HISTORY 

Windylea Farm, LLC was established in 1978 by Philip O’Neill as a Thoroughbred horse breeding farm built on the premise of breeding New York breds to both sell and race under our Green and Gold colors.  Like most homegrown operations, Windylea managed through challenges as a small farm trying to compete on the big stage of the NYRA circuit while maintaining a stable at Finger Lakes Race Track.

The original farm in Bennington, Vermont suited our business for almost forty years, growing to approximately 30 acres of pastureland and building two new barns, totaling 40 stalls, along with an indoor arena primarily used for rehab and winter turnout. 

In 2017, we expanded the footprint over into Hoosick Falls, NY with the addition of the Mitchell Road property.  Since purchasing, we have transformed this property into a first-class thoroughbred breeding farm with over 70 acres of pastureland, three barns with over 50 total stalls, and a Eurociser for training and sales preparation. 

On the racetrack, Windylea and our Green/Gold colors are becoming household knows throughout the thoroughbred racing industry.  Our footprint in this space has grown from primarily racing at Finger Lakes Race Track to competing for owners' titles at many meets throughout North America.  In 2022, Windylea earned Top Owner award at Finger Lakes and our Warriors Revenge earned Horse of the Year honors there as well.  In the Spring of 2023, Windylea won the Owners title at NYRA-Aqueduct for the first time and ranked amongst the top owners at the recently concluded NYRA meet at Saratoga Race Track.

Our goal is to provide opportunities for mares, foals and yearlings a quality environment to thrive on the farm.  As we continue to mature in this market, we will compete to at the highest levels, whether that is at the sales ring or the race track. 

A commitment to the horse, the people and the land.

Since our earliest days, Windylea Farm has been committed to providing an unsurpassed level of care for the horses on our farm and those on training farms and race tracks throughout North America.  We are blessed to have staff that share the commitment and passion.  From the original farm nestled in beautiful Vermont to our commercial operation in upstate New York, we offer years of expert horsemanship, combined with modern facilities as we grow our footprint in the thoroughbred industry.

LEADERSHIP

Kip O’Neill
Owner

Kip has shared his father's passion for horses since his early childhood, picking our winners from the clocker's stand at Green Mountain Race Track in Pownal, VT back in the mid 70's. While attending College, Kip purchased his first horse, Bid Again Deb, at Finger Lakes Race Track. His drive has led Windylea to being a perennial top owner in North America and brought the breeding program forward to a point where top connection throughout the industry focus on Windylea homebreds at sales.  While spending the summers mostly in Saratoga, Kip and his wife Sandy continue to make their home in Bennington, Vermont and have three adult children; Abbie, Bailey and Ryan. 

Kyle Willard

Farm Manager

Manager Kyle Willard’s career at Windylea started nearly twenty years ago. What started as a summer job while home from college,  has spawned the into a passion and lifestyle built around the beautiful horses he and his crew care for daily.

Windylea prides itself in a program that focuses on the individual welther in the sales ring, at the track, or aftercare.   Each horse is given it's best ability to succeed,  focusing on quality nutrition, horsemanship and dedication.   Windylea has built a program where horses can thrive.

Kyle is inspired by his wife, Suzanne and 2 daughters, Lauren and Olivia.

Meet the Team

  • Shelley Slocum

  • Ian McCloe

BREEDING

A history of success and an emphasis on quality.

At Windylea Farms, we take great pride in our many successes in breeding, foaling and raising quality racehorses.  We combine practical horsemanship, a hands-on approach and a steadfast commitment to providing the best for our horses and the horses under our care.

We believe that breeding quality stock to the best stallions in the region provides a solid foundation for success.  Each mare receives individualized attention, maximizing the chance for a successful conception, pregnancy and foaling process.  To learn more about our breeding program, please contact us.

Prepared for Performance

Windylea Farm has won more than 300 races, multiple stakes races and has surpassed $8M in earnings.  We have ranked in the top 30 for wins by owners (out of over 20,000) in North America for the past four years.

Windylea Farm has sold over $2M in yearlings since 2021, and bred, raised and sold multiple stakes winning NY Breds, Runaway Lute and Lead Guitar.

Currently Windylea has horses with multiple trainers throughout North America and look for opportunities to expand our footprint in areas that align with our core values.

RACING

TOP PERFORMERS

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