“Educate well so that their homes will be few” Lady Onslow”
The Marriage of Two Amazing Bloodlines
The Clandon Park Stud has arguably been in existence for almost 400 years, making Clandon Park Stud one of the oldest private studs in the world.
Since 1641, when the Onslow family first arrived to farm sheep, produce timber and breedhorses on land between West Clandon and Merrow, they have bred winners in many fields.
Within months of their arrival they applied to the Crown so that they might also create a small Deer Park on their farm. The Crown consented and the Onslow family called their deer park, Clandon Park. Clandon Park has remained in the Onslow family ownership since 1641, that is now almost 400 years !
From “Godolphin” & “Whitenose” to the Clandon Park Horses of Today.
George Onslow (1st Earl of Onslow)
The Onslow family were one of the first families in the world to greatly admire and purchase horses sired by one of the original three spectacular Thoroughbred foundation stallions, The Godolphin Arabian. Their stamina, speed and beauty was said to be without comparison, and the likes of which had never before been beheld in Europe.
George Onslow the 1st Earl of Onslow bought his great knowledge of breeding and racing to Clandon Park from his stud at Ember Court and insisted that the stallions be kept separate from the mares and employed more staff who lived in quarters above two splendid stable yards at Clandon Park House and one of Lord Onslow’s farms, Temple Court. It was only a few minutes ride to his beloved racecourse, the Guildford Horse Course from the stables that housed the racehorses at Temple Court Farm and his broodmares would be free to graze the best pastures to the north of the farm to ensure their foals were well nourished. He certainly took a far closer interest in the bloodlines he introduced to the breeding and racing of his horses than has previously been documented and horses with outstanding bloodlines such as Victorious, that crowds would flock to watch race, were certainly used to produce outstanding riding horses too.
Much of the same blood runs through the veins of Lord & Lady Onslow’s horses today.
As the Killowen Stud moves to Clandon Park over the next two years so the bloodline will continue through to the next generation of Clandon Park horses.