Leighton Farm

"Making the most of each thoroughbred."

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My Horses

 

Dancing Spunky

"Punkie" was one of the first racehorses I had.  I bought him from Bobby Adams for $500, and was so poor that I had to make payments.  His sire is Dancing Count and he's out of Plum Solo, a stakes mare.  Punkie was bred to run.  Though he only ran 7 times, he never missed a check.  The Punk is responsible for getting me started in the breaking business.  He bought every bridle, saddle, lead shank, bucket and cross bar I needed to get started.

Punkie fractured his sesamoid and took two years to become sound.  His usefulness was far from over.  He became the pony we use to break the babies.  Punkie has saved the day more times than I can count.  He's always loved being a racehorse and I believe he passes this on to his students.  Now, 20 years old, he still starts all the babies.  People will often hear me say he's the "best horse I ever did see."

He is my heart and soul and if I could have only one horse, it would be him.  He has been my faithful partner all these years and I know there is nothing he wouldn't do for me.  In return he asks for nothing.  He is just glad I appreciate and respect him.

 

Cloud's Honor

"Graycie" was one of two horses my husband bought at the Fasig-Tipton Timonium Sale.  Trick of the Tale was the other.  Purchased as a yearling, I proceeded to break her with the help of my longtime partner JK Adams.  She went on to make over $60,000.  This was quite a feat for a horse of such modest breeding.  She was retired fall 2006 with no soundness issues. 

This spring 2007, Graycie demanded the return to training.  She normally gets what she wants and has pushed her earnings to over $80,000.  This is great because she has supporting quite a few "bums" or non-earning thoroughbreds.

Graycie will forever be known as "The Gray Monster" at Bowie Training Center.  I did not name her this, the other riders who witnessed her antics did.  I often was asked "How's The Gray Monster" feeling today?" 

As of November 2007, Graycie permanently retired from racing.  I would have to run her cheaper, thus creating a risk of being claimed.  She is completely sound and has earned her place at Leighton Farm.

THANK YOU GRAYCIE!!!

 

 

Bear

"Bear" is a special horse because when I got him he was in tremendous trouble.  As illustrated in the middle picture, he was starving.  He came in a set of two.  The other horse being Charolais.  Originally, I planned to race them both, but my plans changed as I began to handle them.

After training at Bowie Training Center for some months, I decided his heart was not going to be in racing.  Perhaps, he had been through too much.  His former race record was two 2nds, one 3rd and an no show going long.  Outstanding temperament, fabulous gaits and great looks made it easy to see that he would make a successful dressage horse.

These days "The Bear" is my torture pony.  No I don't torture him, I torture myself on him.  He is the guy I post without stirrups on or with only one.  Two point practice, whatever I need to work on myself.  He's safe and tolerant, but does have a buck or a jump, just to keep me fresh.

 

Sand Save

My Baby Bird.  I love him so.  He is my biggest fan.  Birdie is such a sensitive soul.  He's a giver and I am unbelievably lucky to have him.

The picture to the right was taken two months after I started learning to jump.

Birdie demands a level of finesse that is making me a much better rider.  It doesn't hurt that he's exceptionally talented and I trust him. 

 

 

Am I lucky or what?

 

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Kimberly Clark

301-579-6898                                                                           

Trainer@LeightonFarm.com