Long-time Muswellbrook trainer Jeff Englebrecht has relocated to Wyong leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.

Coal dust from the controversial open cut mines in the upper Hunter Valley was a determining factor in Englebrecht's move to the Central Coast which he completed at the weekend.

It took three years for the trainer to negotiate a price for his property with the owners of Mt Arthur Coal and as soon as the deal was complete he was gone.

"This is a sea change for me and the sea change is being able to breathe fresh air," Englebrecht said.

"We were in the acquisition area so to sell we had to sell to the mine.

"I negotiated for three years. I wasn't going for nothing."

Englebrecht said he was uncertain of the effects of the dust on the horses he had trained but said the evidence of its effects on humans was well documented by the levels of asthma and other respiratory conditions in the region.

The Upper Hunter Valley is home to Australia's largest thoroughbred nursery with Coolmore, Darley, Vinery and Arrowfield Studs all located in the area.

All those studs are represented on the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association which has called for a moratorium on open cut mining in the area.

Not only is the group concerned about the atmosphere but it fears for the water table in the area.

Englebrecht would rather not stay and fight and is looking forward to a new challenge at Wyong where he has 12 horses in work.

"Everything has gone well with the move,' he said.

"And I might take one of the horses back up to the Hunter for Cessnock on Monday."