Van Bert Farms is owned by the
Derickson Family which is the fifth generation to operate the establishment which breeds
and sells Rocky
Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Mountain Pleasure Horses and Pleasure Walking
Horses. Van Bert Farms consists of over 400
acres near the quaint little town of Stanton, Kentucky. Van Bert Farms has been operating
as a kentucky horse farm and equine training facility since 1965 . The farm is
encircled by the red river and the picturesque Appalachian Foothills, making this part of
the beautiful Red River Valley. Because of the beauty of this area many natural
sites attract visitors from all over the world. More than 200 natural bridges are found in this part of Kentucky. Natural Bridge State Park is within
15 miles of our farm 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
of our state. It has aptly been dubbed as the "little grand canyon" and is within 12
miles of our farm.
  
Driving 50 miles west of us will bring you to the rolling hills of
the bluegrass and Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington is home to the Kentucky Wildcats and the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park and the Rolex 3-Day Event, and the Rocky Mountain Horse International
Championship, held every year in September. Twenty minutes southwest of Lexington is the
site for the prestigious Mountain Horse World Championship held every August in the
historical town of Harrodsburg, Kentucky where the Mountain Horse World Championship
brings together the gaited breeds. The Rocky horses, Kentucky Mountain , and the Mountain
Pleasure registries compete for the honorable right to wear the championship rings.
When one mentions Kentucky horses we often think of the Keeneland Race Way or Louisville's Churchill Downs. Thoroughbreds are not the only part
of the Kentucky Horse Industry. Trail Pleasure Horses dominate sales in the state. The
Mountain Horse encompasses three breeds, Rocky, Kentucky, and Mountain Pleasure. Spotted
Mountain is also allowed in the Kentucky Mountain association. The three essentially
possess the same traits, a smooth even four beat gait, temperament that is second to
none, and the ability to maintain form and stamina while carrying their rider over long
distances and rough terrain. If your needs and back are preventing you from riding, this
horse has proven that you can once again get back in the saddle.
The Great "Choco Dock", the "Man O
War" of the Mountain Breed
Mountain Horses are native to eastern
Kentucky and have always been a part of the Appalachian life. Times have never been easy
for families of eastern Kentucky, but the Mountain Horse has always been a part of the
hard work, the good times, and the bad. They were used in the logwoods or the mines and
yet they were expected to be the horse that would allow small children to ride them to
the "fishing hole" on Saturday and pull the buggy to church on Sunday. My father speaks
of the mare he had as a child that lived to be over 30 years old as if she were part of
the family.
Van Bert Farms is proud to be part of the
fine Kentucky heritage in breeding, as a Rocky farm and training of the Mountain Horses,
or gaited mountain, mountain gaited or Rockies, as they are sometimes referred to. If you
are looking for a true "Pleasure Horse", Van Bert Farms offers over 200 head of Mares, Stallions, Geldings, Yearlings, and Weanlings for sale
at all times plus a full equine
facility, stud services with over 20 stallions at stud and
some of the best trainers in the industry. If you want to be in the winner's circle or if
you love trail riding, we can bring you together with your dream horse. Plan a visit!
Stop by our facility and see this wonderful horse for yourself and while you are here
plan to experience some of the greatest natural beauty this country has to offer. |
