About Us

Cheleken Stud is a purpose built equestrian training facility located South of Auckland in Mangatangi. Easy access from Auckland city, Hamilton and only 20 mins from Pukekohe.

The stud is owned and operated by Ana and Victoria Rattray. The facilities include a 40 x 80m sand arena, 8 box barn with loose boxes, tie stalls , indoor wash bay, covered yards and safe turn out paddocks. There is a lane around the entire farm , gentle rolling hills for hacking, show jumps and lunge ring.

At Cheleken Stud we offer training for horses and riders, plus sale on behalf and a buyers service. Lessons are available for all levels . We specialise in early jumping education for young horses and have extensive experience and an excellent success rate with rehabilitation from injury.
We breed a small number of horses each year to sell on and form our competition team.

Cheleken Stud was established in 1977. Since then a strong commitment to producing top quality jumpers has ensured that only the best stock are retained for our breeding programme. Broodmares must meet strict criteria of ideal conformation, athleticism, performance bloodlines and temperament. Mare sires include the proven lines of Aberlou, Imperial Seal, Brilliant Invader and Distlefink.

Our Horses

Cheleken foals are introduced to positive interaction with people from the time they are born and handled on a regular basis through to weaning. Basic leading skills are established, they are taught to 'give to pressure' from a halter, enjoy being groomed and have their legs handled and feet trimmed. Weaning is done in the paddock; using a "nanny mare" ensures the minimum amount of stress. After weaning they are introduced to stabling and supplementary fed throughout their first winter.

Thirty years of experience breeding competition horses has led to an extensive understanding of horse behaviour. Careful management and handling ensures our horses trust us, enjoy working with us and thrive on positive reinforcement. Good horsemanship and consistent routines create a stress free environment, reducing the potential for injury and negative experiences.

At Cheleken we assess our horses individually as to grazing and nutritional requirements. An organic Vitamin/Mineral mix is used weekly to supplement any essentials that horses living in farmed environments may lack. Hard feed is complemented with minerals, vitamins and herbs as required. Paddock management is an integral part of our routine; paddocks are cross-grazed with cattle and well rested for optimum parasite control. A regular drenching program is an important part of our management system. We refrain from the use of chemicals and potentially harmful weed sprays on our horse pasture.

The youngstock run in small herds on rolling hills; resulting in strong, well-built young horses. Breaking in starts at around three years depending on the individual horse. Competition life begins as four year olds and our well-adjusted horses are the product of a carefully implemented training program designed to give them the best possible start.