Centaur Farmsis a facility designed specifically with stallions in mind. Our large and safe stallion barn provides oversized stalls 14 by 16, high walls, and heavy duty wrought iron gates specially constructed for the needs of stallions. The open front of our new facility allows wonderful air circulation, as well as providing an opportunity for the stallions to watch and enjoy the other horses at the Farm. Our oversized riding arena is fenced with 5 foot high fencing, again ensuring that all of the horses are safe and calm. Our breeding facilities are located in an open and safe area for both the comfort and the health of our stallions. We have dry lot turn outs for the stallions, allowing them the opportunity to get outside and “be a horse” for 8 hours each day, as appropriate.
On site, we have the facilities, laboratory equipment and expertise to collect, extemd, cool and transport semen for our stallions. We train young and seasoned stallions to the artificial mount with great success, usually in very few training sessions. Our handlers are all veterans with a specialty in handling stallions and understanding their needs. We train and complete stallions through Grand Prix, so we seek to understand and know the entire animal.
Our training philosophy at Centaur Farms is straightforward: slow, consistent, fair and kind handling and training is the only way to achieve success. We apply this philosophy not only with stallions but also with all of the horses we handle and train. We believe that while some stallion behaviors are simply nature taking its course, many undesirable habits are either created or allowed by the human handlers of stallions. Manners are manners, and our stallions are patiently taught how to behave and what is unacceptable. We strive to differentiate under saddle training and attention from breeding time, helping the stallion to understand what behaviors are acceptable, and where.
At Centaur Farms, the stallion barn is located close to our main barn where our mares, foals, and geldings are stabled. It is our belief that stallions need to see, hear and participate in “everyday horse life.” Being exposed to and becoming used to the presence of mares, youngsters, and other stallions makes it easier for a competition stallion to travel to shows and participate in an environment that is familiar and comfortable – an environment that contains horses of all ages and type.
In addition to the stallion breeding services that I personally direct and oversee, I have trained and competed stallions, mares and geldings from training level through Grand Prix. I maintain a competition schedule throughout the spring, summer and fall months, and campaign my stallions and other horses in Georgia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina and Florida. I am happy to talk with you on your Stallion. I will be happy to talk with you about your training needs. Our facility is set up to help any individual whether it is breeding, training or competing.
Please contact me for more information.
Thank you,
Gina Benson Cook
Centaur Farms