Little Kentucky Farm is a private training facility where clients have nothing but the best environment for their horse. Each horse is placed into a training regiment that develops their talents for Eventing and the show ring. The farm has one of the best track records when it comes to the quality of training programs, sound and quiet Thoroughbreds offered for sale, and is recognized as having a high satisfaction rating from owners.

Owners and buyers are able to come to the farm and know that they can trust the farm's reputation as being a valuable resource. Striving to be the best, Zeb understands the investment that is placed into a Thoroughbred whether it is emotional, financial or both. Turning out beautiful and talented Thoroughbreds is the end result at Little Kentucky Farm and is a lasting commitment.

Board at LKF - No openings at LKF at this time.

The farm offers boarding for clients who have horses in need of training or for those wishing to sell their horse. Openings fill up extremely fast, therefore it is best to put your name on the waiting list well in advance. Call 404-202-4935.

Amenities

• 12 x 12 matted stalls that are generously bedded with pine shavings, well ventilated. Comfortable and spacious for horses to stretch out. Well lighted, safe and quiet atmosphere.

• Hay and pine shavings stored in separate out building. Loft for storage.

 

• Rotational worming program included in board

• Solitude IGR Fly program included in board

• Additional supplements to be provided by horse's owner

• Comfortable tackroom area

• Kentucky or Illinois Orchard/Alf hay

• (2) Hot & cold matted wash racks

• Regularly scheduled certified farrier and vet appointments. Will hold your horse during the appointment for $10 per visit

• Maintained Kentucky fescue/winter rye pastures with board fencing. The fields are seeded and fertilized in Spring and Fall and cared for throughout the year.

• Individualized turnout or with a buddy. Bell boots, splint boots, sheets, blankets put on at no extra charge.

• (1) Summer fan included in board. (2) Summer fans at an additional $10 per month

• Blanketing during the colder months included in board

• 200' x 100' River sand arena, full course stadium fences, cross country fences

• Weekly travel to school cross country courses and compete in recognized shows

Additional Services - Service fee will be added to monthly board

 

Feeding Program

 

Max-E-Glo is a vitamin E enhanced stabilized rice bran. *No Preservatives *Human Nutrition Grade Product * High in Natural Plant-Based Fat and Vitamin E *Calcium Balanced Rice bran is the most nutritious part of the rice kernel. Feed between 1/2 to 2 lbs. per day as a top dress to traditional grain mix or alone in feed tub or bunk. Feed 1/4 lb. per day as a palatability enhancer when dispensing unpalatable minerals, feed additives or pharmaceuticals. Crude protein...13.0%(minimum);Crude fat...20.0% (minimum) Crude fiber...8.5% (maximum); Ash...9.0% (maximum.)

Solitude IGR is a feed-through fly preventive which, when mixed 1/2 oz into a horse’s ration daily according to the directions, will prevent house and stable fly development.

Repeated studies show up to 100% efficacy in inhibiting larvae development.
Significant results may be observed within 2 weeks but the full benefit should be realized within 4-6 weeks of administration as the adult populations die off.

There is an attention to detail along with personalized care to each horse. Every horse is cared for in an individual manner simply because they all have different needs and specific attention.

Consignment Policy

Need assistance in selling your horse? Little Kentucky Farm takes the guess work out of selling horses for owners. Horses may come to the farm on consignment where a variety of services are offered depending upon your individual specific needs.

On average we have sold consignment horses in under 2 months. Our service does all the leg-work that is required to expedite a sale and where both buyer and seller will have had a fair and honest experience.

Zeb assists buyers in finding the appropriate horse or assists sellers in marketing their horse by making contact with numerous professionals in the sport. Zeb will conduct research over the phone, arrange showings, travel, web site advertising, hard copy advertising and be hands-on handling the horse for clients. The horse will also be in steady training until the sale is final.

Fee for Consignment at the farm is $800 and it includes stabling, feed, handling, grooming, riding and advertising. No additional fees are added to compete horse. Owner pays for competitions and schooling fees.

Commission fee is 10% upon final sale.

Consignment/Training of Horse - packages include board fee

Individual Training Rides - Lessons at farm	$50 - 45 min. to 1 hour
Consignment - 10% commission upon sale of horse	$800
1 month training package	$1000.00
2 month training package	$1900.00
3 month training package	$2800.00

Training includes problem solving, groundwork, lunge line work, gymnastics, conditioning, galloping, learning to work off the seat and leg aids, gaining straightness, balance and rhythm, jumping lessons, dressage, cross country, cross country sessions on recognized courses in Georgia.

 

Training varies from horse to horse, therefore it is important to meet with Zeb and discuss the many options and services available.

Joltin' Joe - Field trip to school Poplar Place Farm

Training is steady and systematic, allowing the horse to be interested and happy with exercises so that they're more willing to do the work and repeat the good behavior. Horses in training will go on training trips off the farm to experience 'coming and going' from home and to begin gaining mileage to prepare for competition.There is also an emphasis on conditioning and building muscle properly with weekly walks and hacks on hills.

Hill work that is low impact and develops muscle

 

Thoroughbred Rehab and Problem Solving

Many people purchasing Thoroughbreds soon after find themselves in over their heads when it comes to training and problem solving. What appeared to be a simple horse to handle when trying it out from the seller, is suddenly tagged as a "problem" when taken home. Owners who are either too young or inexperienced are put into a situation where the behavior of the horse develops into an intimidating relationship.

There are sellers out there who are buying cheap Thoroughbreds off the track and tacking on high price tags to resell and 'flip' horses quickly. They're commonly known as 'horse traders' . The horses are being advertised in a misleading way to the public as being quiet or spook-proof, which then generally attracts parents with young children or novice riders who are first time horse owners. There are also hidden facts about race horses that if you're not educated or have experience on the track, you will probably be blind sided.

Thoroughbreds that are taken off the track may at first seem easy to handle in some cases. They may appear to be quite types that like to carry their heads long and low or who don't move off the rider's leg. Then after a few days or a couple of weeks, the owner sees something different developing in the animal's behavior that I like to call the "little red flag". Outside of the hustle and bustle of the track, you will have a different behaving horse regardless. People must realize what they're getting into and that when owning any horse that it is a long term commitment.

Some problems and issues owners are being faced with:

• Realizing that you've gotten in over your head with a young Thoroughbred
• Ears pinning back when you put your leg against the horse
• Heavy on the forehand and moving unbalanced
• Sensitive behavior while being groomed
• Learning how to travel up and down hills at a gallop
• Weight loss, bad feet
• Mouthy or nippy behavior
• Leaning and pulling against your hand with the reins
• Cow kicking, bucking or rearing when riding
• Tossing it's head
• Fish tailing or swerving and not riding straight
• Stopping or running out at fences
• Defensive stall behavior
• Rushing fences
• Learning how to jump fences
• Starting over with flat work
• Loading on a trailer

You need to consider the following when buying a Thoroughbred:

Owners can find themselves in a state of shock, helpless, angry, scared, or in court suing the seller for misrepresentation. What they imagined as a horse they can hop on and enjoy riding in a simple carefree manner has become a "money-pit". Little Kentucky Farm continues to stress to people who want to purchase an ex-race horse that they have to work with an educated seller and for them to do their homework about that seller BEFORE any exchange of money. It's people who cause the most harm - BE REALISTIC about yourself before buying a Thoroughbred.

The rider's attitude plays a major part in training a young horse. The rider needs to stay quiet yet reassuring, praise the horse for when it does something properly but be "timely" when it becomes confused and unwilling. You have to ride in a positive manner in order to have a positive outcome. Many negative traits in horses are similar to those the owner has. For the horse to improve, the owner must improve too - that is where you get results at the farm.

Summer race training of the babies

 

Should I Buy a Thoroughbred Sight-Unseen?

OK everyone, now read the title of this article again 10 times and answer each time out-loud, "NO!"

I wrote this article to protect buyers and in a certain way to protect the horses. There is a trend or lately a ‘fad’ where inexpensive Thoroughbreds are being offered to the pubic by unreliable businesses. Some advertise that they take the worry and hassle out of purchasing a Thoroughbred from the track, and this is where a novice or someone not familiar with racing will often regret their decision to purchase.

On one occasion I was confronted with a situation where a woman went on a web site and saw a Thoroughbred at a track in another state for sale. She contacted the people about the horse and was basically talked into purchasing it without ever looking and laying her hands on it. To make matters worse, the source selling the Thoroughbred arranged for 'their' vet to do the exam.

Needless to say once the horse arrived in Georgia, not only was it lame on both front legs, but it's hooves were in terrible condition with under run heels, flat plate-like walls, under weight (even for a racehorse), and was terribly unhappy. She purchased this horse for $6K, sight unseen, and was told a sob story about how terrible racehorses have it at the track. The seller played on this woman's soft side and told her this racehorse could possibly go to slaughter. They made quite a convincing argument to the buyer and nailed it hook-line-and sinker.

I am always surprised that there are people, no matter how good their intentions may be, purchasing Thoroughbreds with both eyes shut and are so willing to part with their money. My question to you is, "Would you read an ad in the newspaper about a used car for sale and send the seller a check without ever looking at it, without taking it for a test drive, and without taking it TO YOUR MECHANIC?" The answer is simple . . . . . "NO!"

I will continue to argue the point that you are at risk of losing your money and starting a new relationship with a horse that is only going to bring you a load of frustration and probable heartbreak. The old saying, "Buyer Beware!" is so true.

So how does someone avoid a situation like this? I've listed a few pieces of advice:

1) Never purchase a Thoroughbred sight-unseen.

2) Always ask how many trainers/owners has the horse had.

3) Always ask if the horse has been injected with any testosterone (Equipoise), hormones or any other drugs such as Lasix or Phenylbutazone (Bute). This will be different from track to track.

4) Always check the lip tattoo. A letter will be the first image followed by numbers. The letter stands for the year the horse was born.

5) Do not get in 'panic-mode' and think that if you don't buy a particular horse immediately, that you're going to miss an opportunity of a lifetime - you must tell yourself that if you miss out on a certain horse then not to worry because there will always be another around the corner.

6)Never be a first-time horse owner when buying a racehorse.

7) Educate yourself about the track and how racehorses are trained and treated.

8) Always bring an experienced horseman with you to look at the horse.

9) Some trainers will not sell a horse with it's Jockey Club papers. That is perfectly legal.

10) If you’re interested in a filly or mare, the opening to her vulva may have been stitched up an inch or two. This is to keep air out of the vaginal track when galloping at a fast pace. It can stay stitched unless you want her for breeding.

11) Never have someone else choose a vet to do the exam - you must do it and you must be present.

12) Always take a blood sample and have it tested.

13) Do not trust what you see and read on web sights – and always do research on the people advertising and selling the Thoroughbred. You can sometimes check with the Better Business Bureau (B.B.B).

14) Do your research about a particular Thoroughbred by looking up the history via the Jockey Club and/or pedigree search.

15) Be familiar with lameness issues (chips, bone spurs, bowed tendons, splints, ossellets).

16) Be prepared to invest more money into the horse once you’ve purchased it (worming, vaccinations, dental, farrier).

17) Be aware that there is always a risk in purchasing a horse.

It’s always a good idea to do the above mentioned when purchasing a racehorse. I will also tell people to listen to that ‘gut’ feeling they have and to never make a decision based on emotions.

Photo credit: Mark Lehner of Hoofclix.com

 

 

Testimonials

July 2009

Dear Zeb,

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful job you did with my 3 year old Irish Sport Horse, "Irish". When he came to you three months ago, he was essentially straight out of the field, chubby, had never been clipped, and had never been started with tack or anything. The before and after pictures you sent just after your first grooming/clipping session were amazing!

March 2009 - Irish's training begins . . . and 3 months later,

I sent Irish to you because of the numerous successful horses you have produced for eventing, and I am very glad I did. Your attention to detail was extremely impressive, as was the constant open communication, complete with pictures since I lived seven hours away. You always called or emailed to update me with details of his daily progress, which I so much appreciated.

Irish now stands quietly for his bath, happily loads in the trailer, clips, and the biggest thing that made my dream complete - he is so wonderful to ride - IN ONLY 3 MONTHS!!! He is going forward and beginning to go on the bit, knows his leads, loves water, and can hop over small logs - and he loves every minute of it, and so do I.

May 2009 - Irish fully broke

My horse is so muscular and so slick that you almost need sunglasses to look at him. He has received the best of care from you and it it so evident that he really trusted you. I could shout from the rooftops how happy I am that I sent him to you. Zeb, you really did make my dream horse a reality and I am forever grateful.

Sincerely,
Mary Nicholas
Gainesville, FL

 

Hi Zeb!

Just wanted to say "Hello" and let you know Jack is doing great! I changed his name to Cruz Control aka Cruz. We wrapped up a wonderful season last year in 3rd place at the Novice Championships and moved up to Training level this spring for both our first times.

At our first show, we got several compliments on our stadium round. Cruz ran our first Training cross country like he was a schoolmaster. What a great feeling! We finished 6th out of 15 riders. Our next show, we were 3rd after dressage and ran a good cross country but had his first refusal. There were 15 fences in the water complex and a huge crowd of spectators. I just never got him focused on the fence, but otherwise, it was a great job with several new and hard questions for us. We finished 10th out of 19 starters. Our last show this spring also went well. The cross country ran at the fastest speed yet and we were a couple seconds too slow, but a solid dressage score and 1 of only 2 clean stadium rounds ended us in 6th out of 14 riders. Overall, it was a great start to a new level and I couldn't be more pleased!

Cruz is still a barn favorite. He talks to everyone that goes by and has so much personality. He gets compliments everywhere we go and is turning out to be an excellent trail horse, too! I am so proud to own such an amazing horse!

Hope your season finds you equally as blessed,
Kim & Cruz

 

July 13, 2008

Hey Zeb,

We didn't have a chance to meet...but I'm Mike Robbins' Mom, Suzanne. I keep telling him he should let you know how Stevie is doing. So while I was looking at some pictures from the Yeh-Feh competition he competed in, I thought I'd send you the link.

Mike decided to keep both names you gave him, he's registered with the USEA as Stay Gold and his barn name is still Stevie. He decided that both really suited him. Stevie's home is at a co-op boarding situation in Ipswich, Ma. It's beautiful with huge pastures (only 10 horses) an indoor and outdoor ring. He also goes and hangs out frequently at Ledyard farm (www.Ledyardfarm.com) which has on grounds cross country training and grounds. That's where the YEH competition was held. Oh, Mike works there! He used to be a working student, now I guess he's staff.

He's been introducing Stevie to things gradually. He's been to a couple of 2-phases, the YEH test, and last weekend his first 3 phase, just a little non-rated show in New Hampshire. He also was able to participate in a Lucinda Green clinic. She had a division with young horses and experienced riders. I think that was a real plus for both Stevie and Mike. Lucinda is super and really enjoys the greenies. Stevie spent some memorable time at the top of a bank jump before he finally figured out how to get down. Lucinda's comment was precious..."well he's got to figure it out, he can't live up there!" I'm not sure who was more relieved when Stevie mastered it finally!

Stevie is off to his second little 3 phase tomorrow; assuming that goes well he will do his first USEA event at BN at Millbrook. He placed last week, even with a little stop on cross country. His dressage has been consistently in the 35-38 range with lots of room for much improvement. He's an incredibly smart young guy. The barn owner where he lives always comments on how he's always thinking. One thing we like is that we've discovered that Stevie not only sweats well...he drinks a lot. (Our last horse used to get into a little trouble in hot and humid weather because we couldn't get him to drink enough!) He's a good eater (as you know) and is growing and filling out nicely, I think you'll see that in the pictures. Here's the link: www.equinepartnershots.com go to equine events/ YEH/FEH proofs/Robbins. And yes, the cross country looks like it's in the rain because it was pouring!

Hope you enjoy the pictures. Whenever folks ask us where Mike found him he always gives them your name! Mike just walked in and said to tell you he'd be sending you more pictures soon.

- Suzanne Robbins and son Mike of Massachusetts on their purchase of Stay Gold

 

May 5, 2008

Zeb,

I just wanted to write and thank you for your help in securing a proper mount for Olivia. After 13 horses and literally hundreds of travel miles, it was refreshing to arrive at your farm and see a properly turned out horse. One of the interesting things we discovered in this search was the number of people who have no clue what they are doing, nor any idea how to show a horse for sale. The number of people who showed “$8,000” horses that were not washed, trimmed, groomed, nor trained is incredible. When we got to Little Kentucky Farm, it was obvious from the start, the care, attention, and training that you give to your horses. We immediately started to relax and really evaluate Forrest, rather than be concerned with worrying over an obvious project horse.

We also appreciate the time you took giving Olivia a proper introduction to Forrest. Showing her the slow & easy techniques that you had been using on him has enabled Olivia to continue his training with the consistency needed for success. He has been a joy to watch as he goes through his paces and has shown confidence in moving forward with Olivia aboard. He has also bonded very tightly with her other event horse, Chance. The opportunity to call you with questions during his training will also enable Olivia to move forward with confidence.

In short, you were terrific to meet and do business with. Thank you for all you have done.

Sincerely,

- Bub, Janet & Olivia Dillon of South Carolina regarding the purchase of Peas n' Carrots

Zeb,

Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that Jimmy Legs is coming along very well. He has a great mind and is still quiet, no matter what is going on. They are putting up a new cell phone tower by the stable I'm at and all of the horses are going nuts. I hack my 3 year old, Jimmy Legs, by them most days and he is simply interested in what they are doing. He has yet to spook, bolt or misbehave in any way which is extremely unusual for any horse this young.

He is like a tank in that he goes through or over anything you ask him to without notice. Jimmy is more than the horse you stated he was when I was buying him from you. Most "Sale Barns" and horse trainers significantly overstate the horse's breeding, ability, conformation, way of going and their true stage of development. You, on the other hand, understated where Jimmy really was in his development. Everything you told me about Jimmy before I came to try him, except his looks and confirmation, was understated.

You kept me informed on a daily basis after I bought him before I brought him home. After I picked him up you followed up to be sure he got here OK and checked with me a couple of times a month after we got him home.

That is very unusual in the horse community, especially since you had Jimmy for six weeks AFTER my check cleared the bank.

You have great integrity and character which is refreshing to come across in any business today, especially the horse community.

I would be happy for you to use me as a reference for any potential buyers. I'll send you some pictures if I can borrow somebody's camera.

Very best wishes,
- Joe Walsh of Memphis TN regarding the purchase of Jimmy Legs

 

Dear Zeb,

I wanted to share something with you. I feel compelled to tell you how much I appreciate your professional approach to every aspect of your business. From the time that I had begun my search for the right horse about a year ago, I had come across a lot of opportunists and con artists that were trying to make fast money off me with more than one form of con or “lame deal”. I gad gotten to the point that I wanted to give up on ever finding a legitimate equine source and, more importantly, the horse of my dreams.

The day that Barbara sent me to meet you was the turning point for me. From the minute I walked on the property at Little Kentucky Farm, I could feel that you were the the real deal. Your professionalism and straightforward approach has been consistent from the start. The moment I laid eyes on The Quiet Man I knew he was the perfect horse for me. His ground manners, temperament, and immaculate condition were all a reflection of the your careful and methodical training. I drove away realizing that you had been interviewing me as much as I was there to investigate. It was as important to Zeb Fry to find the right fit for the horse as it was for me to find the right investment. I walked away from you that day making a handshake deal that you still keep living up to… and then some!

From the vet check to your personalized instruction for the care and maintenance of the horse, I have felt completely confident and in control of the health and stability of Johnny. Your attention to detail and complete instruction made the sale and transfer of ownership as smooth as I could have ever imagined. You even agreed to become my trainer for a period of time to get me started in the right direction. I realize that this was also as much for Johnny as it was for me.

There would be no better way for me to describe my experience with you and Little Kentucky Farm than to say, “You are a complete package, full service from start to finish.” I appreciate everything you have done for me as trainer, a teacher, and a friend.

Sincerely,

- Lauren Rosenberg regarding the purchase of The Quiet Man

 

Over two years ago I was surfing the net and came across a web site for Little Kentucky Farm. I found it through a link to another eventing site. My thought was that the site looked very professional, the information regarding thoroughbred race horses was insightful and one could truly see how passionate the owner of the farm was about her sport. At the time there wasn't a suitable horse available for my daughter who was looking for an affordable hunter prospect. We ended up purchasing a young, off the track, race horse through someone else. He was gifted but very green and we spent the next two years bringing him along to be an all around sport horse. In the end he wasn't the best match for my daughter but had so much potential. My daughter and I decided to sell him and went about it in the traditional way. We advertised on the top equine sites, handed out flyers and DVD's at horse shows and notified various trainers. We had a lot of activity. But the end result was that we had tire kickers, inexperienced riders or people who wanted a "made" horse which ours needed show mileage.

During this time I would occasionally look at www.littlekentuckyfarm.com site. There I would see a green, but nice horse, come to the farm and leave as a solid athlete with a bright future. There was never a high volume of horses. Instead each one was special and had a "story". I could see how much the owner cared about her farm. Zeb Fry advertised a variety of services. I finally got up the nerve to send her a DVD of our horse to see if she would critique it. She responded immediately and gave us positive comments and couldn't see why he hadn't sold.

It was becoming increasingly more time consuming for me to handle all of the emails, phone calls and to keep up with the training not to mention paying for the upkeep in a show barn. When Zeb posted an opening at her barn I asked her if she would consider selling him for us. She agreed and my husband and I took our horse from Jacksonville, Florida to Ball Ground, north of Atlanta, Georgia. It was a long haul but our horse came through like a champ. When we arrived it felt like home immediately. Zeb and her husband Greg offered true southern hospitality. We could have sold our horse before this but it would not have been what was best for him. Our view is that a horse was more than a tool or the means to getting the next blue ribbon.

Over the next few weeks Zeb spent time getting to know our horse and assessing his needs. She schooled him both on and off the farm, even taking him to eventing facilities like Poplar and Pine Top. During this time he gained more experience and confidence. We received emails with photos and phone calls keeping us up to date on his progress. Zeb and Greg took great photos and posted them on their web site. Zeb also screened potential buyers looking for the right fit. With her extensive knowledge and dedication she found the perfect owner for him. I think that Zeb Fry is a true, honest professional and a friend. Anyone looking to buy or sell a horse will learn the same about Zeb that we already know.

- Amy Snowden regarding our horse Scotland Yard.

Brittany Wyatt is a 1-Star Competitor and new owner of Scotland Yard

 

Dear Zeb,

Just wanted to say "Hello" and tell you how much fun Jack and I are having! Every time I dismount I think "He is so cool!" Jack gets so many compliments on his good looks and athleticism.

In August, we tried our first schooling Combined Test. It was also my first time at Novice level. We finished in 4th place out of 13. The judge said our stadium round was "very scopey and he easily cleared everything." Our fall schedule took us to 2 USEA trials. We took 2nd place out of 10 in Beg. Novice and 4th out of 15 in Novice, just 2 points out of 1st place!! I am so thankful to have Jack and to LFK for having such wonderful horses.

- Kimberly Mayfield on the purchase of Mr. J. Peterman

 

Dear Zeb,

I wanted to thank you so much for your help in selling my horse.

I loved my three years with my off the track Thoroughbred. It is a good feeling to help these horses continue on with a riding career. However, as I got into my mid 50's, I felt my horse really needed a younger, more energetic rider.
You were so great to know just the kind of rider he needed and to have the wonderful contacts you have. The sale that was arranged through your contacts and connections was really wonderful for both me and my horse.

The new purchaser has been so kind to stay in touch with me and to send pictures of their accomplishments. I have loved seeing both of them progress greatly. I have such a great feeling in my heart that a good deed was done.
Again, thank you so very much for facilitating this sale.

- Barbara Whatley regarding our horse BackintheFuture