Gunston Hall Farm

For those deeply rooted in Kentucky's rich equestrian heritage, particularly within the world-renowned horse country of Lexington, the health and well-being of thoroughbreds and other equine athletes are paramount. Finding a facility that combines deep industry knowledge, hands-on care, and veterinary expertise is crucial for breeders, owners, and trainers alike. Gunston Hall Farm stands as a distinguished establishment, recognized for its comprehensive services and commitment to excellence in the thoroughbred industry. It's more than just a farm; it's a dedicated partner in the life and success of your horses.

Gunston Hall Farm was established in 1996 by Dr. Walter Ruel Cowles, his wife Lisa, and their two sons, Joe Ruel and Larmon. Dr. Cowles, an Auburn University graduate, began his veterinary career in Central Kentucky in 1980 before starting his own practice, Ruel Cowles, D.V.M., P.L.L.C. His extensive experience in equine medicine laid the foundation for Gunston Hall Farm to become a full-service thoroughbred facility. Over the years, the farm has expanded significantly, now encompassing over three hundred acres across multiple properties, including Tantura and Cosa Mia, to accommodate the growing needs of its clientele.

What truly sets Gunston Hall Farm apart is its family-run nature and hands-on approach. The Cowles family, deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, ensures personalized care for each horse. This dedicated oversight, combined with the embedded veterinary expertise of Dr. Cowles and resident veterinarian Cristina Ventura (who graduated from Federal Fluminense University with a degree in Veterinary Medicine and worked at Gavea Racetrack's equine hospital), means that horses receive meticulous attention and immediate medical intervention when needed. Reviews, though limited in detail, often refer to "Good people," underscoring the positive relationships and trustworthy environment fostered by the farm's management. Their focus on raising "well-grown foals that are marketable and then go on to become quality racehorses" speaks to their professional goals and successful track record.

Location and Accessibility:

Gunston Hall Farm is ideally situated in the heart of Kentucky's thoroughbred region, offering convenient access for horse owners and industry professionals.

Address: 2900 Russell Cave Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Located on Russell Cave Road, approximately ten minutes from downtown Lexington, the farm is positioned within one of the most prestigious equestrian areas globally. This central location provides easy access from major transportation routes, making it convenient for clients to visit their horses, whether they are local to Lexington or traveling from further afield within Kentucky or neighboring states. The proximity to other key equine facilities, including Hagyard Equine Medical Institute (which Ruel Cowles, DVM, PLLC Equine Medicine & Surgery acts as the attending veterinarians to Gunston Hall Farm), further enhances its accessibility and strategic importance within the industry. This prime location underscores Gunston Hall Farm’s integral role in Kentucky’s horse racing and breeding landscape.

Services Offered (focused on thoroughbred facility operations, which inherently include significant veterinary oversight):

• Thoroughbred Boarding: Full-service boarding for mares, foals, weanlings, yearlings, and racetrack lay-ups, offering personalized care and daily monitoring.
• Breeding Services: Comprehensive support for breeding programs, leveraging deep expertise in thoroughbred genetics and reproductive health.
• Foaling Services: Expert care during the critical foaling period, ensuring the safe delivery and early health of foals.
• Lay-Up Services: Professional care for horses recovering from injuries or in need of conditioning, with customized rehabilitation plans.
• Sales Preparation: Specialized conditioning, grooming, and presentation services to prepare horses for thoroughbred sales, maximizing their market potential.
• Bloodstock Services: Assistance with bloodstock selection, pedigree analysis, and strategic planning for breeding programs.
• Veterinary Oversight: Direct involvement of resident veterinarians, including Dr. Walter Ruel Cowles (DVM, PLLC) and Cristina Ventura, DVM, who provide ongoing health management, diagnostic services, and immediate care as needed for the farm's horses. This includes routine exams, disease prevention, and emergency response.
• Nutritional Management: Tailored feeding programs based on individual horse needs, monitored daily to ensure optimal diet and health.
• Performance Monitoring: Daily evaluation of each horse's development and progress, with proactive identification and addressing of potential problems.
• Client Communication: Regular photo and progress reports to keep clients informed on the health and development of their horses.

Features / Highlights:

• Family-Run and Operated: Direct involvement of the Cowles family ensures a hands-on, personalized, and consistent approach to horse care.
• Veterinarian-Owned and Managed: Led by Dr. Walter Ruel Cowles, a seasoned DVM, with a resident veterinarian on staff (Cristina Ventura, DVM), providing immediate and expert medical oversight.
• Full-Service Thoroughbred Facility: Offers a comprehensive suite of services covering all stages of a thoroughbred's life, from breeding to sales preparation.
• Extensive Acreage and Facilities: Over 300 acres, seven barns with 100 stalls, a six-horse Equi-gym, and diverse paddocks, allowing for individualized care and ample space.
• Proven Track Record: Known for raising "top-class thoroughbred horses both in the sales ring and on the race track," demonstrating their expertise and success.
• Personalized Care Approach: Emphasizes tailoring diet and care to the specific needs of each individual horse.
• Strong Client Communication: Prioritizes keeping clients informed with regular updates and reports on their horses' progress.
• Strategic Location: Situated in the heart of thoroughbred country, providing easy access and proximity to other key equine medical facilities.

Contact Information:

Address: 2900 Russell Cave Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Phone: (859) 293-6185

Mobile Phone: +1 859-293-6185

Conclusion: Why Gunston Hall Farm is Suitable for Locals

For thoroughbred owners, breeders, and equine enthusiasts across Kentucky, particularly those based in or around Lexington, Gunston Hall Farm represents an ideal choice for comprehensive and expert horse care. Its foundation rooted in the extensive veterinary experience of Dr. Walter Ruel Cowles, coupled with its family-run, hands-on management approach, ensures that every horse receives meticulous and compassionate attention. The facility's ability to offer a full spectrum of services—from specialized breeding and foaling to boarding, lay-ups, and sales preparation—means that all aspects of a thoroughbred's life cycle can be managed under one highly knowledgeable roof.

The prime location on Russell Cave Road, in the very heart of Kentucky's horse industry, provides unparalleled accessibility and proximity to other vital equine resources. For locals, entrusting their horses to Gunston Hall Farm means benefiting from a team deeply committed to the well-being and success of each animal, as evidenced by their track record of producing top-quality racehorses. For Kentuckians who value a blend of family dedication, cutting-edge veterinary oversight, and proven expertise in the thoroughbred world, Gunston Hall Farm offers the peace of mind and professional partnership essential for their equine investments.

Gunston Hall Farm

2900 Russell Cave Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, USA