Derrinstown Stud Manager, Hubie de Burgh.

Sophie joined Darley as a Marketing Executive after graduating from the University of Edinburgh and RAU Cirencester. In 2006, Sophie and her husband Charles bought Culworth Grounds.

Jason parkin

Assistant Stud

manager

Born and bred in Newmarket, Jason brings with him a huge wealth of experience having worked for some of the industries biggest names. He has spent time working for Darley and Cheveley Park looking after the likes of Diktat, Lope De Vega and Kylachy to name a few.

From here Jason went on to spend 12yrs in Australia and held the position of Stallion Manager at Patinack Farm, New Gate Farm, Cornerstone and Sun Stud in Queensland. Jason joined the team here at Culworth Grounds in December 2022 as Assistant Stud Manager and is in charge of our resident stallion El Caballo.

Garry Merton

Operations Manager

Joining the team at Culworth Grounds in Spring 2023, Garry brings with him a wealth of experience from many years as finance manager for BT. . A keen amateur rider, Garry has produced champion Show Hunters Seabourne Silent Valley amd Tom Dooley to win at the RIHS and both were placed at HOYS.

Having grown up with New Forest and Connemara’s, Garry now enjoys breeding his own Sport Horses with a prefernce for a strong Thoroughbred influence. Garry has always taken a keen interest in Bloodstock, regularly attending sales and now manages all operations side of the stud.

Abbie Salter

Yard and

YearlingManager

Abbie Salter heads up our Yearling prep operation and manages the day to day running of the yard. Having spent 10yrs with international event rider Jodie Amos, Abbie has exceptional attention to detail and vast experience in producing horses to peak condition

Since joining the Culworth Grounds team in Spring 2023 one particular highlight for Abbie was selling the Havana Grey x Last Echo yearling at the Somerville sale for £140k.

Sam Sheibani

Spellers and rehab

Manager

Sam joined the team in December 2024 and brings with him a huge wealth of experience from over two decades spent working with top level sports horses. Born and bred in Lancashire, Sam spent 5yrs managing Northcote Stud where his strength was breaking and producing horses for top level show jumping. As well as spending time working for international event rider Ben Hobday and DHI Event Horses, Sam produced and rode his own dressage horse up to Prix St George level.

In his spare time Sam is studying for Veterinary Physiotherapy degree which is an area he is particularly passionate about and ties in perfectly with his role here at Culworth Grounds.

Pedro Villavicencio

Foaling Manager

Pedro manages our foaling unit and brings with him many years of veterinary experience. Having gained his veterinary qualifications and worked in his home country of Costa Rica, Pedro’s expertise has gone on to take him to Iceland and now the UK where he is keen to gain further experience specialising in horses.

Pedro works closely with our vets, Walnut Hill, to ensure our horses are cared for to the highest standard.    

Sujan Singh

Rider

Sujan is an experienced and sympathetic rider who has spent time riding for the likes of Godolphin, Mark Johnston and Richard Hannon.

He and his nephew Jog head up our riding team here at Culworth Grounds.

SHeila Capell

stud hand

Sheila has worked in the equine industry since the age of sixteen, gaining experience in various disciplines.

Sheila’s career highlight was being head girl for top international event rider Ginny Elliott (Leng/Holgate). She has also worked for international dressage rider Anna Ross and professional showjumper and trainer Robert Snaddon. In her spare time, she produces and shows her own horse at county level RORs.

Jog Singh

Rider

Together with his uncle Sujan, Jog is one of our experienced riders assisting with our breakers and pre trainers.

Jog has spent time working for Richard Hughes and has also spent time riding in Dubai.

Mel Wilson

stud hand

Mel joined the Culworth Grounds team in August 2019. Previously, she owned and ran an equestrian training centre in Australia for 25 years. She has competed successfully at Regional, State, and National level in both Eventing and Dressage.

Mel has been an accredited coach for over 35 years, additionally, she has also been an equine muscle therapist for 5 years.

Bridget gatehouse

vet

Bridget Gatehouse graduated from Liverpool University in 1995 and has worked solely in equine veterinary practice for 20 years and is now a Director of her own practice, Walnut Hill Equine.

Bridget's expertise lies in reproduction and is a brilliant asset to have onside during the breeding season.