Kentucky Real Estate Business

Posts Tagged ‘Horse’

Article by Leopoldo Hewitt

Simply because of this, some men and women just do not have the time to spare to go down to the race track.On line betting on horse racing helps men and women bypass the issue of time. By means of on line horse race betting, persons who want in on the action only want to spare a few seconds to get on the internet and wager on the horse of their decision. Soon after that, they can continue performing what requirements to be carried out and bearing the burdens that need to be borne.Mainly because of the boosting development of engineering in the parts of connectivity, persons these days can make use of on-line horse race betting techniques anywhere in the entire world. Persons currently can make use of their cellular phones and various other gadgets to wager.The Cons:Of course, with the great, there is often the negative. One factor mistaken about on line horse race betting is the truth that it practically feels too hassle-free. Funny, people today rarely start off to question the factors why some issues are just manufactured to be handy. Someplace in the planet, a gambling junkie ought to have cursed the heavens and Invoice Gates when he discovered that on the net horse race betting was possible. The truth that it is now easy implies that extra and a lot more individuals will get hooked by the rush of betting on horse races.A further con is the point that men and women take part on on line horse race betting using credit score cards and digital dollars. Though these have virtually the very same value as dollars, men and women are likely to see them as unreal. There’s one thing about viewing figures transform screens that just can not review to the harsh truth of crisp expenditures modifying hands.On the net horse race betting is neither inherently very good nor is it inherently evil. Every little thing has a superior facet and a undesirable aspect. Just keep in mind that in the finish, it is really your capital on the line.On-line horse race betting has exploded in modern years. In days gone by you possibly had to go to a race meeting or go to a physical bookmakers. Now, you can take part from the ease and comfort of your individual property.Not only are most of the huge meetings televised but you can also look at them stay streaming on the internet. That also suggests you are not restricted to watching and betting on the horses in your own locale or nation. You can now wager securely and securely on any race anywhere in the world.Placing bets on the net is each quick and handy, with all the several on line bookmaker’s web sites providing substantial handy tips and tips. Quite a few also present guidelines companies and posts and information to enable you make an informed decision in advance of the race.There are several forms of bet you can make when inserting a bet on line from a straight win wager to mix bets covering more than just one horse across unique races.There are some big horse racing events all over the universe that you can seem for, from the Grand National and Derby in the United kingdom and the Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup in the USA.

http://goarticles.com/article/Horse-Race-Betting-On-line-How-to-Make-Some-Cash/5105812/

There are thousands of horses being auctioned every year and this includes, pleasure horses and ponies, racehorses who did not quite measure up at the track, draft horses as well as donkeys, mules and others.

Many people may picture the horse auction as being elite, such as the  Kentucky sale rings in which racehorses are sold for huge amounts of money are no exception. This may be the case but there is also a darker side to horse auctions for in the USA, the local horse auction is the main place that people come to buy and sell horses and these auctions are mostly held at county livestock markets, every week or every month.

Inexpensive Riding Horses and Ponies

There may be many people who visit the auction in the hope of finding an inexpensive riding horse or a pony but there are also many killer buyers who represent federally licensed horse slaughterhouses in the United States, who come to buy horses at an auction.

The case of an unwanted horse is one that means it will usually end up at a slaughterhouse after being purchased by middlemen who further fatten and send them to the slaughter house.

The condition of horses being traded at an auction may vary quite a bit and some are in excellent health with splendid coats and hooves and beautifully maintained manes while others have been trucked to auction by anonymous haulers. There are instances of such horses being victims of extreme neglect. Starvation is a common affliction seen among horses being sold at the horse auction and there are plenty of horses with hip bones as well as ribs so exposed that one may be forgiven for thinking that such horses are walking skeletons.

There are many sources for obtaining a listing of all the available horse auctions taking place throughout the United States and one can even go online and check out various web sites that have detailed listings of all horse auctions that are taking place or will be taking place in the near future..

http://lifestyle.ezinemark.com/an-elite-kentucky-sales-ring-or-just-a-horse-auction-13f22ad0f0a.html

Article by Martin Webbster

Horse properties have become quite common of late. No longer the preserve of Colorado or Kentucky ranchers, city dwellers and investors are also looking into horse property investment. They understand that this area of real estate is growing very fast and commands a lot of buyers. Mostly, the investors buy the property for possible resale or use by themselves. For personal use, when they can retire to these properties during the summer and partake of all that the rural America has to offer. They can build a ranch and breed cattle on the rural properties. Or, they can behold the scenic rural west and go on fishing and hunting expeditions. The possibilities are endless. As a resalable property, investors believe that with time the prices and demand for horse properties will be on the increase as many people look to the rural areas for land and recreation. As rural land still remains cheap, these investors find it worthwhile to buy large tracts of land and convert into ranches.

How does one go about the business of looking for a horse property for sale?

Well, your first approach would be to think about the barn. This is the place that you will need most for the horses. Will you want to build a new barn or use the one on the ranch? Is existing barn in good shape? Does it complement the structure you intend to put up on land? Is it large enough to contain the number of horses you intend to rear? Typically, you will have to look out for many things to arrive at a good barn. The barn must be strong and study. It must be strong enough to withstand the rumbling of the horses. There should be no large gaps through which some of the horses may break through. If you intend to build a new ban, are you going to make a carpenter construct one for you or you will use prefabricated type? Each option has it own cost. You will also have to consider how close the barn is to the road. To avoid accidents and dustiness, you will want to get a barn that is farther away from the road so that the swirl from the passage of cars on the road will not accumulate in the yard. If you are going to use the existing barn, inspect the floors. Are they suitable for sleeping by the horses?

Consider access to your property. Do you have well constructed roads so that trucks can easily reach your property to deliver supplies? Can the trucks turn in the yard without problems?

The fence will also have to be very strong for this type of property. Meticulously look at the posts to determine if they are strong and can withstand a horse that is trying to beak away. You should determine if the stakes and the wood work are safe so that the horses will not injure themselves in any way. Many property owners would like to use wood fences but they can be expensive to maintain. They require frequent painting and replacement. They are susceptible to the weather and can even rot away. They are however cheap to construct in the first place.

Vinyl fencing is more durable and requires less maintenance but very expensive to install.

How easy can you find water? Many properties have wells but access to nearby stream or some other water body will be of great benefit.

Think about how you will provide lighting for the place? Has the owner installed solar panels or generator the event that the grid fails?

If you intend to hold a large number of horses, you will have to get ample storage for them. Judging by the size of the property, can you hold that number of horses you envisage? Do you have enough room to store their supplies including food?

Then you have your home to consider. How is the residential facility sited on the land? Is it convenient for you? Will you have to pass through the horse feeding area or barn before you exit?

http://goarticles.com/article/Horse-Property-Buying-Tips/1176155/

Article by jekky

(7380, ‘Living environment br Worldwide horses and other equids usually live outside with access to shelter from the elements In some cases animals are kept in a barn or stable or may have access to a shed or shelter Horses require both shelter from wind and precipitation as well as room to exercise and run They must have access to clean fresh water at all times and access to adequate forage such as grass or hay In the winter horses grow a heavy hair coat to keep warm and usually stay warm if well fed and allowed access to shelter But if kept artificially clipped for show or if under stress from age sickness or injury a horse blanket may need to be added to protect the horse from cold weather In the summer access to shade is well advised For horse owners who do not own their own land fields and barns can be rented from a private land owner or space for an individual horse may be rented from a boarding farm Unless an animal can be fully maintained on pasture with a natural open water source horses must be fed daily preferably at least twice a day If a horse cannot be fed by its owner every day it is usually kept at a boarding stable where the staff will care for the horse for a fee As equines are herd animals most have better mental behavior when in proximity to other equine company However this is not always possible and it has been known for companionship bonds to develop between horses and cats goats and other species There are exceptions Some horses particularly stallions may need to live on their own as they may fight with other animals Horses that are not on full time turnout in a field or pasture normally require some form of regular exercise whether it is being ridden longed or turned out for free time However if a horse is ill or injured it may need to be confined to a stable kept in a box stall br Pastures br Horses require room to exercise br If a horse is kept in a pasture the amount of land needed for basic maintenance varies with climate an animal needs more land for grazing in a dry climate than in a moist one However an average of between one and 3 160 acres 12 000 160 m2 of land per horse will provide adequate forage in much of the world though feed may have to be supplemented in winter or during periods of drought To lower the risk of laminitis horses also may need to be removed from lush rapidly changing grass for short periods in the spring and fall autumn when the grass is particularly high in non structural carbohydrates such as fructans If the terrain does not provide natural shelter in the form of heavy trees or other windbreaks an artificial shelter must be provided a horse s insulating hair coat works less efficiently when wet or when subjected to wind horses that cannot get away from wind and precipitation put unnecessary energy into maintaining core body warmth and may become susceptible to illness Some horses are turned out in a natural setting during the winter or when retired from work However even in these cases animals need to be checked frequently for evidence of injury parasites sickness or weight loss Horses cannot live for more than a few days without water Therefore even in a natural semi feral setting a check every day is recommended a stream or irrigation source can dry up ponds may become stagnant or develop toxic blue green algae a fence can break and allow escape poisonous plants can take root and grow windstorms precipitation or even human vandalism can create unsafe conditions br Fences and pens br Wood and wood like synthetics are classic and attractive forms of fencing br Horses evolved to live on prairie grasslands and to cover long distances unfettered by artificial barriers Therefore when fenced in accident potential must be considered Horses will put their heads and legs through fences in an attempt to reach forage on the other side They may run into fences if chased by another animal or even when running at play if the fence such as a wire fence is not particularly visible The smaller the area the more visible and substantial a fence needs to be For exercise alone a pen run corral or dry lot without forage can be much smaller than a pasture and this is a common way that many horses are managed kept in a barn with a turnout run or in a dry lot with a shelter feeding hay allowing either no pasture access or grazing for only a few hours per day Outdoor turnout pens range greatly in size but 12 160 feet 4 160 m by 20 to 30 160 feet 9 160 m is a bare minimum for a horse that does not get ridden daily To gallop for short stretches a horse needs a run of at least 50 to 100 160 feet 30 160 m When kept in a dry lot a barn or shelter is a must If kept in a small pen a horse needs to be worked regularly or turned out in a larger area for free exercise br A sturdy and well made wooden post and rail fence that is suitable for horses br Fences in pens must be sturdy In close quarters a horse may contact the fence frequently Wire is very dangerous in any small pen Pens are often made of metal pipe or wood Larger pens are sometimes enclosed in closely woven mesh sometimes called no climb fencing However if a wire mesh is used in a small pen the openings must be too small for a horse hoof to pass through br Types of fencing br See also Agricultural fencing br One danger of a wire fence is that as shown in this photo it is practically invisible a running animal may not see the fence until it is too late to avoid running into it br Over vast areas barbed wire is often seen in some parts of the world but it is the most dangerous fencing material that can be used around horses even in a large pasture If a horse is caught in barbed wire it can quickly become severely hurt often leaving lasting scars or even permanent injuries Horse management books and periodicals are nearly universal in stating that barbed wire should never be used to contain horses However this advice is widely ignored particularly in the western United States Various types of smooth wire fencing particularly when supported by a strand of electric fence can be used to enclose a large pasture of several acres and is one of the least expensive fencing options A wire fence should have at least four preferably five strands to provide adequate security However even without sharp barbs wire has the highest potential for horses to become tangled in the fence and injured If used it must be properly installed and kept tight through regular maintenance Visibility is also an issue a horse galloping in an unfamiliar pasture may not see a wire fence until it is too late to stop br A heavy woven mesh with closely spaced strands is relatively safe for horses as they cannot easily break the fence nor put a foot through it br Woven mesh wire is safer but more expensive than strands of smooth wire It is more difficult to install and has some visibility issues but horses are less likely to become tangled in it or be injured if they run into it Adding a top rail of wood or synthetic material increases visibility of the fence and prevents it from being bent by horses reaching over it A strand of electric fence may also keep horses from pushing on a mesh fence Mesh fencing needs to be heavy gauge wire woven not welded and the squares of the mesh should be too small for a horse to put a foot through Field fence or no climb fence are safer designs than more widely woven sheep fence Chain link fence is occasionally seen but horses can bend chain link almost as easily as a thinner gauge wire so the additional expense is often not justified by any gain over good quality woven wire br Electric fencing made of modern synthetic materials with fine wire interwoven throughout make a visible and inexpensive fence Use of plastic posts allows a temporary fence to be set up and moved easily as needed An electric fence such as this is good for dividing up a grazing area but should not be used as a boundary fence or in areas where animals will put a lot of pressure on the fence br Electric fence comes in many styles of wire rope and webbing and is particularly useful for internal division of pastures It carries only a mild charge that causes a noticeable shock but no permanent injury to animals or people It is relatively inexpensive and is easy to install but if electricity fails it is easily broken It is excellent both as a temporary fence and in single strands as a top or middle barrier to keep horses away from conventional fencing There is some danger that horses can become tangled in an electric fence though because the materials are finer it usually breaks stopping the current though injuries are still possible Because electricity can fail it should not be the sole fencing used on property boundaries particularly next to roads though a strand on top may be used to keep a horse from leaning over a fence made of other materials Nor should it be used alone in small pens where horses may accidentally bump into it on a regular basis However small single horse enclosures are sometimes seen at endurance riding competition where temporary fencing must be set up in remote areas In residential areas warning signs should be posted on any boundary fences with electrified sections to keep people from touching the fence and accidentally being shocked Wood is the classic form of horse fencing either painted planks or natural round rails It is one of the safest materials for containing horses Wood or a synthetic material with similar properties is the best option for small paddocks pens and corrals It can be used to fence pastures and has some ability to give or break if a horse collides with it However wood is expensive high maintenance and not completely without safety concerns boards can splinter nails can stick out and cause lacerations Wood like synthetics are even more expensive but are often safer and lower maintenance br A pipe fence will not break br Cable of various sorts is sometimes used for horse fencing and especially if combined with a top rail or pipe or wood can be reasonably safe However if cable is not kept tight like wire horses can be tangled in it However it not only cannot break but unlike wire it also cannot easily be cut by humans Its advantage over wire is that it poses less of a risk of entanglement It is often less expensive than wood or pipe has some give if a horse runs into it and requires relatively little maintenance Metal pipe is often used for fences instead of wood and if properly installed can be fairly safe in the right circumstances Pipe is often the most expensive fencing option but is low maintenance and is very strong Pipe will generally not give or break if it is run into or if the horse puts a foot through it which can itself be a potential injury risk horse owners debate the relative merits and dangers of pipe versus wood for horse fencing Usually pipe is most suitable for very small areas such as pens where a horse may often bump or test the fence but will not be at risk of colliding with the fence at full speed br A Kentucky limestone fence br Solid wall masonry fences typically either brick or fieldstone are a type of horse fencing with an ancient tradition Advantages of stone fences are high visibility durability strength and safety Horses cannot get caught or tangled in them put legs through and if a horse runs into one the impact is spread over much of the body rather than concentrated on a single spot They will last for decades with only minor repairs The major disadvantage is the cost the materials are expensive fences require skilled labor for proper construction and take longer to build br Barns and stables br See also barn 160 and stable br A large horse stable in Poland br Horses are sometimes kept indoors in buildings called either barns or stables The terms are often used interchangeably a barn is the more general term for a rural building that houses livestock the term stable is more often used in urban areas and can be used as a noun to refer to the building that houses horses or the collection of horses themselves or as a verb to describe the act of keeping horses in a stable These buildings are usually unheated and well ventilated horses may develop respiratory problems when kept in damp or stuffy conditions Most horse barns have a number of box stalls inside that allow many horses to be safely stabled together in separate quarters There are also separate areas or even rooms for feed equipment and tack storage and in some large stables there may be additional facilities such as a veterinary treatment area or a washing area in the building Barns may be designed to hold one horse in the backyard of a family home or be a commercial operation capable of holding dozens of animals br Box stalls in a barn or stable should be of sturdy construction and cleaned daily br The standard dimensions for a box stall called a box in the UK and a stall in the USA vary from 10 by 12 to 14 by 14 depending on local cultural traditions the breed of horse gender and any special needs Mares with foals often are kept in double stalls Stallions kept’)

http://goarticles.com/article/Horse-care/3892926/

When you think of thoroughbred horses, the Kentucky Derby is but one arm of the famous Triple Crown horse race.  Like its southern counterpart, Maryland’s rolling hills are gorgeous and its barns are often described as being even nicer than homes.

If you want to play with the ponies, however, you’ll have to pay. Prices range from 0,000 to millions of dollars – depending on location, size, and facilities. Of course, when at least a billion dollars annually is generated by the horse industry in Maryland, owners can well afford the more expensive homes.

It’s not just the horse owners who benefit from the equine industry.  Jobs are plentiful for experienced equestrians ranging from full-fledged trainers to the less glamorous jobs of shoveling out the muck from the stables.  In addition, groomers, veterinary work, Ferrier positions, and more are available.

While you consider a move to the magnificent state of Maryland – with sweeping views from the gorgeous South Mountain communities to the quaint and charming Fredericksburg – stay overnight in one of the many bed and breakfasts.  Many offer stables for horse lovers who travel with their mounts.

One historic bed and breakfast is the Cascade Inn near the Blue Ridge Summit.  If you’re not into horse riding, you can go tromping through some of the most beautiful vistas in the nation searching for the delicacy provided by morel mushrooms. If your preference is to be treated like royalty, perhaps a visit to The Castle Bed and Breakfast is more suited to your tastes.  Besides vigorous outdoor activities, you could also just settle down for a massage, a day of antique shopping, or a ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.

Once you decide you do want to stay forever in this beautiful state – but if you can’t afford to buy a full-fledged horse farm – consider there really are affordable homes throughout the state. The average price of homes is about 0,000, a drop of just a bit more than 6 percent since this time last year.

Buying real estate in Maryland would be a good investment, not just for your wallet, but also for you soul.

If you’re a discriminating equestrian enthusiast looking for horse farms for sale, look no further than HorseProperties.net for horse farms for sale in the United States and Canada.

HorseProperties.net is your real estate source that deals exclusively with properties perfect for accommodating horses, and all their needs. If you’d like a horse farm for sale that doubles as a home for you and your family, they can handle that as well. Each of their horse farms for sale meets the required zoning specifications for its location, and contains all the amenities you’ll require to tend to your horses, as well as your family. Their agents have a wealth of knowledge and experience dealing with horse farms for sale in the most beautiful regions of the US and Canada, where horses are known to thrive. Their horse farms for sale are available in States such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina and Texas, and in select provinces in Canada.

HorseProperties.net excels at matching buyers with horse farms for sale that will allow them to gain access to the booming equestrian industry. Horse ownership is no longer the bastion of the wealthy; it has become a diverse industry, responsible for an approximate 2 billion contribution to the American economy, by people from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, horse farms for sale significantly impact employment statistics, keeping about 1.5 million people gainfully employed in the breeding, racing and caretaking sectors of this booming industry. A horse farm for sale could be the perfect opportunity to indulge in a love of horses, while making a significant impact on the economy, as well as the lives of the animals, and the people who care for them. HorseProperties.net has the knowledge and the expertise to find the right horse farms for sale that will be perfect for the buyer as well as the animals. No detail is over looked; everything from land, water and feed sources, as well as access to secondary and primary roads, are just some of the important elements taken into account as part of the information about a horse farm for sale. There is no longer such a thing as “the average American horse owner”. If you’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to get into this business, HorseProperties.net is the perfect partner to find horse farms for sale, presenting you with the best opportunities to make this dream a reality.

For more information about horse farms for sale, visit HorseProperties to read about their services and to view horse farms for sale all over the United States and Canada. In addition, you will find a listing of affiliated agents in your area that can assist with finding horse farms for sale, as well as other pertinent information. You will not find another real estate broker with such an extensive listing of properties, or the knowledge to help you purchase the right one. Trust HorseProperties.net to find the perfect property that will be the best place for both you and your horses.

Kentucky has a very unique and special history of horse racing.  It dates all the way back to the late eighteenth century when Lexington got its very first race course.  From that time in 1789 to 1875 when the Churchill Downs first officially opened, there were races held in different courses throughout the country.  Once the Churchill Downs opened, it became the home of the Kentucky Derby and has been most widely known as that.

To give a little history on the Churchill Downs is to go back to 1872 when Col. M Lewis Clark created a Louisville Jockey Club to hold racing meets.  Clark then went on to visit a number of other racing leaders in Europe and learn from the best.  When he returned to America he began the development of a new Kentucky racetrack to house the best horses in the breeding industry.  This new track would become known as the Churchill Downs by 1883 when a news article posted an excerpt about the track.  The name stuck and was finally incorporated into the Churchill Downs name in 1937.

The first time that the track was publicly established was in May of 1874 and it was posted in the edition of the Courier-Journal.  The construction of the truck was debated by a few different organizations but it was finally funded and construction was started.  Clark rose over ,000 dollar by selling membership subscriptions.  He sold the subscriptions at 0 a pop and leased over 80 acres of land.  The whole track, when it was completed, had a clubhouse, porter’s lodge, grandstand, and a number of different stables that all were complete for the opening race of the track.

Clark designed three different major races, the Clark Handicap, the Kentucky Oaks, and the Kentucky Derby.  This mimicked the three main races in England and was thought to bring prestige and class to the US version of it.  Ever since the Kentucky Derby, Clark Handicap, and Kentucky Oaks debuted in 1875, they have continued to be held at the Churchill Downs.

Over the course of the years some of the best horses and jockeys have raced on the Churchill Downs and it has become one of the most prestigious racing venues in all of horse racing.  There have been a lot of different renovations over the years, the biggest and most recent in 2002.  The track went through a 1 million renovation.  This phase of the renovation would include large new balconies, an updated grandstand with meeting areas and suites.  This phase was finished by 2003 and the second phase expanded the Turf Club and added even more boxes, seats and suites.  The whole renovation added 404,000 square feet to the stadium and increased seating by over 50,000.

The Churchill Downs racetrack continues to be one of the best tracks on the horse racing circuit will continue to showcase some of the best horses in the world.  It has had a long history of incredible races, and will continue to add to that history as time goes on.

Horse properties have become quite common of late. No longer the preserve of Colorado or Kentucky ranchers, city dwellers and investors are also looking into horse property investment. They understand that this area of real estate is growing very fast and commands a lot of buyers. Mostly, the investors buy the property for possible resale or use by themselves. For personal use, when they can retire to these properties during the summer and partake of all that the rural America has to offer. They can build a ranch and breed cattle on the rural properties. Or, they can behold the scenic rural west and go on fishing and hunting expeditions. The possibilities are endless. As a resalable property, investors believe that with time the prices and demand for horse properties will be on the increase as many people look to the rural areas for land and recreation. As rural land still remains cheap, these investors find it worthwhile to buy large tracts of land and convert into ranches.

How does one go about the business of looking for a horse property for sale?

Well, your first approach would be to think about the barn. This is the place that you will need most for the horses. Will you want to build a new barn or use the one on the ranch? Is existing barn in good shape? Does it complement the structure you intend to put up on land? Is it large enough to contain the number of horses you intend to rear? Typically, you will have to look out for many things to arrive at a good barn. The barn must be strong and study. It must be strong enough to withstand the rumbling of the horses. There should be no large gaps through which some of the horses may break through. If you intend to build a new ban, are you going to make a carpenter construct one for you or you will use prefabricated type? Each option has it own cost. You will also have to consider how close the barn is to the road. To avoid accidents and dustiness, you will want to get a barn that is farther away from the road so that the swirl from the passage of cars on the road will not accumulate in the yard. If you are going to use the existing barn, inspect the floors. Are they suitable for sleeping by the horses?

Consider access to your property. Do you have well constructed roads so that trucks can easily reach your property to deliver supplies? Can the trucks turn in the yard without problems?

The fence will also have to be very strong for this type of property. Meticulously look at the posts to determine if they are strong and can withstand a horse that is trying to beak away. You should determine if the stakes and the wood work are safe so that the horses will not injure themselves in any way. Many property owners would like to use wood fences but they can be expensive to maintain. They require frequent painting and replacement. They are susceptible to the weather and can even rot away. They are however cheap to construct in the first place.

Vinyl fencing is more durable and requires less maintenance but very expensive to install.

How easy can you find water? Many properties have wells but access to nearby stream or some other water body will be of great benefit.

Think about how you will provide lighting for the place? Has the owner installed solar panels or generator the event that the grid fails?

If you intend to hold a large number of horses, you will have to get ample storage for them. Judging by the size of the property, can you hold that number of horses you envisage? Do you have enough room to store their supplies including food?

Then you have your home to consider. How is the residential facility sited on the land? Is it convenient for you? Will you have to pass through the horse feeding area or barn before you exit?

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is known for its magnificent caves, longest navigable bodies of waters, the two largest man-made lakes that can be found in the east of the Mississippi river, bourbon distilleries, blue grass music, and highly-diverse environment rich in natural resources. More importantly, Kentucky is known as the “Bluegrass” State, as the region is abundant with bluegrass, may it be in lawns or in the pastures.

Thoroughbred horses are also one of the most famous features of Kentucky. With pastures covered with plenty of bluegrass, horse breeding and horse racing became one of the main attractions of this region. Kentucky is known to have produced the best race horses breed in the renowned horse ranches all over the state.

If interested in setting up your own ranch, Kentucky is one of the places most conducive to breeding thoroughbred horses. The region has several areas suitable for starting a farm or ranch. There are a number of available farm and grazing lands are abundant with bluegrass.

Accordingly, here are several factors one must consider before setting up a horse farm or ranch, whether it is for leisure or profit. They are the farm land, grazing land, breed of horses, ranch planning, fencing, labor, capital and time.

Farm or Ranch Planning

The primary thing to do is to lay down an extensive plan. Careful planning leads to a well-organized ranch or farm. There is a basic difference between a ranch and a farm. A farm usually breeds horses for farm work while ranches breed and train horses for races. Write down all the things that are needed in setting up the farm, including the startup cost and possible future expenses such as maintenance. If the budget is limited, the ranch may not be in full form in a short period of time. This is better than sacrificing the quality of the farm and the horses it will breed.

Increase Knowledge in Farm or Ranch Management

Knowledge is an important factor in ranch or farm management. Learn the basics in breeding horses, such as the diet and different types of sickness together with their symptoms. Read books and other materials that tell about horses and proper breeding techniques. Attend seminars on ranch or farm management. It is also an advantage to seek the help of those experts in horse breeding and ranch management.

Find a Suitable Place to Construct the Farm or Ranch

The ranch should be situated in land near pastures. It should be large enough to include a barn, stable, horse exerciser, round pen and outdoor riding area. There should be a road accessible to high traffic areas such as the barns and paddock gates. It is also advisable to place the stable in elevated places for proper drainage and convenience. It is easier to cart a wheel barrow full of manure and other waste in a downward slope. Accordingly, firstkentuckyfsbo offers an extensive list of available lands suitable for setting up a farm or ranch in the Kentucky area.

Fence the Whole Ranch

The whole perimeter of the land should be fenced, which should be periodically maintained. This may entail extra cost but it is a necessary expenditure. In the event that horses got out of the stable especially at night, it is necessary to prevent them from ending up in the streets. Other accidents might also happen when the horses roam out of the farm. The fences will keep the horses inside the farm even if they got out at night. However, the fence should be checked from time to time in case repair is needed.

Importance of Grazing Land

Horses should not be confined in stables. They are social animals and needs to be let out in the open. They need to interact with other horses. A pasture abundant with grass is very beneficial to the proper growth of horses.

Safety of Horses

Also, a vital consideration in starting a horse ranch is the safety of the horses. The farm must have a good lay-out that will ensure precautions to prevent accidents. Regular consultation with a veterinarian is also advisable. The whole ecosystem around the farm should also be protected. Birds and frogs are natural predators of flies, which are considered as pests to horses.

Have Enough Farm Hands

Last, but not the least, have enough number of laborers. Horse breeding is a labor-intensive endeavor. Although this is probably one of the main source of expenditure, having adequate number of farm hands will ensure proper breeding and maintenance of the farm. There are too many chores around the farm that it will not be economical to do all of it without help. Maintaining a ranch is a serious business, even if it is not established for profit. Necessary steps should be taken to ensure the ranch or farm’s proper development.

For over 200 years, the saddle horse has lived in the hills and valleys of many parts of Kentucky. Originally bred by the Appalachian mountain people in Eastern Kentucky for the demanding needs of farm life, the horses had to be tough to survive the rugged mountain lifestyle, and versatile enough to work the land, be ridden in style and comfort and perform multiple tasks with a stable, and willing nature. These were the roots of the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse.

When roads improved As the United States entered the motorized transportation age and new means of travel were created, gaited horse populations in the United States started to decline as the horse lost its position as a necessity of daily existence. One exception was the less-developed area of the Appalachian Mountains where gaited horses were still necessary for travel where there were no roads, and so breeding continued and several early breeders were determined to maintain records on the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse because the unique, surefooted, four-beat gait was still essential for getting around the rugged mountain terrain where no other vehicles could traverse.

The exact origins of the Mountain horses are sheer speculation, but the Narragansett Pacer, Spanish Jennet, Mountain Pleasure Horse, and ambling Galloways are all ancestors of the modern Kentucky Mountain Saddle horse. Old Saddlebred stock and Tennessee Walking Horse bloodlines were also used. These breeds were well known for their comfortable gaits and willing attitudes which were essential for spending long hours in the saddle when the horse was the primary mode of transportation.

The traditional belief is that around 1890, a family on their way back to Virginia brought a young, gaited colt with them that was the foundation to a line of horses that has been treasured in the area ever since. He was called “the Rocky Mountain Horse” by the local Appalachian people because of the area he had come from. Little is known about this foundation stallion, but the oral history indicates that he was chocolate-colored with a flaxen mane and tail, and that he possessed a superior gait. That stallion was instrumental in the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse breed, and sired two influential sons that settled in Estill and Clark Counties in Kentucky.

In Spout Springs, Kentucky, Sam Tuttle purchased a mare in 1918, Lucy, and bred her to one of the descendants of the original chocolate stallion. The mare was eventually bred to the Hinz Stud, located at Hinz Farm, and the resulting foal was Tobe. Mr. Tuttle tapped into the Mountain Horse Heritage by crossing the native Mountain Pleasure Horse stock with Tobe. Tobe was the sire of Old Tobe, his favorite stallion, and was also his primary breeding stallion and sired foals until the age of 34, and lived to age 37. He had the perfect sure-footed gait and a calm, gentle temperament and was the one that carried the young, the old, or the unsure over the mountain trails in Natural Bridge State Park for 10 years without faltering, even though he was a breeding stallion. Everyone who rode the stallion fell in love with him and his offspring were always in demand. He passed on his gait, disposition, and other great qualities to his offspring but one outstanding trait passed on was longevity, and many of his offspring are still breeding in their late twenties and early thirties. It has also been said that his offspring followed in his perfectly-timed footsteps.

Even through the hard times of the Depression and World War II years, Sam Tuttle kept a sizable herd of thirty to forty horses on his farm. In the 1950s, when the horse populations in general were rapidly declining due to tractors and farm machinery available, breeders still bought their mares to Old Tobe from several different states and he was always in demand for stud service. Old Tobe was a virile and prepotent stallion who became a “breed shaper” for several Mountain horse breeds. Many of the present Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses and Rocky Mountain Horses can trace back to Old Tobe. One of his sons, also named Tobe, became an influential foundation sire of the modern type.

Tobe became well known for producing various hues of chocolate with a flaxen mane and tail in his offspring and his outstanding sons include Sewell’s Sam, Maple’s Squirrel, and Yankee, the last stallion that Tuttle stood at stud. All offspring sired by these stallions were consistent in type, gait, temperament, and quality and it became obvious that there was a need for a registry to showcase the breed. So, in 1989, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association (KMSHA) was formed to document and preserve the ancestry of the breed and in 2002 the Spotted Mountain Horse Association (SMHA), a subsidiary of the KMSHA, was formed to register those Mountain Horses that had large areas or spots of white that were considered to be too much coverage for any of the existing Mountain Horse registries that followed solid color standards.

But there are several breeds of Mountain Horses that have been developed in the Appalachians of Kentucky around the same time and sorting them out can get confusing when all the breed association sites say much of the same thing, but in different ways. For example, in writing this article, I came across this comment from the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association (MPHA) website: “Horses registered in the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association are often referred to as Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses. Several gaited breeds of horses are included in the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association’s registry, the Mountain Pleasure Horse being one of them. Whereas, the Mountain Pleasure Horse and the Rocky Mountain Horse are “breeds” of horses, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse normally refers to the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association registry.

Many horses registered with the Mountain Pleasure Horse Association are also doubled registered with the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse Association.” However, on the website of the KMSHA, it states that “the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse and the Spotted Mountain Horse breeds, each with their own distinctive characteristics and genetic DNA markers, are recognized by the University of Kentucky, Equine Parentage Testing and Genetic Research Center as their own unique breed of Horse.”

Both the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse and the Spotted Mountain Horse have the same conformation standards. They must be of medium bone and substance and stand no less than 11 hands high. There is no upper height limit but there are two size categories. Class A horses stand 14.2 hands and above and Class B is for horses that are between 11 and 14.1 hands at maturity.

The head of the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse is attractive and cob sized, not too long or wide, with a broad flat forehead. The profile is neither severely Roman nor dished. The neck is of medium length and thickness, with the top line being longer than the underline. Traditionally, the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse has a compact, well-muscled and close-coupled frame. The tail set should be natural.

The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse may be any solid body color with minimal white markings that should be limited to the face, the lower legs, or on the belly not to exceed an area larger than the size of a hand. Any horse that does not meet the limited amount of white requirement, or that carries tobiano, overo or sabino, may be registered as a Spotted Mountain Horse with the SMHA if other criteria are met.

The Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse should be able to demonstrate a smooth, comfortable and natural four beat gait, with four distinct hoof beats, when under saddle. The breed should present an overall appearance of athleticism and the ability to perform useful work as well as have a gentle temperament with a willing disposition.

In Kentucky alone, there are at least 9,700 Kentucky-owned Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horses with several hundred Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse and Spotted Mountain Horse stallions, mares and geldings being boarded and trained in Kentucky that are owned by residents of other states. The breed can be found in all 50 states, Canada, and is rapidly growing in Europe.

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