Bridlewood Farm epitomizes the most quintessential large-scale, turn-key Thoroughbred breeding and training operation in Florida today. Originally built in 1976 from the ground up, the farm has been meticulously maintained throughout the years with the horses' health, safety and development being paramount.
Located in the northwest portion of Ocala's Marion County, the farm naturally lies in the most prolific sector known for its soil and mineral content. Designed by horsemen, the divisional layout, balance, flow and symmetry of the farm make it seamless and extremely functional to operate.
Bridlewood Farm's proximity to Interstate 75, OBS, FTBOA, the Ocala Airport, HITS and all major veterinary clinics makes it the ideal hub for Thoroughbred business needs. Ocala's Business District, hospitals and restaurants are all located just a short distance away from the farm. There is, perhaps, no other farm in Ocala that offers this central location and facility. All of these qualities comprised the very reasoning behind the decision of Bridlewood's late owner Arthur I. Appleton to handpick this location four decades ago.
Founded in 1976 by Appleton and his wife, Martha, Bridlewood Farm has represented excellence for 36 years in its quest to breed, raise, train and produce quality racehorses. Well over 100 Stakes Winners and dozens of graded stakes winners have been bred by the farm, including 10 Grade 1 winners at the highest level the industry has to offer. Florida Champions such as JOLIE'S HALO, WILD EVENT, FORBIDDEN APPLE, SOUTHERN IMAGE and DAVID JUNIOR are products of the Bridlewood breeding and training program, along with countless equine millionaires.
In 2004, Bridlewood grabbed international acclaim for training and managing SMARTY JONES, who won his first eight out of nine races including the prestigious Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1) before narrowly being defeated in the Belmont S. (G1) -- final jewel of the hallowed Triple Crown. Our recent training program graduates include such current performers as top 3-year-old filly EDEN'S MOON (G1), top filly and mare sprinter IT'S ME MOM, and more.
For years, the Appleton name and Bridlewood have been a staple among the industry's leading breeders, perennially ranking on top in Florida and in the Top 10 in all of North America. Leading Florida stallions, MY GALLANT, BUCKAROO, SKIP TRIAL, STORMY ATLANTIC and HALO'S IMAGE, all stood at Bridlewood Farm. Currently, leading Florida sire PUT IT BACK calls Bridlewood home.
Arthur I. Appleton
1915 - 2008
Arthur Appleton's passion, leadership, vision, style and skills were evident in all of his life's endeavors, and it is those qualities that are present today at Bridlewood Farm.
Under Mr. Appleton's guidance, Bridlewood Farm was and continues to be recognized as one of the leaders of the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry.
"He was a rock to his family, friends, and employees at Bridlewood Farm," said George G. Isaacs, general manager at Bridlewood. "He was a big dreamer and he lived his dreams.
"Anyone who knew Mr. Appleton knows he left nothing to chance. He put the groundwork in place several years ago so that Bridlewood Farm would continue to be his and his family's proud legacy and flourish as the industry stalwart that it has become."