Van Bert Farms is owned by the Derickson Family which is the fifth generation to operate the establishment which breeds and sells Rocky Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Mountain Pleasure Horses and Pleasure Walking Horses. Van Bert Farms consists of over 400 acres near the quaint little town of Stanton, Kentucky. Van Bert Farms has been operating as a kentucky horse farm and equine training facility since 1965 . The farm is encircled by the red river and the picturesque Appalachian Foothills, making this part of the beautiful Red River Valley. Because of the beauty of this area many natural sites attract visitors from all over the world. More than 200 natural bridges are found in this part of Kentucky. Natural Bridge State Park is within

Driving 50 miles west of us will bring you to the rolling hills of the bluegrass and Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington is home to the Kentucky Wildcats, the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park, the Rolex 3-Day Event, and the Rocky Mountain Horse International Championship, held every year in September. Twenty minutes southwest of Lexington is the site for the prestigious Mountain Horse World Championship held every August in the historical town of Harrodsburg, Kentucky where the Mountain Horse World Championship brings together the gaited breeds. The Rocky horses, Kentucky Mountain , and the Mountain Pleasure registries compete for the honorable right to wear the championship rings.

When one mentions Kentucky horses we often think of the Keeneland Race Way or Louisville's Churchill Downs. Thoroughbreds are not the only part of the Kentucky Horse Industry. Trail Pleasure Horses dominate sales in the state. The Mountain Horse encompasses three breeds, Rocky, Kentucky, and Mountain Pleasure. Spotted Mountain is also allowed in the Kentucky Mountain association. The three essentially possess the same traits, a smooth even four beat gait, temperament that is second to none, and the ability to maintain form and stamina while carrying their rider over long distances and rough terrain. If your knees and back are preventing you from riding, this horse has proven that you can once again get back in the saddle.

The Great "Choco Dock", the "Man O War" of the Mountain Breed

Mountain Horses are native to eastern Kentucky and have always been a part of the Appalachian life. Times have never been easy for families of eastern Kentucky, but the Mountain Horse has always been a part of the hard work, the good times, and the bad. They were used in the logwoods or the mines and yet they were expected to be the horse that would allow small children to ride them to the "fishing hole" on Saturday and pull the buggy to church on Sunday. My father speaks of the mare he had as a child that lived to be over 30 years old as if she were part of the family.

Van Bert Farms is proud to be part of the fine Kentucky heritage in breeding, as a Rocky farm and training of the Mountain Horses, or gaited mountain, mountain gaited or Rockies, as they are sometimes referred to. If you are looking for a true "Pleasure Horse", Van Bert Farms offers over 200 head of Mares, Stallions, Geldings, Yearlings, and Weanlings for sale at all times plus a full equine facility, stud services with over 20 stallions at stud and some of the best trainers in the industry. If you want to be in the winner's circle or if you love trail riding, we can bring you together with your dream horse. Plan a visit! Stop by our facility and see this wonderful horse for yourself and while you are here plan to experience some of the greatest natural beauty this country has to offer.