SOPHIE BUCKLEY

Stud Manager

Sophie grew up on a farm in Ireland’s Co. Kildare, and trained in her teens with international dressage instructor Gisele Holstein before spells with Irish show producer Frances Cash. Pursuing her dream to work within the racing industry, Sophie became assistant to Shadwell Racing Manager, Angus Gold and Derrinstown Stud Manager, Hubie de Burgh.

Sophie joined Darley as a Marketing Executive after graduating from the University of Edinburgh and RAU Cirencester. In 2006, Sophie and her husband Charles bought Culworth Grounds.

Garry Merton

Operations Manager

Joining the team at Culworth Grounds in Spring 2023, Garry brings with him a wealth of experience from many years as finance manager for BT. . A keen amateur rider, Garry has produced champion Show Hunters Seabourne Silent Valley amd Tom Dooley to win at the RIHS and both were placed at HOYS.

Having grown up with New Forest and Connemara’s, Garry now enjoys breeding his own Sport Horses with a prefernce for a strong Thoroughbred influence. Garry has always taken a keen interest in Bloodstock, regularly attending sales and now manages all operations side of the stud.

Pedro Villavicencio

Foaling Manager

Pedro manages our foaling unit and brings with him many years of veterinary experience. Having gained his veterinary qualifications and worked in his home country of Costa Rica, Pedro’s expertise has gone on to take him to Iceland and now the UK where he is keen to gain further experience specialising in horses.

Pedro works closely with our vets, Walnut Hill, to ensure our horses are cared for to the highest standard.    

Mahendra SINGH

RIDER

Mahendra, has a strong background in horse riding and stable work. Before joining us, Mahendra worked as a rider at the Mysore Racecourse in India. He joined Culworth in November 2025 and has been expanding his knowledge and experience ever since.

Mahendra is passionate about developing his skills across all areas of horse care, including breaking young horses, handling our stallion El Caballo, managing yards, and foaling. Since joining the team, Mahendra has gained hands-on experience during foaling season, learning how to care for mares and foals while continuing to build his knowledge of the industry every day.

Dujan Singh

Rider

Dujan began his journey with horses in India, spending 3yrs riding at Mysore Racecourse while completing his B.A.

After moving to the UK in January 2024, Dujan gained hands-on experience riding out for Milton Harris Racing in Warminster. Dujan joined us in September 2024 and has been a key part of the team ever since- passionate about learning, dedicated to the horses, and always striving to grow.

Jog Singh

Rider

Jog has around six years of experience as a professional rider, working in India, Dubai and the UK. He joined Culworth Grounds Farm in February 2024, where he has developed his skills in riding, handling and breaking yearlings, and working with mares and foals.

During the 2026 season, Jog has gained valuable experience working alongside Pedro throughout the foaling season. He is keen to continue developing his knowledge of foaling, with the long-term goal of becoming a foaling manager.

SHeila Capell

stud hand

Sheila has worked in the equine industry since the age of sixteen, gaining experience in various disciplines.

Sheila’s career highlight was being head girl for top international event rider Ginny Elliott (Leng/Holgate). She has also worked for international dressage rider Anna Ross and professional showjumper and trainer Robert Snaddon. In her spare time, she produces and shows her own horse at county level RORs.

Khet Singh

stud hand

Khetty joined us in May 2024 and brings with him over a year of grooming experience from Mysore Stud Farm in India. With a strong interest in horse care and a positive, enthusiastic attitude, Khetty is keen to grow his skills and knowledge.

Since joining the team, Khetty has gained valuable experience with horses, enjoyed his work immensely, and is particularly interested in learning more about foaling. Khetty’s goal is to become a foaling manager in the future.

pradeep nath

stud hand

Pradeep began his career at Mysore Racecourse in India, where he spent three years as a rider, before moving to the UK for a further two years. He brings valuable hands-on experience to the team at Culworth Grounds.

Since joining us, Pradeep has developed his skills working with mares and foals, handling yearlings, and caring for young horses. He is particularly interested in breeding, foaling and working with stallions, and is keen to continue building his experience in these areas.

Mary Davis

BVM BVS MRCVS CERT AVP

Equine vet

With a lifelong passion for horses, becoming an equine vet was always a natural fit for Mary. Since graduating from the University of Nottingham in 2013, she’s gained experience across the UK and Australia, working exclusively in equine practice.

Mary especially loves stud work and the continuity of care it brings — from getting to know horses and their owners to celebrating those all-important positive 14-day pregnancy scans. She also enjoys the challenge of helping sub fertile mares achieve a successful outcome.

Away from the clinic, Mary keeps busy with her two young boys, dog, cat and four chickens! When she gets the chance, you’ll find her enjoying the mountains, good food or getting out on her bike.

Her top tip for aspiring equine vets?

“Ignore the grumpy old vets who tell you to go and do a different career!”

We’re delighted to have Mary as part of the team.

moti singh

stud hand

Moti joined our team in April 2024, bringing with him over 3yrs experience working as a stud groom in India. Passionate about horse care and dedicated to teamwork, Moti is committed to learning and contributing long-term.

Between 2021 and March 2024, Moti developed a strong foundation in stable management, including handling horses, keeping stables clean, and performing all types of equine-related duties. Moti’s skills and enthusiasm make him a valued part of our stud team.

amy woodward

equine vet nurse

With 15 years of experience in equine practice, Amy brings extensive knowledge, dedication and a lifelong love of horses to her role at the stud.

Having grown up around horses, Amy always knew she wanted to work with them. She started her career at Hook Norton as a groom and gradually progressed through a variety of roles, becoming a veterinary technician, managing the yard, qualifying as a veterinary nurse and ultimately becoming Head Nurse.

Amy has a particular interest in equine reproduction, especially monitoring follicular development and seeing how quickly things can change over just a few days. A defining moment in Amy’s career was volunteering with the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust. The experience gave her a deeper appreciation of the resilience of horses and highlighted the vital role education plays in improving their welfare.

Away from work, Amy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, going for walks and relaxing with a glass of wine.

We are very happy to have Amy part of the team.

Locky Singh

Stud hand

Locky began working with us in May 2024. Before that, he spent a year at Mysuru Stud Farm in India, where he gained valuable experience in both riding and grooming.

Eager to continue learning, Locky has joined our team to deepen his knowledge of horse care and develop his skills further. His enthusiasm and drive to gain more hands-on experience make him a great addition to the team.