Central Kentucky is home to some stunning horse farms, and WinStar is one of them– you may recognize that name, as they own and bred 2010 Derby winner Super Saver. Down scenic Pisgah Pike in Versailles, you have to be careful not to drive off the side of the road as you gawk at the magnificent splendor. Elegant black four-board fence surrounds green lawns dotted with mares and foals. The office entrance takes your breath away…a huge mansion beyond shimmering ponds accented with fountains. If they were going for “WOW” factor, the designers certainly succeeded!
The stallion barn, home to outstanding sires like Distorted Humor and Tiznow, is no less fancy. Visitors are welcomed into a grand waiting area filled with photos of the champion stallions. Just inside the barn, is a center “stage” where the stallions are paraded for visitors’ inspection. It’s difficult not to be impressed!
The actual breeding shed is a bit more workmanlike…no frills, but still no expense spared. The main aisle and walkways are rubber. Clean green padded mats protect the horses from walls, posts, and corners. The breeding area itself has Polytrack for footing. It’s definitely top of the line!
The breeding handlers and assistants were very courteous and professional. At some farms, you (farm representative) have to hold the mare for teasing and washing. At WinStar, it’s full-service…they take the mare from you at the door, and give her back when she’s done.
At WinStar, they outfit the mare in a twitch, padded hind boots, and a neck hood. This protects the stallion if he gets kicked, and spares the mare’s neck from his teeth. Some farms skip the boots, and instead briefly hold up a foreleg to prevent her from kicking. Most mares stand very well, but with million-dollar stallions you have to take every precaution! There are about five assistants to help with the breeding, each with a specific (and not usually glorious!) job. All are outfitted with vests and helmets for safety (and likely insurance purposes).
During all this, the farm representative (me) stands idly by watching or chatting with bystanders (managers, other farm drivers). Being female, in a very male-dominated field, this can be a bit of an awkward situation. Most farms are welcoming enough, but there are times when guys avoid eye contact, or mumble something about the weather. To spare them embarrassment and uncomfortable silence, I’ll check email (or EN) on my phone and appear very busy. At WinStar, though, the managers were quite pleasant. I mentioned I was an eventer, and we had an interesting conversation about Rolex and event horse breeding.
About five minutes later, the process is over and I get the mare back to take home. Two weeks later, the vet will ultrasound her and we’ll know if she’s in foal for next year. Fingers crossed!
For anyone coming to Lexington for the WEG, WinStar should be on your list of farms to visit. Trust EN to be your complete travel guide, we will give you more famous farms to check out later this summer!
