HORSE SENSE

nn Duffield certainly doesn’t believe in resting on her laurels. In 1999 she and her husband George Duffield, MBE – a now-retired top jockey with some 3,000 wins under his belt – bought Sun Hill Farm at Constable Burton and swiftly transformed it into a first-class racehorse training yard.

Just over two decades later Ann is still a well-respected trainer, currently eyeing up the future prospects of the un-raced two-year-olds she bought at this spring’s ‘breeze-up’ sales. But her business activities have now diversified well beyond the stable yard, bringing Sun Hill a degree of stability to counterbalance the natural ebbs and flows of what can be a harsh and volatile industry. She’s at the helm of a number of exciting ventures, all of them giving a welcome boost to the local economy.

FIT AS A HORSE

Concern for her horses’ wellbeing has always been a top priority for Ann – summed up in the cleverly ambiguous tagline to the Ann Duffield Racing logo: Where Horses Come First.

Operating under the umbrella title of Sports Horse Fitness & Rehab, Sun Hill’s enviable equine facilities are now open for use by local show jumpers, eventers and point-to-pointers. Olympic medallist Nicola Wilson, one of Yorkshire’s most successful horsewomen, is a big fan of Sun Hill’s cold salt water treadmill – a resource few yards in the country can boast – which provides a low impact but high intensity workout suitable for all types of horses, including those recovering from injuries.

Other non-invasive rehabilitation and fitness treatments include a solarium and a VitaFloor vibrating floor system designed to increase bone density, stimulate blood flow and help with soft tissue injuries, joint and muscle soreness. And of course there are comprehensive outdoor facilities too, including a 60 x 40 metre arena, an all-weather hill gallop, a fibre-sand round canter, a walker and a weigh bridge.

STAYING IN STYLE

It’s not just equine visitors that are welcome at Sun Hill but human guests in search of a little R&R.

Sun Hill Lodges is a collection of thirteen one-, two- and three-bedroom timber-built bespoke luxury lodges. Thanks to the site’s elevated position there are panoramic, and often spectacular, views of the lush Dales landscape to be enjoyed from the lodges’ picture windows, outdoor hot tubs and private gardens.

…quirky period features and state-of-the-art home comforts.

The luscious lodges aren’t the only accommodation options at Sun Hill either. There are two cosy, characterful cottages and – the jewel in the crown – Sun Hill Farmhouse. This spacious, 300-year-old building sleeps ten and can be booked in conjunction with the adjoining cottages, allowing for groups of up to 18 guests.

The farmhouse is a winning mix of quirky period features and state-of-the-art home comforts. Highlights of the property include a formal dining room with hand-painted French wallpaper, a large conservatory with a venerable grapevine, and a spacious garden with extensive views. As with the other rental properties, Ann – seemingly indefatigable – has taken responsibility for all aspects of interior design herself.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

For anyone even remotely interested in horses or horse racing, a stay at Sun Hill is obviously a real treat. Guests can see horses in training – in many cases simply by looking out of their windows – and stable tours are available to give a behind-the-scenes insight into the workings of a racehorse training yard.

Ann is always looking for extra ways to enhance guests’ stay at Sun Hill, and one of the latest is ‘Pradeep’s Kitchen’. Pradeep is a member of staff who is not only an able horseman but a highly experienced chef. On two nights a week he offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy an authentic Indian takeaway, meticulously prepared from scratch. It’s proving very popular.

As well as tantalising guests’ tastebuds, Sun Hill also caters for their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. The Sanctuary is a new suite of treatment rooms where holistic wellbeing specialist Tamara Heppell provides indulgent treatments for the mind, body and soul.

Therapies that Tamara offers – to both Sun Hill guests and locals alike – include aromatherapeutic massage, remedial deep tissue massage, luxury bespoke facials, crystal and reiki therapy, Indian head massage and reflexology. She also provides lifestyle coaching.

With so much going on at Sun Hill, how does Ann manage to keep all the plates spinning? “I’m lucky enough to have a really good staff team,” she says, “and the different businesses neatly dovetail with one another. Yes, there’s a lot to do, but it’s never a chore. All the things I’m involved in are activities I would do as a hobby. It’s a huge amount of fun, and it doesn’t feel like work at all!” To find out about accommodation at Sun Hill visit sunhill-lodges.co.uk, and for information about Sports Horse Fitness & Rehab visit sportshorserehab.com. For more about Ann Duffield Racing visit annduffield.co.uk