Meet the Team
Caroline Corbin – Director
“I have been around horses since the age of 5 and have over 19 years experience in the thoroughbred industry and hold horse management qualifications gained at Sparsholt College. I initially worked at Kentford for Ian Bare, foaling, looking after and producing his young horses since I was 18 until 2001 when Mike and I took over the business.
I am very much hands on and enjoy looking after and training each horse as an individual, having looked after most of them since they were born! I am always sad to see the horses we have produced go to the sales or into race training but take great satisfaction when they do well in their new careers.
I very much enjoy riding my thoroughbred mare, Tiggy who I have had since a foal. Tiggy is now 10 years old and we enjoy many activities together.”
Mike Smith – Director
“I was brought up in the countryside having grown up on a farm. Since leaving school, I gained qualifications in grassland management at Sparsholt College, and worked for Ian Bare here at Kentford where I was involved in land management, looking after the cattle and thoroughbred horses. Although very different, I have transferred much of my knowledge from calving to foaling as many of the techniques for dealing with foaling and the problems which may be encountered are similar.
Although not a rider, I am involved with the ground work during breaking, handling the foals and boisterous youngsters where I can provide the additional strength often needed with these tasks. I particularly enjoy working with the youngsters especially in the stud side of the business.
I take great pride in maintaining the safety and quality of the turnout and grass here as this is an important element of the nutrition required by the growing horse and broodmare.
We have two thoroughbred brood mares of our own which hopefully will produce future winners on the racecourse!”
Natalie Carden – Head Girl
Natalie is the newest member of our team, and is involved in all aspects of both yard and office activities, and lives locally to assist with foaling, though she has previously worked for us part time for two years whilst studying for her BSc (Hons) Degree in Equine Studies, she brings to the Kentford team a friendly and helpful atmosphere that we pride ourselves in delivering to our customers.
As well as past experience at Kentford, she has previously worked for trainer Dr. Jeremy Naylor, and was involved in riding the racehorses daily up the gallops and assisting with all veterinary and general yard duties.
“I thoroughly enjoy my work at Kentford and have been involved with horses since a young age, and have previously competed in many disciplines before studying for my degree. I now have my four year old Thoroughbred mare Minnie Minx (racing name “Saunders Encore”), who was born at Kentford, of which I am enjoying bringing on and hope to compete more this summer. I am learning a great deal through Mike and Caroline”s guidance and look forward to all Kentford has to bring!”