Horse Boarding

One of the most important considerations before getting a horse is deciding where you will keep it. If you don’t have a pasture, barn, and staff to take care of the horse, you’ll need to consider boarding options for your horse. 

Mill Ridge Farm has a long history as a Thoroughbred racehorse nursery, where broodmares deliver and then their offspring are raised until they leave for “racing camp”--usually in Ocala, Florida. Colts and fillies are not trained to race at Thoroughbred nurseries like Mill Ridge; instead, this is where “horses can be horses” for the first year or so (up to 18 months) of life. 

If you currently own Thoroughbred racehorses or Thoroughbred broodmares and are looking for a new farm for horse boarding, we’d love to talk with you about The Mill Ridge Way of boarding and raising Thoroughbreds. 

If you’re new to buying and then boarding horses, here are a few things to know: 

Buying a Broodmare: At the Sale

When it comes to buying a broodmare, the game changes from choosing yearlings. Unlike selecting young horses for their agility and speed, the broodmare's genetic makeup takes the spotlight, shaping the destiny of her future offspring.

Navigating this intricate path demands expertise, and that's where a bloodstock agent comes into play. Nicoma Bloodstock is the buying arm of Mill Ridge. Headley Bell– son of Mill Ridge Farm founder Alice Chandler, founded Nicoma in 1979. 

The role of the broodmare is critical as a producer and the potential her offspring hold as competitors on the racetrack. You also need to consider the timing of her foaling, ensuring it aligns with the racing and breeding schedule. You don’t want her to foal before January 1st. 

You need to consider boarding before you buy the broodmare. Good boarding ensures her well-being during pregnancy and beyond. A nurturing environment isn't just about her; it's also about giving her future foal the best start.

Buying a broodmare is a unique venture. It's about the promises she holds and the legacy she could create. Horse boarding “The Mill Ridge Way” can help set the stage for a journey filled with possibilities. 

Foaling: Many Thoroughbred Foals Are Born At Mill Ridge Each Year

The typical foal gestation period is 330 days or 11 months. Imagine the excitement, the gentle nurturing, and the days filled with hope that pave the way for the arrival of a Thoroughbred foal. Starting from conception and extending to those initial, wobbly strides, it's a testament to the wonders of nature that unfold in our pastures. 

Timing the arrival of the foal can help you be prepared. If a broodmare's last breeding day was March 1st, the arrival of the foal might be expected around February 1st. The last breeding date of the broodmare can help you determine when to expect the birth of the foal. 

Typically, the foals weigh around 125 pounds and will nurse on mom an hour after foaling. The weight can vary due to multiple factors. Genetics play a vital role, with larger parents often yield heavier foals. 

The mare's health and nutrition during gestation significantly impact the foal's weight. Additionally, the foaling season can influence birth weight; foals born earlier in the year might weigh more due to more time for growth.

Environmental conditions, such as the quality of pasture and care provided, also contribute. In this delicate balance of nature and nurture, each foal's weight tells a unique story.

What Are Some Of The Costs Associated With Horse Boarding? 

The most significant cost associated with horse boarding is the daily board rate. This typically covers essential services like stall accommodation, feeding, and routine care. The daily board rate can vary significantly depending on the facility's amenities and the level of services offered. Striking the right balance between your horse's needs and your financial capacity is pivotal in choosing the right boarding arrangement.

Another important cost to consider is the veterinary expenses. For broodmares, these expenses extend to reproductive veterinary services. Costs can include ultrasounds, hormone treatments, and breeding management. 

Tending to hoof care is also vital to the health of the horse.  Routine trimming and shoeing ensure balanced hooves and prevent potential issues like lameness. The fees can vary depending on the horse's hoof condition, frequency of service, and the type of shoes required. 

You may also have expenses related to transporting the horse in a trailer. These vanning fees depend on several factors, including distance, trailer type, and any special accommodations necessary for the horse's comfort during transit.

What Are The Benefits Of Foaling And Raising Your Thoroughbred Racehorse In Central Kentucky?

The hilly terrain provides natural benefits for raising Thoroughbred racehorses. The slopes contribute to stronger bones and muscles in foals, while the landscape fosters agility and fitness. Plus, navigating varied terrain from a young age enhances balance and stability, ultimately boosting the overall strength and performance of these horses.

Limestone serves as a valuable resource for nurturing robust teeth and bones in equines. This makes Central Kentucky’s limestone-rich soil beneficial for nurturing Thoroughbred racehorses. The mineral content bolsters pastures, supplying vital nutrients for both mares and foals. This helps establish a strong foundation for a racehorse. 

The rich pastures of Central Kentucky provide excellent nourishment for growing foals and maintaining mares' health. Exposure to nature enhances adaptability and contributes to the cardiovascular fitness of the racehorse. You can get all these benefits of foaling and raising your Thoroughbred racehorse in Central Kentucky at Mill Ridge, located in the center of the Horse Country. 

Why Mill Ridge?

Founded in 1962 by Alice Chandler, Mill Ridge has been raising and selling racehorses ever since. The land has been with the same family since 1880. After her father's abrupt death, Alice Chandler was left with 286 acres of original Beaumont Farm and four broodmares. She decided to use this precious land and broodmares for Mill Ridge, which eventually became renowned for raising and selling first-class Thoroughbreds.  

With six decades of hard work, Mill Ridge has forged a reputation for excellence, concentrating on select consignments to ensure uncompromised integrity and meticulous attention to our clientele. Our success in raising the world’s best racehorses is rooted in the morals and principles established by Alice Chandler in founding Mill Ridge. 

For us, our clients are part of the Mill Ridge family. The achievements and success of our clients measure our accomplishments. We celebrate their success, and fortunately, we have been able to celebrate often. We are proud to have produced 36 Grade 1 winners since 2000.  Our success is rooted in the trust our clients have in us to board and raise their horses at Mill Ridge. 

To experience the quality offered by Mill Ridge, you are welcome to schedule a visit for a tour of the facilities. You can even feed a horse a carrot as part of your Mill Ridge tour.