Our Services

Breaking

Whether you have a home-bred or a yearling purchase, you can rely on Mercury Equine Center to break and train your horse. Young horses need a patient but firm hand to be properly introduced into the training regime and allow them to gain confidence and eliminate trauma often associated with breaking. The Mercury Team at our facility has many years of experience in the handling of yearlings.

Many yearlings benefit by being saddle broke and trained for a 30 to 60 day time period and then being turned out. This method allows the yearling to become accustomed to being handled, groomed, bathed and ridden while at a young age. This time off allows them to mature mentally and physically. When these horses get back into serious training as two-year-olds, they have the foundation needed to begin the physical and mental process of fulfilling their capabilities as runners.

Lay-ups

Mercury Equine Center can provide lay-up services and specialized care to all Thoroughbreds in need of a rest. Taking time off at a farm to get away from the stress of the track while maintaining a routine is crucial to the mental health of any racehorse. Giving your horse a little R & R can make a big difference when it comes to performance. Team Mercury knows how to balance the adjustment from being in a stall 23 hours a day to providing pasture time without putting undue stress on the horse’s routine.

Some horses may require special rehabilitation. Swimming has excellent benefits in providing low-impact exercise to the horse. When Mercury’s outdoor pool is unavailable, we use a nearby facility for horses in need of swimming.

The Equiciser at Mercury Equine Center provides excellent conditioning and toning to horses recovering from injuries without the weight of a rider.

All horses at Mercury benefit from Veterinarian care which is on call 24/7, along with expert farrier services.

Sales Prep

Young horses are stabled throughout the duration of the preparation, being exercised daily. The amount of exercise increases as their fitness level improves. Most yearlings benefit from a combination of paddock time to burn off some energy and hand walking. The Equiciser can be used to help condition the horse, but it is important to establish a working relationship between the grooms and the horse in order to have a horse that will show well in the ring. That is why a big part of preparation includes hand walking the horses.

Horses are given the opportunity to graze and are fed in the morning and afternoon. Along with grooming, the proper supplements and feed are crucial to maintain health, muscle tone, and good coat color and texture. Each yearling throughout the preparation is groomed thoroughly. The way your horse looks is a reflection of his health and can make the difference in having a sales topper. Team Mercury is well versed in 2-year-olds in training sales prep as well, having scored a “sales topper” at the sales. A key element in showcasing 2-year-olds is to develop their talents without pushing beyond their maturity. Recognizing horses with nice movement, a willingness and an efficient way of going, rewards the seller with a good price and the buyer with a horse to race for many seasons.

Extended Training

Mercury Equine Center is dedicated to assisting trainers with their breaking, lay-up and sales prep needs. We respect the relationships trainers have with their clients. Should the need arise for extended training as a horse is developing to get back on the track, arrangements can be made.

We have access to train on the Polytrack surface at Keeneland, when needed, for extended training per the individual horse.