Johnson co-owns Margaux Farm with Ira Mersack and Joe and Lynn Fowler. He said the farm had been doing business with Lange for the past year.
Margaux Farm, near Midway, Ky., has acquired 16 broodmares and yearlings, formerly owned by David Lange, at a Woodford County, Ky. sheriff's sale Feb. 11. Margaux Farm and Margaux Stallions sued Lange in Woodford County Circuit Court seeking payment for services pertaining to the care of his horses. In January, the court ordered in Margaux Farm's favor to publicly auction Lange's horses to satisfy the debt. Margaux Farm president and co-owner Steve Johnson said he purchased the horses--eight broodmares and eight yearlings--at the auction in exchange for some of the debt, but Lange still owes the farm money. Johnson said the amount owed has had an impact on the farm and the situation has been unfair to other clients who pay their board, vet, and other service fees on time."Does this impact our lives and change things on the farm?" Johnson asked. "Yes it does; it changes my life as a manager and the lives of our staff at the farm."Seven of the eight broodmares are in foal, including Adios (Devil's Bag--Ciao), in foal to Came Home; Hip Hop Blue (Star de Naskra -- Blue Tap Shoes), in foal to Devil His Due; and R Valid Girl (Valid Expectations -- Cup of Cheers), in foal to Woodman.Johnson said the horses will be fully integrated into the farm's program. "We own the horses now," he said.