The Farm

History

Just as our Arabian and Akhal-Teke horses are gifted with an ancient heritage worthy of celebration, Green Gate Farm is steeped in a rich history of its own.

Nestled in the picturesque and enchanting landscape of County Leitrim, with its rolling hills and vast open pastures, Green Gate Farm is a property rich with history, tradition, and equestrian excellence. Its story begins in 1832 when Richard F. Galland established the original farmstead, then known as Burlington Heights, as a popular fox-hunting inn. Galland thoughtfully refurbished the centurial house and dairy barn to accommodate both equine and human guests, and the farm quickly gained a reputation among hunting enthusiasts and travelers.

In 1888, the property caught the eye of Frank B. Kensington, a New York socialite and businessman with a deep passion for horse racing. Kensington's ambitions reached beyond the inn’s initial purpose—he envisioned a premier thoroughbred breeding and training farm that would stand out in the region and elevate the standard of Irish racing stock. Following his purchase of the estate, he began a series of significant improvements, expanding the property's reach and resources. New barns were constructed, pastures were cleared, and hay fields were established, transforming Burlington Heights into a thriving center for thoroughbred excellence.

By 1896, Kensington sought to solidify the estate's reputation with a grand and lasting symbol of its success. He commissioned an impressive set of French iron gates, painted a striking shade of green, and installed them at the property's entrance. These gates quickly became an emblem of the farm's prosperity, admired by locals and visitors alike. Despite Kensington’s official designation of the estate as “Hilltop,” the name “Green Gate” soon took root, becoming a beloved moniker used by the community and the wider racing world. The enduring nickname proved so resilient that, following Kensington's death in the 1940s, the new owners officially adopted it as the farm’s name—a tribute to the tradition and legacy that had blossomed over decades.

Throughout the years, the iconic green gates have remained a cherished and symbolic fixture of the farm. As a gesture of respect and tradition, it is customary to hand-walk horses through these gates upon their arrival and final departure, a practice believed to bring good fortune. The gates stand today as a testament to the farm's storied past, an enduring connection to the days when Green Gate's thoroughbreds graced the tracks of Ireland and beyond.

Today, Green Gate Farm is a thriving and vibrant estate, its grounds adorned with mature trees, sprawling gardens, and a sense of timelessness that honors its storied past. The historic barns and outbuildings, which once served the needs of racing thoroughbreds, have been thoughtfully repurposed to accommodate our Arabian and Akhal-Teke horses. Careful attention has been given to preserve the architectural integrity and historical significance of these structures while adapting them to meet the demands of modern equine care.

Our dedication to the preservation of Green Gate Farm’s legacy is reflected in every corner of the property, from the lovingly maintained gates to the carefully curated grounds. As we look toward the future, we remain committed to upholding the traditions that have made Green Gate Farm a symbol of excellence, honor, and equestrian passion for nearly two centuries.