Van Bert Farms is owned by the Derickson Family, the establishment is now being operated by the fifth generation. Van Bert Farms breeds, sells and trains; Rocky Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Mountain Pleasure Horses and Pleasure Walking Horses.   The Farm 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 Van Bert Farms and is famous for the largest natural arches. The Park offers miles of hiking trails, camp sites and fishing. The Red River Gorge  is also a main attraction to visitors to our area, it has aptly been dubbed as the "little grand canyon" and is within 12 miles of Van Bert Farms.  

   Driving 10 minutes west of the  farm is the site for the prestigious United Mountain Horse World Championship, held every September in Winchester, Kentucky.  The United Mountain Horse World Championship  brings together all the registered Mountain Horse breeds where the Rocky Mountain, Kentucky Mountain and the Mountain Pleasure registered  horses will compete for the honorable right to wear the Grand Championship Division rings.

    If you continue traveling west the road will bring you to the rolling hills of the bluegrass of Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington is home to the Kentucky Wildcats the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park, and the Rolex 3-Day Event .   When one mentions Kentucky horses we often think of the Keeneland Race Way or Churchill Downs located in Louisville, KY.

    Thoroughbreds are not the only part of the Kentucky Horse Industry. Trail Pleasure Horses dominate sales in the state of KY. The Mountain Horse encompasses three breeds, Rocky, Kentucky, and Mountain Pleasure.  Spotted Mountain Horses are also registered in the Kentucky Mountain Association. The three associations essentially possess the same traits of a smooth even four beat gait, a temperament that is willing and docile is exhibited through-out the breed. The breed has the ability to maintain form and stamina while carrying their rider over long distances and rough terrain. If your knees and back are preventing you from riding, the Mountain Horse has proven that you can once again get back in the saddle and enjoy the "horse" .

The Great "Choco Dock", the "Man O War" of the Mountain Horse Breed

    Mountain Horses are native to eastern Kentucky and have always been a part of the Appalachian life. Economic times have never been easy for families of eastern Kentucky but the Mountain Horse has always been a part of the heritage of hard work, good times and survival. The "Mountain Horses" were used in the logwoods and the mines 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 a 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 this treasured Kentucky heritage with the pride in breeding, training and selling of the Rocky, KY or Mountain Pleasure Horses. Van Bert Farms offers over 200 head of  horses that include; Mares, Stallions, Geldings, Yearlings, and Weanlings for sale at all times. The farm is a full top quality stallions 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 to 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.