Residential students from North Shropshire College’s (NSC’s) Walford Campus recently visited Twemlows Stud Farm in Whitchurch.

The farm – a family business run by Edward Matson – is one of the UK’s leading artificial insemination and embryo transfer centres with an annual throughput in excess of 300 mares, using more than 130 different stallions each year.

Students visited as part of their activity schedule and were lucky enough to have a guided tour by Edward who told them all about the business and educated them about breeding. Some very famous stallions have come from Twemlows, including ‘Big Star’ who won gold at the London Olympics.

Students got to see the stallions, mares and foals and Edward explained the process from the stallion side which is owned by his brother Tullis and the mares’ side, owned by him.

Vickie Burrows, residential activities officer said: "It was a fantastic visit for our students they learnt a great deal and we were very privileged to have a tour led by Edward. He also offered sought after work experience placements for equine students next year."

For more information about Equine Management courses at Walford Campus, come along to the Walford Open Day on Saturday, October 20 10am-2pm. Visitors will be able to chat to the tutors about the course, tour the facilities and find out more about options available.

To apply, visit www.nsc.ac.uk or call 01691 688080. For more information about the stud farm, visit: www.twemlows.co.uk