Meet the team
Dave Austin
Dave originally studied at The National Stud in Newmarket before spending a decade at Gainsborough Stud,
part of the world famous Godolphin racing team. He then moved on to Raffin Stud in Wiltshire before Touchwood Stud
was formed. During these years he has worked in every aspect of breeding, from covering to foaling down to sale
preparation and presentation. Dave deals with all the day to day running of the yard, care of breeding stock
and collecting from the stallions.
Gemma Austin
Gemma has been involved with horses throughout her life, working her way through the Pony Club system before training
and competing her own horses in a variety of disciplines, alongside a former career in Marketing. She spent a large
amount of time teaching, judging and competing before duties at the stud began to take over! Gemma also runs the administrative
side of the business, keeping all the endless paperwork in order! Gemma is a qualified DEFRA AI Technician.
Michael Swannick
Mike joined us in April 2009 and does all the riding and competing with the youngsters and stallions. Having produced his
own horses up to Intermediate level, he then spent a number of years on his mother's yard near Swindon working with
'problem' horses, something he has a keen interest in. He has also worked for racehorse trainers Barry Hills and Alan King,
breaking in their youngsters and schooling the trickier ones.
Laura Humphreys
Laura is our newest recruit, having joined us as a Working Pupil fresh from her degree in Equine Science gained at Hartpury
College. A keen rider since the age of 4, Laura and her mother own a number of breeding mares and youngsters and she is keen to
develop her breeding knowledge. Laura works on the yard, keeping on top of all day to day chores, in addition to an active involvement
in the AI work we do.
Sammy Finch
Sammy holds a degree in Equine Science, and has spent time working for both O’Gorman Slater and Main veterinary surgeons
and Saracen Horse Feeds. A keen event rider and hunter, she evented her mare at affiliated level until the mare’s recent
retirement to stud. Sammy helps us out on a part time basis, helping us keep on top of the chores and looking after horses
left at home when we are away at events.
Stallion owners can take advantage of our excellent location and facilities, with either permanent boarders welcomed to stand here at stud, short term board over the stud season, or walk in collections.
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All our Broodmares are carefully selected and matched to stallions with proven performance bloodlines, rideability and excellent temperaments.
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With the stud located in a beautiful rolling Cotswold valley, our facilities sit nestled in an idyllic location,
making for a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere so important to horses settled and being happy and healthy.
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GRADING AND BREED SHOW RESULTS
The show season is in full swing for us now, with plenty of breed shows and
youngstock evaluations to keep us occupied!...
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