Welcome to Woodlands Stud

About Us

In 1987 Charles Roberts purchased the property previously operating as the standardbred farm Harness World at mortgagee auction. Over the next 5 years the property was further developed with emphasis on pasture management. In 1992 Charles and his veterinary partner Andrew Grierson established Woodlands Stud. The name Woodlands Stud was the farm's original name dating back to the 60's. In the first years of the operation Woodlands stood stallions on lease with mixed success. One stallion stood out and In The Pocket was to become the most important influence on the NZ standardbred in modern times. After the dominance of this flagship stallion Woodlands came of age, however that was to change. In 2005 In The Pocket was sold by the US owners and unfortunately left the farm. Those with knowledge in standing stallions understand the time and effort it takes to promote a sire. Most do not become a commercial success. So in 2006 both Charles and Andrew took a new direction - securing sires by purchasing the southern hemisphere rights. With a positive approach to the future of the Standardbred Industry Woodlands purchased a controlling interest to the SH rights of the stallion Bettor's Delight and the next year American Ideal was purchased. Woodlands mandate is to provide the very top stallions and make them affordable to all breeders.

The rest is history - Bettor's Delight is the current leading living sire in the US and a sensation in both hemispheres. Under Woodlands management his first crop of 2YO in 2010 has broken all Australasian records. The high expectations for American Ideal are coming to fruition also. American Ideal first crop of 2YO have quickly risen up the ranks of the USTA 2YO list in 2010. American Ideal's first SH crop of 2YO race in 2010 and trainers from both sides of the tasman are raving about the gait and temperament.

Historically Woodlands has stood mostly pacers but recently they purchased the well credentialed trotting sire Pegasus Spur. His first crop down under has left Paramount Geegee the 2010 NZ 2YO trotter of the year. Pegasus Spur sire line SJ Photo crosses well with  the Sundon mares.

Woodlands Stud, a picturesque 640 acre property is situated on the 4 kms northeast of the small rural town of Clevedon. The stud is only 30 minutes from Auckland International Airport with its rolling hills and quality pasture, it makes the perfect location for a breeding base. During the winter months all mares and foals move to one of two Woodlands runoff properties. The first runoff property is the historic Puketutu Island located 5 minutes from Auckland International Airport. Puketutu Island is 282 acres and used to raise young horses and spell racehorses. Sandstone Rd Runoff is a block of 450 acres in East Tamaki where the bulk of the broodmares live over the winter months. Some hay and balage is made at Sandstone Rd in early summer when most horses are at Woodlands for the breeding season. All farms are cross grazing with sheep and cattle. Moving horses to the runnoffs over the winter has allowed the luxury of a pasture management strategy and fresh grass in the spring and summer months when Woodlands stud is at its busiest.