The Challenge
A family of keen and competitive polo players wanted to create a private facility at home where they could train, exercise, and care for their ponies without needing to travel. Their vision was to transform an area of unused land into a purpose-built polo yard that blended performance, safety, and aesthetics.
The site began as a blank canvas — which provided the freedom to design exactly what the family wanted, but also meant that every element had to be installed from scratch, including water, drainage, access routes, and utilities.
The client, an architect, had a strong creative vision for the yard’s look and feel, with a focus on a clean layout, quality materials, and natural flow between the working areas. The key priority was to have the yard operational as quickly as possible, so the family could begin using it for their upcoming polo season.
The Solution
Tomley Projects delivered the build as a full turnkey project, handling every aspect from design consultation through to completion. Working closely with the client, our team designed a layout that made the best possible use of the available space, creating a seamless flow between each element of the yard for both horses and handlers.
The finished facility included:
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70m x 35m outdoor polo arena surfaced with Martin Collins Ecotrack Premium – providing a tight, secure surface ideal for fast turns and high-speed polo training.
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Custom polo board fencing and a bespoke fabricated gate, designed for riders to operate safely and easily while mounted or on foot.
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American barn with Monarch internal stables, integrated wash bay, tack room, and storage, combining strength with elegance.
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Covered Monarch horsewalker, providing safe exercise regardless of weather conditions.
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Post-and-rail paddocks with rounded corners and boarded troughs, enhancing both safety and stability.
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Access tracks and block-paved tie-up areas, ensuring durable, non-slip footing year-round.
Because the project started from an empty plot, our expertise in yard design proved invaluable. By advising on the most ergonomic and efficient layout – positioning the arena, paddocks, stables, and horsewalker for optimal use – we ensured the final facility not only looked exceptional but also functioned perfectly for day-to-day training and horse care.
The Outcome
After an initial three-month build over autumn 2023, followed by a return phase in spring 2024, the result is a beautiful, high-performing private polo facility that the family now uses daily.
The yard combines a professional standard of construction with a personal, home-based environment, giving the Lathams everything they need to train and care for their ponies in one place.
This project is a great example of how Tomley Projects can transform a blank site into a fully operational equestrian facility that balances design, practicality, and performance. By working collaboratively with the client and drawing on our deep understanding of how a yard should flow, we delivered a unique and functional space for a genuinely wonderful family – the kind of project that makes our work so rewarding.
Will Riggall, Jockey Club Estates
“From the design to implementation, Tom has been extremely helpful and accommodating along the way… The build was challenging as it was centrally located on the gallops which remained in use by over 700 racehorses daily… Tom’s team were courteous and flexible to our customer’s needs at all times. I would have no hesitation but to recommend Tomley Projects for all civils and equestrian construction needs.”