Steeplechasers
Flying Horse Farm has had great success with steeplechasing. We have had stakes winners from Florida to New Jersey. Our boys have done quite well over hurdles and timber, but we also have that special touch the girls need. I contribute it to the laid back yet professional atmosphere and ample turn out that the horses are allowed. Whatever it is, it works, 2010 saw two of the top three hurdle mares come from Flying Horse Farm. We have long, sloping turf gallops and miles of cross-country. We are located in the middle of Elkridge-Harford Fox Hunting country and are able to get the our horses to peak conditions without putting too much stress on them. We have converted many flat horse to steeplechasing with much success, whether it was a horse brought to us by an owner, purchased from a sale or one that came from our very own flat division. Steeplechasing is fun and exciting for owners and their families, filled with tailgating and friends. And YES, there is money in Steeplechasing, in fact many horses who barely made any money on the flat have excelled in steeplechasing. Our very own Green Velvet more then doubled her life time flat earnings in only three starts over hurdles, and she is not done yet.
Flats
Flying Horse Farm is a moderate size operation granting Jazz and her team the ability to provide individualized attention to each horse and cater to their unique needs.We train all horses on the farm because we believe that horses flourish in a natural atmosphere. We have a training track with a starting gate and English style gallops up hill. Training up hill is a type of resistance training that puts less strain on tendons, ligament and bones while developing stronger muscles, heart and lungs. The horses are allowed turn-out, in lush nutritious pastures, keeping them more limber and sound giving them a chance to socialize and not become sour. We are within two hours of six major mid-atlantic racetracks and in the heart of American steeplechasing. During the summer some of the turf horses will ship to Colonial Downs to run at the meet as they have an abundance of turf racing. If your horse is no longer suited for the race track we can easily transfer them to the steeplechasing division. Steeplechasing is a great alternative to flat racing if your horse has run out of conditions, wants longer races or is just not reaching it’s potential. One example is the 2010 Steeplechase Eclipse winner, who was “too slow” for the flat track yet has earned almost $400k and counting.
Babies Flying Horse Farm can start your horse from the beginning . Our youngsters are started in a friendly environment from the ground up, first learning voice commands through lunging before they are backed. This ensures that the transitions to a rider will be smooth and inviting. We prepare our young horse for just about every setting so they are able to face any obstacle they may encounter with confidence. They are taken into the woods on trails, through shallow streams, associated with dogs and other farm animals. We also believe strongly in teaching them “flat work” closely associated with basic dressage so they learn to carry themselves in the most efficient way, eventually covering the most ground with the least amount effort on the racetrack. When they are comfortable walking and trotting around with a rider on their back, they know hand, seat, and leg aids and are confident in what is expected of them so far, then they start training on the training track and grass gallops. They are also introduced to the starting gate. They are put on the trailer and shipped a few miles down the road to different gallops. This gets them used to traveling and being comfortable on the trailer so they are not anxious when going to the races. We prepare our youngsters properly and thoroughly, avoiding any shortcuts to make the most of their first start off the farm.