Farming & Breeding
The Dericksons:
Van Bert Farms has been owned and operated by the Derickson family since 1826. Five generations have operated the 400 acres near the quaint little town of Stanton, Kentucky. The farm has been operating as a Kentucky equine breeding and training facility since 1965. Prior to becoming an operation that trains and breeds horses as the main "crop", generations before designated the farm for production of cattle, tobacco, hogs and corn.
The farm is encircled by the Red River National and Scenic River and the picturesque Appalachian Foothills. Because of the beauty of this area many natural sites attract visitors from all over the world. Van Bert Farms has travel across the US, Canada and Europe to not only promote the farm as one of the world's largest Mountain Horse facilities but to promote the beautiful state of Kentucky. With the travels and promotions Van Bert Farms has introduced many to the Mountain Horses whose 200 year heritage is traceable to the foothills of Kentucky. New and past acquaintances have made their pilgrimage to Kentucky and made permanent residents because of their introductions and visits to the farm.
When one mentions the state of Kentucky horses are most often the first thought but there is more to Kentucky such as the approximate 200 natural bridges found in the Eastern portion of Kentucky. Natural Bridge State Park is within 15 miles of Van Bert Farms and is famous for the largest natural arch. It also offers miles of hiking trails, camp sites, and fishing. The Red River Gorge is a main attraction to visitors to this part of the state. It has aptly been dubbed as the "little grand canyon" and is within 12 miles of the farm. Just traveling 50 miles west of the farm will bring you to Lexington, Kentucky where you will find the home of the National Champion Kentucky Wildcats, Keeneland Raceway and the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park. Lexington, Kentucky along with the Kentucky Horse Park hosts many prestige's events such as the Rolex 3-Day Event and the 2010 Alltech FEI Equestrian Games.
The farm aides in Kentucky's horse industry not only by promoting top quality horses around the world but the employment of 15 fulltime employees that manage 2 to 3 hundred horses seasonal. Van Bert Farms not only impacts the local economy with employment and daily operations but with management of the large number of horses other professional services are needed as well; such as veterinarian visits during breeding and foaling season and weekly farrier and equine dentistry. The minimum of 20 head of horses along with the owners, trainers and grooms travel to attend horse shows, competitive trail rides and other equestrian events helping to stimulate the economic impact of many counties in the State. With pasture land at Van Bert Farms reserved for the new Kentucky foal "crop" hay, corn or other agricultural products are no longer produced on the farm but purchased from local farmers and feed stores. The Kentucky Horse industry continues to thrive because of the many that love and care for the wonderful horse.
With many breeds representing the Horse Capital of the World gaited horses are dominating sales, trail and shows in the state of Kentucky as well as across the country. Van Bert Farms is proud to be part of the Kentucky unbridled spirit heritage in breeding and training some of the top gaited Mountain Horses. The farm offers twenty breeding stallions for outside services and has Mares, Stallions, Geldings, Yearlings, and Weanlings for sale at all times. If you want to be in the winner's circle or if you love trail riding Van Bert Farms and their professional staff are available to bring you together with your dream horse or take you on some of the most breathtaking trails in Kentucky. Plan a visit! Stop by our facility and see this wonderful horse and experience some of the greatest natural beauty this country has to offer in the state of Kentucky.
