Established in 1957 as a land drainage contractor in Oxfordshire’s Vale of the White Horse, we have spent more than 70 years understanding how land, water and surfaces perform. That expertise enables us to design and construct exceptional equestrian facilities that support horse welfare, rider safety and year-round performance.
From racecourses, arenas, gallops and polo fields to estate infrastructure, water management and specialist drainage, we take full responsibility for every stage of the project, applying technically sound solutions that maximise performance, reliability and long-term value.
Racecourses, gallops & tracks
- Construction and renovation for safe, consistent performance.
Arenas & exercise facilities
- Indoor and outdoor arenas, ménages and exercise rings.
Polo & equestrian turf
- Polo fields, training grounds and natural turf renovation.
Estate infrastructure
- Roads, tracks, drainage, fencing and utility infrastructure.
Water management
- Drainage, lakes, reservoirs and sustainable water solutions.
Landscape and Environment
- Landscaping, habitat creation and biodiversity gains.
Understanding performance
- Creating facilities that support horse welfare and rider confidence.
Safety by design
- Prioritising safe construction, reliable surfaces and long-term quality.
Technical excellence
- Applying technical expertise to solve complex challenges.
Assured delivery
- Financial strength, careful planning, discreet and dependable execution.
Total accountability
- One proven contractor taking responsibility from start to finish.
Quality that endures
- Facilities designed to deliver results now and for the long term.
World-class performance from the ground up
As part of Ascot Racecourse's landmark £210m redevelopment, White Horse Contractors designed and delivered the £4.2m reconstruction and realignment of its historic racing surface.
Project at a glance
The straight mile was repositioned by 42 metres, while the course was constructed over a new road underpass without compromising the consistency of the going.
The result was a world-class racing surface created for one of the most prestigious venues in international horse racing.
Integrated equestrian performance
We were appointed to create a comprehensive equestrian facility for a private client, including a full-size polo field, stick and ball area, specialist exercise track and arena, together with an irrigation reservoir and extensive supporting infrastructure.
Project at a glance
Precision earthworks and laser grading created the foundations for high-quality playing surfaces, while specialist drainage, irrigation and water management support long-term performance. The main polo field was established using 100% smooth-stalked meadow grass to provide exceptional playing characteristics.
The result is an integrated private equestrian environment designed around horse welfare, reliable performance and lasting quality.
High-performance arenas, delivered around a live equestrian environment
White Horse Contractors was appointed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority to refurbish the riding arenas at Lee Valley Riding Centre, while allowing the busy riding school and livery yard to remain operational throughout the works.
Project at a glance
The works included bespoke fencing, membranes, drainage, new arena bases and specialist riding surfaces, together with the transformation of a waterlogged paddock into a fully drained public space.
Careful phasing and considerate site management enabled lessons to continue safely, with the finished arenas supporting everything from lead rein classes to grand prix dressage clinics.
Elite polo surfaces built for demanding performance
We were selected to design and construct two new polo lawns for the world-renowned Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park, creating high-performance surfaces capable of supporting more than 500 games each season.
Project at a glance
Extensive earthworks carefully integrated the new lawns into their prestigious parkland setting, while comprehensive primary and secondary drainage was installed to provide consistent playing conditions. When unexpected groundwater was encountered, our in-house specialists designed and implemented a solution within days, protecting the programme.
Our in-house agronomist also advised on soil improvement and grass selection, helping create resilient natural turf for elite polo.
We construct and renovate racecourses, gallops and training tracks, polo fields, indoor and outdoor arenas, ménages, dressage arenas and exercise facilities. Our wider capability includes drainage, irrigation, water supply, fencing, estate infrastructure, landscaping and environmental works.
Yes. We undertake renovation, improvement and maintenance works to existing facilities, helping restore surfaces, drainage and supporting infrastructure to improve safety, reliability and usability over the long term.
Yes. We construct and renovate ménages, riding arenas, dressage arenas and exercise areas. Works can include earthworks, drainage, membranes, specialist surfaces, fencing and associated infrastructure, tailored to the intended use of the facility.
Yes. We undertake the ground and landscape works required to create and improve cross-country courses, including tracks, jumps, ditches, culverts, drainage, fencing, hedging and associated landscape works.
Yes. Drainage has been a core White Horse Contractors capability since 1957. We design and install specialist systems to control excess water, improve usability and protect surface performance across arenas, gallops, polo fields, racecourses and private estates.
Yes. We provide irrigation and water supply infrastructure including reservoirs, pipelines, pumping systems and distribution networks, helping clients maintain reliable water supply and consistent surface conditions across equestrian facilities and estates.
Yes. We work extensively on private estates, delivering equestrian facilities alongside associated roads, tracks, fencing, drainage, water infrastructure, landscaping and environmental works, with careful attention to privacy, quality and long-term value.
Yes. Where required, works can be carefully phased around horses, riders, staff and visitors. At Lee Valley Riding Centre, for example, our team refurbished arenas and delivered associated works while the busy riding school and livery operation remained open.
Yes. We can take responsibility for both design and construction, combining equestrian expertise with ground engineering, drainage, water management, natural turf and estate infrastructure. This integrated approach gives clients clear accountability and reduces the number of interfaces to manage.
White Horse Contractors were alert to the needs of horses and customers, allowing us to run lessons safely while they worked in close proximity. The resulting arenas are absolutely first class.
For more information call 01865 736272 or email whc@whitehorsecontractors.co.uk
