We are excited to announce the acquisition of a historic thoroughbred racehorse farm, Big Sky Ranch. With over 135 years of heritage, this farm, formerly known as the Gary Player Horse Stud, has a rich history embedded in its roots. Established by the Ellis family in 1883, the farm has bred numerous champions and created studbook dynasties, leaving a lasting impact on the horse racing industry.In 1974, Gary Player took over the farm, bringing his winning philosophy and personal involvement to the stud. His dedication and expertise resulted in the breeding of exceptional horses such
We are excited to announce the acquisition of a historic thoroughbred racehorse farm, Big Sky Ranch. With over 135 years of heritage, this farm, formerly known as the Gary Player Horse Stud, has a rich history embedded in its roots. Established by the Ellis family in 1883, the farm has bred numerous champions and created studbook dynasties, leaving a lasting impact on the horse racing industry.
In 1974, Gary Player took over the farm, bringing his winning philosophy and personal involvement to the stud. His dedication and expertise resulted in the breeding of exceptional horses such as Creator, My Advantage, Amajuba, Kadarko, and many more. Under his ownership, the farm flourished, solidifying its reputation as a premier breeding ground for thoroughbred racehorses.
Located near Colesberg, the choice of this estate has proven to be visionary, attracting the most discerning buyers from both South Africa and the international thoroughbred market. The farm's exceptional breeding stock has become renowned for its quality, reflecting the remarkable legacy of the Ellis family and Gary Player.
In recent years, Big Sky Ranch has undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of Greg Morris. The farm's facilities and stables have been modernized to meet the demands of modern breeders, while the veld and farmlands have been revitalized through an extensive restoration program. Additionally, the farm has diversified its operations by including a Nguni Stud and introducing cattle, contributing to the restoration of the veld.
While the farm's focus has shifted to accommodate various ventures, thoroughbred racehorse breeding remains at the heart of our operation. Though downscaled, we remain committed to breeding exceptional horses and perpetuating the legacy of Big Sky Ranch.
Situated in the breathtaking landscape of the Karoo, our farm benefits from its natural surroundings. The Karoo veld is known for its high levels of trace elements and calcium, providing an ideal environment for growing strong-boned and resilient animals.
The extreme climate found in this region is also advantageous for breeding racehorses. The cold temperatures naturally control parasites, while the warmth promotes proper growth and development.
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