Harry Meade rides out at Christian Williams’ seaside training base Ogmore Farm

Harry Meade visits Christian Williams' Ogmore Farm, a racing yard set at the mouth of the River Ewenny in south Wales. The site sits beside Ogmore beach and sand dunes, and Meade describes how the coastal landscape contributes directly to the horses' training and daily life.

• River Ewenny: Riders can walk into the fast-flowing river up to the horses' bellies. Horses wade and cool off after work, which Meade notes as part of their routine.
• Ogmore beach: Large expanses of wet but deep sand are used for steady, low-concussion canters. Tidal action grooms the sand daily, creating consistent, strengthening underfoot work that Meade compares to proven deep-sand training elsewhere.
• Dunes and sand gullies: Deep dry sand and narrow gullies create a workout that engages the horses' backs and toplines. Climbing and steep descents in soft sand alter pelvic and hindquarter engagement in ways Meade finds especially beneficial.
• 'Rollercoaster' tracks: Narrow, snaking tracks through long grass and gullies—some only 18 inches wide—force constant balance, lead changes and adaptability. The route requires careful riding and produces a demanding, athletic session for both horse and rider.

Horses are turned out and allowed to live naturally where possible. The training day Meade rode involved legging up, river wading, extended beach canters and returning along the rollercoaster route. After hard work on sand, horses recover by trotting and walking in shallow surf, a bit like a natural water treadmill: resistance without concussion.

Christian Williams rides to keep close oversight of his string. Meade highlights Christian's soft, balanced riding—traits attributable to his National Hunt jockey background. Despite the varied terrain and occasionally extreme inclines, horses remain relaxed and collected through the canters, meaning the work strengthens them without creating tension.

The combination of natural features offers conditioning benefits that many purpose-built facilities struggle to match. Meade notes the yard's beach and surroundings make it attractive for staff and riders, pointing to the lifestyle and the quality of work available.

Meade rode Fever Dream, an eight-year-old chestnut who has won four races. He reports the horses remain calm throughout the varied exercises, and observes that the coastal workouts are more beneficial to backs and toplines than many conventional gym-based therapies. The route's complexity demands continuous rider input, improving balance and technique alongside equine conditioning.

Ogmore Farm demonstrates how natural terrain—river, tide-groomed sand, dunes and narrow tracks—can be integrated into a high-performance racing programme. The result is a yard where horses gain strength, fitness and balance through daily interaction with the coastline rather than relying solely on manufactured training surfaces.