Kenneth Farrell:  

Well, my high school years are a blur of smoke and confusion, riddled with wild parties and unwise decisions. When I actually showed up for class, I was usually seated in the back with 'like-minded' friends trying to dream up schemes to ditch class, or simply engrossed in one or another attempt at entertaining myself. School books were often discarded to make room for Role playing game books, and evening hours, that should have been dedicated to study, were filled with self indulgent pursuits. Despite my lack of academic interest however, life still dealt me an excellent hand. I lived, briefly, in Missouri and California only to return to Pinellas Park in 1989 where I met and married the love of my life. Tina and I have been married since 1990, and we have an 18 year old daughter and a 16 year old son. She introduced me to the horse industry and we eventually found our way to Ocala, Florida- the horse capital of the world. We both manage large thoroughbred breeding operations made up of 100+horses, and yearly we foal out 40 to 50 babies. Leading up to my present position, I managed a number of prominent florida breeding sheds and was involved in the careers of TB stallions, such as Candy Stripes, Lido Palace, Lycius, Golden Gear, Intidab, Worldly Manner, Spanish Steps, Greenwood Lake, Cloud Hopping, and Express Tour...just to name a few. In the summer of 2000 I shuttled to Argentina with the famous south american sire , Candy Stripes, to deliver him to the prestigious breeding facility,Haras Carampangue, a few hours outside of beautiful Buenos Aires. The eight and a half hour direct flight from Miami to my destination was exciting, and I'll never forget the feeling as I stepped off the cargo plane onto the tarmac. While loading my stallion onto the transport van that waited I felt electric and full of life, but the single thought that plagued me was, "How the heck did I wind up here?" That question was posed more at my own disbelief that I somehow had not become a product of my own jaded past...one that seemed destined to utter and complete failure. Although, it didnt take long for the sights and sounds of this amazing and strange foreign city to envelop me and replace my uncertainty with a sureness that I was exactly where I wanted to be...where I was meant to be. During my lengthy stay the local breeders were very welcoming and my tour of some of the famous farms of Argentina was memorable. Haras Vacacion, Haras La Quebrada, and Haras Santa Maria de Araras were among my favorites. My work related travels didnt end there as I later found myself at the Keeneland sales in Kentucky, on more than one occasion, working for the industry leading thoroughbred consignment company, Taylormade. All in all, my life has been filled with generous opportunities, and daydreaming in the back of the class didnt necessarily stifle my personal or professional growth. My only regret would be that I didn't learn a second and third language earlier in life. I eventually came full circle and pursued these as educational interests. I speak fluent spanish (conversational and business- with a strong emphasis on contract vernacular and veterinary terminology), and am currently learning portuguese and japanese. Language skills play an important role within the Thoroughbred industry. Being able to communicate with hispanic staff, foreign clients, and race horse enthusiasts the world over, encouraged me to dedicate myself to these studies. Better late than never... So, I am still 'riding the coat tails' of the wealthy as I manage their race horse interests, while I forge my own little niche in this industry that I like to call home. I count myself fortunate for having been able to make so many friends and business contacts from so many different countries. My life would not have been as rich without the diversity that each one brought along with them. Venezuelan, Argentinian, Mexican, Guatemalan, Peruvian, Colombian, Cuban, Japanese...the list is endless, and I'm thankful for that. UPDATE: 2008 has arrived and my employer has purchased a new farm near Versailles, Kentucky. Another chapter of my life is about to unfold as my family and I prepare for this exciting move that will bring us deeper into the heart of horse country. I am thankful for all that I have experienced in my life, and for the fact that I was able to do so with a wonderful family at my side...and as for further adventures, Japan would not be out of the realm of possibilities. I plan to spend at least one or two more breeding seasons abroad. Hopefully this will land me in Hokkaido, Japan...the breeding capital of the Far East. Onward and Upward...I bet it just gets better! -UPDATE 11/06/08- I guess the excitement never ends. Our new son was born today and I am getting ready to embrace the excitement of another little one running around the house, as my eldest is beginning to look at college prospects. No regrets...in fact I can't wait! Broderick (Brody) Ronan Farrell was born just before noon, and the whole family is pre...Expand for more