Equine Sports Medicine Facility Planned at Farnsworth Farms

Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Center and Main Street Management Services have announced the formation of a joint venture to build an equine sports medicine facility in Ocala, Fla. as part of the re-development of the 426-acre Farnsworth Farms into an equestrian community.

Groundbreaking for the center is scheduled for the second quarter of this year, with its completion targeted for early 2008, according to a news release issued Jan. 19

Dedicated to the recovery and conditioning of horses from all disciplines, the Florida complex plans to offer such services as post-surgical through return-to-training, conditioning after lay-off, and pre-conditioning prior to training/competing.

The facility will feature a hyperbaric center as well as an equine swimming pool, two eurocisers, a waterciser, aqua treadmill, indoor poly track, 20-stall climate-controlled barn, and additional housing for 70 horses.

Hub and Kirsten Johnson, who founded KESMARC in 2002, will act as technical advisers during the design and construction phases of the new facility, as well as managing and operating the center upon completion.

"Every effort will be made to further the understanding of equine rehabilitation at its highest level," said Kirsten Johnson in the news release. "It's an exciting time with advances in therapies to more efficiently heal these great athletes."

KESMARC currently operates a facility in Lexington that features a swimming pool, aqua treadmill, a eurociser and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

Main Street Management Services, which acquired Farnsworth Farms last summer, has plans to redevelop the property into an equestrian community featuring 10-acre estates, miles of riding trails, outdoor riding arenas and access to other amenities, including an 18-hole golf course.

"Partnering with KESMARC will further distinguish the Farnsworth Farms equine community as a unique, comprehensive and upscale venue for horse enthusiasts," said Myron Miller, vice president of business development for Main Street, which is headquartered in Tequesta, Fla.

Under the leadership of Michael Sherman, who owned the farm in partnership with other family members, Farnsworth Farms produced more than 220 stakes winners during its five-decade run, including champions Jewel Princess and Beautiful Pleasure. Farnsworth Farms won a 1996 Eclipse Award as the nation’s top breeder.