from Caviart Farms

Paris, KY — Caviart Farms’ new 230-acre breeding and boarding facility, located on Bourbon County’s ‘Avenue of Champions,’ is open and welcoming outside mares, according to owners Buck and Judy Chaffee.

Since the Winchester Road property was purchased in June, professionals in farm design and construction have been busy transforming the former cattle farm into a “state-of-the-art” breeding facility. Miles of new fencing afford spacious fields and paddocks, and two barns have been fully restored and renovated with enhanced ventilation, additional natural lighting and all new stalls.

“Simply stated, this is a modern breeding farm that provides complete services for broodmares and foals — and we expect to stand stallions in the future,” said Buck Chaffee. “Our plan all along has been to provide comprehensive services in an environment where every horse has the best possible shot at becoming a champion.

“And, of course, our new location could not be more perfect — on what is popularly called Bourbon County’s ‘Avenue Of Champions.’ Kentucky Derby winner Spend A Buck was raised on the Maury-soiled fields of our new farm. Stone Farm, next door, produced millionaire thoroughbreds Gato Del Sol, Sunday Silence, Menifee and Fusaichi Pegasus — in total more than 125 stakes winners, including three Kentucky Derby winners, two Preakness Stakes winners and a Belmont Stakes winner. And world-famous Claiborne Farms is just down the road! This truly is an ‘Avenue’ where champions are born and raised.”

Chaffee explained that his family spent months researching and looking for a property “with the gently rolling fields, mineral-rich soils and pure well water that we believe contribute to building strong bones. Old-time horsemen thought that horses raised on limestone-rich soils had the best shot at success. We believe that those astute horsemen were correct.

“But we also wanted the benefit of current scientific information, so we brought in University of Kentucky field management experts who analyzed soils and plants. Based on the results of that study, they told us that our farm is among the best-soiled farms that they have tested. They also authored a long-term plan which addresses each of our individual fields and ensures the very best nutrition for horses in those fields.”

Coinciding with the Caviart Farms opening is the appointment of Chaffee’s son, Terry, as resident Farm Manager.

“Terry is a fourth generation horseman and a graduate of Marymount University,” said Chaffee. “He grew up around horses, is a genius with them, and we simply realized that the best person to lead the daily operation of the farm is right in the family.”

Assistant Manager Joel Kenimer is a UK graduate whose family breeds thoroughbred horses. Other members of the gold-star team, Chaffee said, include highly-qualified and experienced veterinarians and foaling attendants, friendly and helpful office staff and skilled workers who keep the farm safe and well-maintained.

Caviart Farms has completed the transitioning of their mares to the new Kentucky farm, including 2006 Matron winner Caviart Sydney ($444,787 at ages 2 and 3), in foal to Rocknroll Hanover, and her dam, multiple-stakes winner Caviart Sierra, in foal to Dragon Again.