Berva Megson, owner of Megson Farms in Marshall County, says she currently has about 20 white thoroughbred horses. The horses possess a rare genetic mutation that gives them white fur and pink skin. There are currently only about 180 of these animals in the world, according to the Jockey Club. Megson says that as far as she knows, this makes her herd the largest in the world.
One of their horses has even gained fame in Hollywood. Disney chose and trained their stallion, Arctic Bright View, to be one of the horses that portrayed Silver in 2013's movie The Lone Ranger.
Lately Megson has been preparing eight of her yearlings for the racetrack, and will send five off Saturday to begin training. One of her horses, Kentucky Lake, is getting ready to make his track debut. Two others, also named after local state parks, are among those being sent off to train for the races.
"I've got a two-year-old that I've named Kentucky Lake, and we've named two other white ones Lake Barkley and Kenlake," Megson said. "I've got one at the track right now, Wear the Mask, He's a white thoroughbred. He's running up at Mohoney's in Ohio."
Megson said her husband Paul purchased their first white thoroughbred years ago for their daughter, Valerie, and the herd has been growing ever since. She says she is always looking for sponsors and assistance with taking care of the farm.
"We're always trying to find someone that maybe could help us with hay or feed, and maybe interested in helping us take them to the track. Any type of help would be nice." Megson said.
Click the link below to learn more about Megson Farms and their white thoroughbreds.
On the Net:
Megson Farms
