Established nursery in South-West NSW
Bowness Stud is a family owned and operated thoroughbred concern long established as a proven thoroughbred nursery for racing stock of the very highest quality. Set in the hilltops area on the south-west slopes of NSW, we are strategically placed between the two major thoroughbred breeding centres of the Hunter Valley and Victoria and offer full mare walk-on breeding services to all major studs in both regions.
The region's clean, undulating countryside is a perfect environment for the development of future racehorses. Our generously sized paddocks and first-class pastures are a proven source of elite performers, including the likes of Trapeze Artist, Youngstar, Funstar and Media Award — all very notable individual Group 1 winners in recent time.
PROFILE
SERVICES
FACILITIES
The original Bowness Stud establishment is located on 3500 acres approximately 35 kilometres north-east of Young at Murringo. This is the old family farm where it all began, but which is now mainly used to run cattle.
A similar-sized holding 20 kilometres east of Young was acquired in 2005 in order to better facilitate our horse breeding and rearing activities. Named Watershed Farm, it is on this property where our horse stud enterprise is located and which incorporates our self-sufficient fodder growing program.
In 2010, we added the established 200-acre horse property once known as Alsam Park Stud (and even more recently as Wirrima Park Stud). This farm is very conveniently located 10 kilometres east of Young and primarily serves as the stud's stallion station, as well as our breeding and foaling-down facility.
The enterprise now encompasses approximately 7000 acres.
John and Helen North have been operating on Bowness Stud as professional racehorse breeders and bloodstock sale consignors for over 30 years. Their expertise and knowledge of the thoroughbred industry, and highly successful record, makes them a valuable source of advice for clients.
James and Jocelyn Daly live on Watershed Farm and manage its operations. Watershed Farm itself is a mixed farming operation where we grow our own grain and fodder.
John, Helen, James and Jocelyn work together to ensure thoroughbred broodmares, foals, weanlings, yearlings and spellers receive the best of care and attention. They breed and race thoroughbreds themselves and understand the work, dedication and attention to detail involved in achieving results.
The Bowness-Watershed enterprise is a ‘hands-on’ family owned and operated business. It understands the economics of horse breeding and the importance of keeping fees and charges at a viable level for clients. Ultimately, your success is our success as without it, we don't have a business.
Owners John and Helen North live on Bowness Stud, providing 24 hour site management. In addition, a vet, farrier and chiropractor are on call to provide any extra specialized care if required. Our comprehensive range of services include, breeding of commercial thoroughbred horses; agistment for thoroughbred broodmares and foals; rearing, feeding and sale preparation of weanlings and yearlings; agisting, breaking-in and spelling of young horses; and, free consultation and advice from renowned studmaster and successful thoroughbred breeder John North.
AGISTMENT: Long- and short-term stay for broodmares and foals, weanlings, yearlings and racehorse spellers.
SPELLING: Long- and short-term available for thoroughbred racehorses and breakers.
WEANLING: Feeding for growth, bone, strength and maturity of weanlings. Specialised handling and weaning service, including branding, DNA micro-chipping and Stud Book identification.
YEARLING: Pre- and post-sale agistment for yearlings and breakers. Full yearling sale preparation also available.
BREAKING-IN & PRE-TRAINING: Breaking-in and pre-training service by qualified and experienced personnel.
BREEDING: Full broodmare ‘walk on’ service to major studs in the Hunter Valley and Victoria. Mares are foaled down under 24/7 care and supervision.
TRANSPORT: Walk on and sale transport is available at competitive rates.
SUPPORT/CONSULTATION: Free advice and recommendations on breeding and racing strategies available to agisting clients if required.
NB. Transfers directly between Bowness Stud and Watershed Farm are carried out free of charge by our professional horse transport.
Our facilities for horses are well planned and purposely designed. Horse paddocks have horse safe fencing which is highly visible — large white capped posts, sight wire, netting and plain wire. All horse paddocks are equipped for enhanced safety. Many paddocks are divided by laneways for security, as well as to provide easy and safe access throughout the property. Horses are not on common fences, thus reducing the risk of injury.
Shelter
Fully rubber-lined stables and day yards cater for safe handling, along with a secure pick-up and drop-off area. The generously sized paddocks are well sheltered with either natural windbreaks, shade trees or quality man-made structures. The clean, undulating countryside provides sheltered slopes where horses can rest comfortably.
Drop Off/Pick Up & Transport
Safe drop off and pick up loading facilities are available for trucks and floats. Multiple holding yards are lined with rubber for added protection and security. Transport between Bowness Stud and Watershed Farm is provided free of charge with Bowness' professional truck and driver. Walk on and sale transport is available at competitive rates.
Water & Feed & Storage
High quality water is supplied through fresh creeks and dams. Each paddock has pure and clean water all year round. Feed and nutrition are an absolute priority. We have through careful management maintained our paddock pastures despite the recent drought. We have utilised biological fertilisers to enhance our soil health and consequently promote nutrients in our pastures and feed. We grow our own grain and fodde and have multiple grain and fodder storage facilities.
Feed and nutrition
Feed and nutrition are a priority on Bowness Stud. All horses are supplementary fed daily. We grow all our own grain and fodder. Agisted groups are rotated on to legume and grass-based improved pastures on a regular basis. We have utilised blends of biological fertilisers and compost teas on our pastures and crops to balance soil fertility and enhance plant nutrient content.
Bowness Stud and Watershed Farm pride themselves on providing lush, nutrient rich pastures, along with regular blends and feed mixes of home-grown hay, legumes and grains.
On Watershed Farm we utilise a Keenan feed mixer as part of our program. With our Keenan, we scientifically mix high protein blends and nutrient supplements together with feed, placing an emphasis on keeping acidosis minimised.
Complete rations are mixed together and dispersed to horses on a regular basis so they consistently receive a high quality dietary intake. Our mixes and pastures are designed to promote intestinal health, heightened immunity and improved bone and muscle density. Along with an abundant paddock pasture, this assists horses to reach their full genetic potential.
We follow with keen interest our racehorse spellers when they return to the track to ensure they have improved growth and strength after their time on Bowness Stud and Watershed Farm. Upon return we liase with trainers, and follow up with an appropriate feed and nutrition regime that caters for individual needs to boost return to racing potential.
Contact JAMES DALY 0428 821 390