A letter from Don Barker
It all started in 1967 with my father, Jim Barker. I
would assist him with pruning and tree removal on several
horse farms in the Central Kentucky area. In 1968, my father
and my uncle (Ray Stewart) started a business together.
They had numerous clients; such as
Claiborne Farm in Paris,
KY where I had the pleasure of meeting one of the greatest
horsemen of that time, Mr. "Bull" Hancock; owner of
Claiborne Farm. We continued to work for Claiborne
Farms for several years.
During this time I also met and worked for Mr.
Hancock’s two sons; Arthur of
Stone Farm and Seth of Cherry
Valley Farms.
In 1970, we started working on a large project for the
co-owner of the
Xalapa Farm.
Half of this 2000 acre farm was owned by Mrs. Lily
Webb, located on US 460, just outside of North Middletown
Paris, KY. This
project lasted for over 22 months and provided an excellent
experience for all.
In 1975, my uncle and father decided to go separate ways.
Ray (my uncle) formed his own company “American
Nurseries” and his son, Ken Stewart, went into business with
him. During this time, I decided to go into business with my
father. We
focused our efforts mostly within Central Kentucky.
We took on projects such as: Ashford Stud, Shadowlawn
Farm (Dr. Lockridge and Harry Ranier).
We also developed projects for the following people:
Ted and Lucy Bassett, Governor Brereton Jones, Robert Clay
of
Three Chimneys Farm, Mrs. Alice
Chandler and son Reynolds Bell of
Mill Ridge Farm, William Farish
of
Lane's End Farm,
Charles and Virginia Payson of Payson Stud, and John Gaines
of
Gainesway Farm
(some people say that John Gaines was the brains behind the
now famous Breeder’s Cup). The list could go on and on but I
want everyone who visits this web site to know we have the
experience needed to help you build or remodel your equine
operation to suit your needs.
After my father and I retired in 1999 from Barker’s
Landscaping Garden Center, located in Paris KY, my brother
Dana took over the business. With several large projects
such as Autumn Ridge, Warner Townhomes in Hamburg, and the
landscape of several horse farms in the area.
Dana has done very well.
Ken and son Justin have started
Stewart Contracting with
projects like Castle Lyons Farm; which constructed an exact
replica of a tower found in Ireland built in the 1600’s.
Ken and Justin have several barn projects that are
finished and some that are under construction at this time
in Central Kentucky.
Through a joint venture of Dana Barker, Barker’s
Landscaping, Ken and Justin Stewart, Stewart Contracting,
and myself Don Barker, Kentucky Equine Barns, we can now
offer the quality, experience and service your project
deserves!
I look forward to meeting with you soon!
Don Barker |
