Van Bert Farms is owned by the Derickson Family which is the fifth generation to operate the establishment. Van Bert Farms breeds, sells and trains; Rocky Mountain Horses, Kentucky Mountain Horses, Mountain Pleasure Horses and Pleasure Walking Horses. The Farm 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  15 miles of the farm and is famous for the largest natural arches. The Park offers miles of hiking trails, camp sites, and fishing. The Red River Gorge is also a main attraction to visitors to our area. It has aptly been dubbed as the "little grand canyon" and is within 12 miles of Van Bert Farms.

Driving 10 minutes west of Van Bert Farms is the site for the prestigious United Mountain Horse World Championship, held every August in Winchester, Kentucky.  The United Mountain Horse World Championship brings together all the registered Mountain Horse breeds where the Rocky Mountain, Kentucky Mountain and the Mountain Pleasure registered horse will compete for the honorable right to wear the Grand Championship Division rings.

If you continue traveling west the road will bring you to the rolling hills of the bluegrass of Lexington, Kentucky. Lexington is home to the Kentucky Wildcats the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park, Rolex 3-Day Event, Rocky Mountain Horse International Championship and during the fall of 2010 the Alltech FEI Equestrian World Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park.

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 of KY. The Mountain Horse encompasses three breeds, Rocky, Kentucky, and Mountain Pleasure.  Spotted Mountain is also allowed in the Kentucky Mountain association. The three associations essentially possess the same traits of a smooth even four beat gait, a 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, the Mountain Horse has proven that you can once again get back in the saddle and enjoy the "horse" .

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. Economic times have never been easy for families of eastern Kentucky but the Mountain Horse has always been a part of the heritage of hard work, good times and survival. They were used in the logwoods and the mines 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 the training of the Mountain Horses, or gaited mountain, mountain gaited or Rockies, as they are often referred to. If you are looking for a true well gaited "Pleasure Horse" Van Bert Farms offers over 200 head of Mares, Stallions, Geldings, Yearlings, and Weanlings for sale at all times and a full equine facility, with stud services of 20 stallions 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.