Hailey holding a yearling for a rinse after exercise
Hailey Shiffer: Lane's End Farm
This summer I spent interning at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky. This was an experience of a lifetime and one I would be happy to repeat. I worked in the yearling barn prepping horses for the various summer and fall sales such as Fasig-Tipton July, Fasig-Tipton Saratoga NY Bred Sale, and Keeneland September. There was never a dull moment in the barn.
We cleaned stalls, hand walked, took horses to the six-horse eurociser, groomed, held for the vet or farrier, did general veterinary care, turned out and brought in horses. I was in charge of five horses for grooming and was excited to watch their progress throughout the summer.
I got to attend the Fasig-Tipton July Sale and learn the in-and-outs of actually selling a Thoroughbred. Showing the horse to potential buyers, looking up who has come back for “second checks”, registering who has vetted the horse, and preparing the horse for the sale ring were all part of my daily routine.
I spent my off day touring different farms around the Lexington area such as Spendthrift, Winstar, and Coolmore. I took the opportunity to talk with other people at the farms and get their prospective/advice for someone wanting to join the industry. I also spent Monday mornings watching horses and taking pictures at Keeneland Racecourse during morning workouts. — Hailey Shiffer