"The most improtant thing you can do for a young horse is to give him a good foundation. Keen Farms developes young horses into confident, well broke horses. Unfortunately, not every horse is going to make a stake horse and retire to the breeding shed. Although we give them every skill they will need to have a successful racing career we feel that the best thing we can do for every young horse is to ensure a good riding foundation so when the time comes and they retire they can become wonderful riding companions." ~Donna Keen
We start young horses early to build confidence and trust that will last their entire lifetime. Dallas and Donna personally work with every horse that comes through the Keen Farms program.
Horses are taught to pony at the farm for two reasons. One, it builds the confidence they need to see a human above them so when they are ridden it is not totally new. The other reason is if for some unfortunate event the horse gets loose on the racetrack they are much easier for an outrider to catch than a horse that has never been ponied. An uncatchable horse is dangerous not only to himself but other horses and riders on the racetrack. Going with a pony is necessary for the post parades and pre-race warm up and is a valuable skill that is much easier taught at the farm.
photo by Terri Cage Photography
'Driving' a horse is a very important part of breaking. It allows us to teach a horse to turn, stop, and go without risking injury to the horse or a rider. When a rider is placed on the horses back for the first time they are already used to seeing a human above them from ponying and know the basics of turn and stop from being driven. This is a very successful method and we very seldom ever have a horse buck or balk when being broke to ride.
These are photos of Hy Danger, a yearling colt being ridden on his second day of training. Keen Farms will have your horses going faster by using safe training and good horsemanship, saving you money.
We get horses ready for the track by legging them up. That means getting them fit with daily training. Horses leave Keen Farms ready for the race track.
