Photo Tour Of

SUNSET FARM

Our main barn sits between two large pasture areas. Northwest is our broodmare pasture, northeast is our turnout area for mares and foals, and south is another pasture used mostly for weanlings. Surrounding the main barn itself is an oval track which is used whenever the weather allows. The inside and outside tracks are conditioned up to three times daily to provide a safe and consistent working surface.
 

Our main barn was originally constructed with fifteen stalls. Two larger units were added later as birthing stalls. These and other areas of the main barn are monitored by video. The wide center isle terminates at each end in a large turnaround area. The north turnaround can be gated off to form a work ring. A wash rack/shoeing area, crew kitchen, tack room and a meeting room complete the main barn facilities.
 

Our mission at Sunset Farm has always been the promotion and improvement of the American Saddlebred. Through the years, however, our emphasis has moved steadily towards the breeding side of the business. With our original stud, Tallwood American Image, we were able to produce many fine horses. As "Killer" began to age, we were fortunately able to acquire the magnificent WC Basquiat, (bass ki' a), who has established himself as a true "Father of Champions", garnering not only top awards for his offspring, but the regular flow of notes from delighted and grateful owners of his children. More recently, Basquiat was listed in the Top Five of living In Hand Sires by Saddle Horse Report magazine.
 

One of the first concepts we learned was the extreme importance of being involved in the birthing process. With video monitoring of the birthing stall, we can always be on hand near the very moment of presentation, and can begin our "postpartum routine". A big part of that activity is the handling and building of trust of humans in the foal. From its first breath, each of our foals are shown that humans will always treat them with gentle kindness.
 

An important part of our success in this area is Keith Teegardin, who takes total pleasure in seeing that each baby is dried off, up and nursing in the minimum time, but with absolute attention to the quiet, nurturing environment of our birthing stall. No matter the hour, Keith is there, with all the materials needed to make the delivery go smoothly. In the rare instance where additional assistance is required, other experienced personnel are quickly and easily summoned to assist in the delivery or post-delivery activities. We believe that by clearing the airway quickly and getting the foal up and nursing without delay, we get brighter and healthier babies. Similarly, we have no doubt that by handling the youngster from the moment of presentation and continuing daily "taming", we get horses with far more trusting and human-friendly personalities as they develop and mature.

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