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.
Facilities
The property includes the six-bedroom, six-bathroom 18th-century main house, a heated saltwater swimming pool, a pond, the original 28-stall barn, two new 20-stall barns, a 12-stall stallion barn, a 20-stall training barn, 20 paddocks, covered arena, fifteen fenced fields, a two-bedroom guesthouse, flagstone terraces and gardens, equipment sheds, storage buildings and an underground fire-suppression system. The grounds also feature two Olympic-sized outdoor arenas and a modern indoor arena suitable for presentations or small events.
The People
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Maura Brennan
HEAD TRAINER
Maura Brennan is Green Gate Farm’s resident trainer, specializing in both halter and under-saddle competition. Originally from County Kerry, Ireland, Maura grew up on a small family farm where she developed a deep connection with horses from an early age. After studying equine science and working with sport horses in Ireland, she moved to the U.S. to pursue her passion for Arabians. Known for her patient, hands-on approach, Maura has built a successful training program focused on developing well-rounded, confident horses. Her horses have gone on to win at both regional and national levels, earning her respect across the industry.
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Amanda O'Daniel
CO-OWNER / OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Amanda O’Daniel is the passionate owner and operations director of Green Gate Farm. Under her expert care and alongside her husband, Owen, the farm’s horses have achieved notable success in national and international competitions, including endurance racing, halter championships, and dressage. Known for their striking beauty and exceptional athleticism, the farm’s horses are frequent winners and crowd favorites. Under her stewardship, Green Gate Farm has earned a reputation for excellence in breeding, training, and horsemanship, drawing interest from breeding and show programs from around the world. Amanda’s deep commitment to preserving rare breeds has made the farm a cornerstone of Counter Canter’s equestrian scene.
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Owen O'Daniel
CO-OWNER / MARKETING DIRECTOR
Owen O’Daniel is the strategic mind behind Green Gate Farm’s growing global presence, serving as the farm’s Director of Marketing. With a background in branding and digital outreach, Owen has transformed the farm’s image into one of Ireland’s most recognized names in equestrian excellence. He spearheaded the farm’s online platform, launched successful social media campaigns, and built partnerships that spotlight the achievements of their Arabian and Akhal-Teke horses. Owen’s creative vision and storytelling have helped showcase the farm’s legacy, drawing clients, sponsors, and enthusiasts from around the world. In addition to his marketing duties, Owen contributes to the show string as an event rider.
“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”
— Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden