We drove to Lexington KY this morning where Mary and husband Billie have a cottage. Mary called this morning and was told the tour would begin at 2:45. The property was gorgeous.
Donnel, from Ireland, was our guide for the next hour. We were the only people on the tour and it was free.
One of four horse barns, each with maybe 8 horse each. Horses are checked every 20 minutes 24/7 to see if everything is ok.
Each stall gets a fresh thick layer of straw each morning.
Each stall has a brass name plate with the horse’s name and his dam and sire.
Stud fees can vary, but one of the most expensive was $85,000 each time, about 200/year – that’s $17 million/year. Donnel will soon travel to South America soon with several stallions for the breeding season.
Each horse gets a special mix of gourmet food.
The most memorable (productive?) stallions are honored by never leaving the farm.
American Pharaoh, this year’s Triple Crown winner, will come to Ashford Stud Farm later this year. Thank you Mary for arranging such a special and memorable tour!
arletelouise 