A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

Oglala Sue — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:38:54 GMT

If you think the Ashford people are nice then you should visit Three Chimneys and Taylor Made farms.

The folks at Three Chimneys were really nice (we got to pet Silver Charm and they brought us War Chant) and the workers at Taylor Made were absolutely superb.

For us, the people at Taylor Made were (by far) the coolest of the whole trip -- even though we were late for our appointment.

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

fiver — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:44:20 GMT

Kentucky folks aren't nearly as nice as Ocala folks! ;)

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

aspradling — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:54:33 GMT

Nicole - I still think it is awesome you have a picture of Storm Bird.

Margaret - That is awesome the grooms were so helpful. It is fun to learn how the horses personalities unfold and the horse tendencies and reactions.

Kate - That is amazing. If you have any pictures you think you would like to share, I can post one on this blog, that would be fun. I like Dylan Thomas a lot.

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

Kate — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:46:11 GMT

I had the great pleasure of visiting Coolmore Stud (the Ireland branch) just over two weeks ago, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. They brought out many of the stallions for us to see (and my hard drive is now filled with pictures of the beautiful stallions they have there), were incredibly informative, and just plain awesome. I was even able to pet Dylan Thomas! (I could not have been more excited if I had met a rock star!) I'm definitely looking forward to getting to visit Ashford when I move to Kentucky; Coolmore Ireland is one of the nicest places I've ever visited, and it sounds like Ashford's the same. Props to them, that's what ever industry needs!

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

Margaret — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:47:01 GMT

I agree, the grooms were very pleasant and friendly at the January open house. The stallion manager told me about all the horses in the first barn and then the groom of Fusaichi Pegasus gave me some insights into his personality because I said he looked like a character. They were all very friendly and had time to talk. The groom of Powerscourt let me take a picture with the stall door open. A farm of unbelievable beauty!

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

Nicole — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:51:29 GMT

When I saw Storm Bird he was looking great as was El Gran Senor. I felt privilaged having been introduced to these two greats because it was not long after that when El Gran Senor passed away (I same great experience when I met Affirmed). I managed to get my excitement under control and I took a pic of Storm Bird. That is one of those "special" moments in my life as a fan of the great thoroughbred.

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

aspradling — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:08:05 GMT

I agree, the Coolmore folks were very nice and I would enjoy visiting them again. Lexington has such a rich Irish history with Irish/Horse presence.

How was Storm Bird? I never had the pleasure of meeting him and Ashford does love that bloodline. Thank you so much for sharing that story, I really enjoy hearing what other people have experienced!

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

Nicole — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:05:33 GMT

I have been to Ashford many times and I have never met an unkind person there. That has to be one of the most beautiful farms in the area and all of the stallions are well-behaved. When I met Giant's Causeway he was wanting some attention so I stood and talked to him for a few minutes while waiting to see Johannesburg. They always offered to take me out to the barn that they call Argentina because it is so far from the other barns. That is where Thunder Gulch and other sires are at the moment. On one particular trip I was taken out to see the great Storm Bird and El Gran Senor. The fella asked me if I knew who Storm Bird was and I replied excitedly "the sire of Storm Cat." I hope to return to Ashford many more times.

re: A Cool Day at Ashford Stud

Pat — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:28:25 GMT

Take a look around the horse world and you will see that some the best horseman and women are Irish.

Your sources were ill-informed. Tell them next time you meet!