THE MIDDLEBURG BARN

The Middleburg Barn® is located on the main road to Middleburg, Virginia, and serves as an introduction to the area's rich horse history, stunning countryside, and the little historic town of Middleburg. The farm's recorded history dates back to 1876, and it has undergone many transformations over the years. Initially known as a thoroughbred breeding farm, it later became a training farm, a facility for riding lessons, horse shows, and various events.
One of the most notable periods in the farm's history was when it was known as Colony Farm. During the early 1960s, it was owned by Benny O’Meara, a young, self-taught genius from Brooklyn, New York. Benny was the brother of Jane O’Meara Sanders, wife of former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. He acquired the property after discovering its incredible potential and quickly rose to iconic status in the equestrian community.

Despite his short career, Benny made a significant impact as a show rider and trainer. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 27 when he died in a plane crash in April 1966. During his career, he trained horses that competed in the Olympics and won numerous championships. Benny's untimely death was a devastating loss for his family and the equestrian community. His legacy endures, and many international riders still speak of him as a one-of-a-kind individual, rider, and trainer.

 The family was not as gifted with horses but did their best to run Colony Farm by hosting horse shows and other events. However, by the early 1970s, they faced financial difficulties and decided to pool together a group of investors to save the farm. Among these investors were notable figures such as Canadian trainer Lucien Laurin, who trained the Triple Crown winner Secretariat; former NFL quarterback for the Redskins, Billy Kilmer; and trainer Stanley T. Greene. With their combined efforts, the farm was transformed into a breeding facility called The Virginia Stallion Station.
At one point, the barn housed as many as 60 horses, but one of the most remarkable residents was Spanish Riddle. This thoroughbred stallion led an extraordinary life, overcoming a career-ending accident with the help of an artificial leg and hoof. Spanish Riddle went on to sire many offspring, including the notable Love Sign.
Spanish Riddle was bred in 1969 by Roy Anderson in Kentucky. He was a chestnut son of Ridan and the Windy City mare Spanish Breeze. As a two-year-old in 1971, Spanish Riddle won three times and was well on his way to becoming a top racer. However, tragedy struck in 1973, just two days shy of setting new records. During a workout on the sloppy main track at Saratoga, Spanish Riddle suffered a catastrophic accident, breaking bones and tearing ligaments—injuries that typically result in the euthanasia of equines.
Despite this devastating turn of events, Spanish Riddle's story did not end there. Thanks to groundbreaking veterinary care and the dedication of his caretakers, he was fitted with an artificial leg and hoof, allowing him to live a long and fruitful life. His resilience and ability to sire many successful offspring, including Love Sign, cemented his legacy in the world of thoroughbred racing.

Spanish Riddle’s story is one of resilience and innovation in the world of thoroughbred horses. After a successful racing career, his future was planned as a breeding stallion at The Virginia Stallion Station in Middleburg, VA. However, fate had other plans for him.
Steve Jordan, who became Spanish Riddle’s dedicated groom, was asked by the renowned trainer Lucian Laurin if he believed the horse could overcome his injuries. Jordan’s confident reply, “If any horse can make it, this horse can make it,” set the stage for an extraordinary journey.
Spanish Riddle required a significant medical intervention to save his life. Dr. Edward Keefer was called in to perform a four-hour procedure to amputate the injured leg and attach a prosthetic leg and hoof. The process was grueling and required meticulous care. Keefer and Jordan worked tirelessly, removing the brace, cleaning the wound, and re-attaching the brace regularly. Jordan’s dedication was evident as he comforted Spanish Riddle with a bag of carrots daily and followed Keefer’s advice to ensure the horse’s comfort.
After a period of recovery, Spanish Riddle was transported to a farm with the rest of Laurin’s horses. By early 1974, he had adapted to his artificial leg and hoof, thriving in his new environment. His remarkable recovery made him a veterinary pioneer, as he was the first horse to overcome such devastating injuries and become a breeding stallion.
Spanish Riddle lived many years at the farm, enjoying a long and wonderful life until his death from natural causes. He is buried at the farm, a testament to his spirit and the persistence of those who cared for him. Steve Jordan remains proud of his role in Spanish Riddle’s life and the mark they left on Thoroughbred history.
Spanish Riddle’s story is not just about overcoming physical limitations but also about the unyielding spirit that can defy circumstances. His legacy lives on as a model of resilience and the profound bond between humans and animals.