Thoroughbred Services
Boarding & Services for Thoroughbred Owners
We are proud of the long-term relationships we have with our boarders and their horses. Our expert staff, led by general manager Bill Landes—the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ 2018 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year—has extensive experience in raising Grade 1 winners.
Thoroughbred Boarding
Hermitage Farm provides world-class boarding facilities for mares, foals, and yearlings. Our staff has extensive experience in the raising and care of Thoroughbreds; their attention and expertise is the reason behind our long history as one of the nation’s finest Thoroughbred nurseries. The key? At Hermitage Farm, we put the horses first.
Sales Preparation & Representation
In 1937, the first Hermitage-bred yearling sold at public auction. Since then, we have devoted our facilities and lush pastures to breeding and selling outstanding yearlings to the market. We prepare yearlings on our own consignment and for others, and maintain a presence at nearly all Kentucky Thoroughbred Auctions, focusing on the Keeneland September Yearling Sales and Keeneland November Breeding Stock sales.
Layups & Post-Operative Care
Because of our proximity to Churchill Downs, we have long been a post-operative recuperation center and turnout facility for leading Kentucky trainers and owners. We offer spacious paddocks, well-ventilated stalls, a covered walker, and daily attendance from two veterinary firms.
Farm Management Team
Bill Landes / General Manager
Bill came to the farm in 1977 and, for sixteen years, served as Warner Jones’ right-hand man. It was during this time that he was involved in the sale of the world record yearling SEATTLE DANCER for $13.1 million, helped manage the career of leading sire RAJA BABA, and played a key role in the 1987 dispersal of 130 head of Jones’ stock that sold at Keeneland for $32.6 million. Over the course of 42 years, Bill has sold several hundred yearlings, including G1 Winners SIPHONIC, MANI BHAVAN, TAP TO MUSIC, C.S. SILK, PAOLA QUEEN, and Eclipse Award winner WEST COAST. Bill is a past president of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders and was appointed by Governors Beshear and Bevin as Chairman of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund Advisory Committee. In 2017, he was recognized as the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Manager of the Year and, in 2018, named Warner L. Jones Horseman of the Year. Bill is a participant in the University of Kentucky/Keeneland Life’s Work Oral History Project.
Brian Knippenberg / Farm Manager
Brian’s love for horses and Hermitage developed at an early age. A Columbus, Ohio native, he spent childhood summers visiting family in Goshen–his uncle was Warner Jones’ Farm Manager for 30 years. In 1997, he came to work at Hermitage for one summer and he’s been here ever since. He immersed himself in the operations and worked every job on the farm to learn firsthand the inner workings of the industry. At the age of 28, he became one of the youngest farm managers in Kentucky. In addition to overseeing the growing Thoroughbred operation, Brian is a licensed horse trainer and trains young horses on the side.
Inquire about Thoroughbred Services
Interested in boarding your horse at Hermitage, or any of our other Thoroughbred Services? Fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch. Or reach out to us directly at info@hermitagefarm.com or 502-228-1426.