The Challenge
A competitive polo-playing family wanted a private home facility to train, exercise, and care for their ponies without travelling. Their goal was to transform unused land into a purpose-built polo yard combining performance, safety, and aesthetics.
Starting from a blank canvas, every element—from water and drainage to access routes and utilities – had to be installed from scratch. With a clear creative vision, the architect-client prioritised a clean layout, quality materials, and natural flow between areas, aiming for a fully operational yard in time for the polo season.
The Solution
Tomley Projects delivered this turnkey build, managing every stage from design consultation to completion. Collaborating with the client, we designed a layout that maximised space and created a seamless flow for both horses and handlers.
The completed facility features:
-
70m x 35m outdoor polo arena with Martin Collins Ecotrack Premium, providing a secure surface for fast turns and high-speed training.
-
Custom polo board fencing and bespoke gate, safely operable on foot or mounted.
-
American barn with Monarch stables, integrated wash bay, tack room, and storage, combining strength with elegance.
-
Covered Monarch horsewalker, allowing safe exercise in all weather.
-
Post-and-rail paddocks with rounded corners and boarded troughs for safety and stability.
-
Access tracks and block-paved tie-up areas, offering durable, non-slip footing year-round.
Starting from an empty plot, our yard design expertise ensured an ergonomic, efficient layout – positioning the arena, paddocks, stables, and horsewalker for optimal functionality and aesthetics, creating a facility that excels in daily 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.
