For local horsewomen Trudy Keegan what started as a childhood dream and then a hobby has now become a thriving business.
A few years ago, Trudy and her husband Vaughan turned their 32ha property on the outskirts of Stratford into an equine training facility run under the banner of Bellbrooke racing stables. The facility has between 70 and 80 horses in Trudy's full-time care all year, she says.
The business employs seven staff and Trudy says they are all as passionate about their work as she is.
"We really are one big happy family at Bellbrooke. You must have a love and passion for horses as it's early mornings and a 24/7 job no matter the weather or day of the week, the horses need exercising and feeding. We really are slaves to our horses - they get the best of everything."