Walker Standardbreds INC

Walker Standardbreds INC is a top Standardbred breeding farm located in Sherman, Illinois, specializing in stallions, foals, and yearlings. The business aims to help customers achieve dreams of owning a winning Standardbred racehorse through their breeding programs. They operate out of the Jake Bunn farm, which they purchased in 1991 after previously leasing a farm near Maple Park and the Fox River starting in 1974.

The farm is situated at 7793 Farrand Road in Sherman, Illinois, and can be reached by taking the Sherman Exit #105 off I-55. Visitors are instructed to turn right at Andrew Road, go 1.5 miles, and turn left at the large Walker Standardbred sign before driving another mile to the property. Directions are also available from the Illinois State Fair Grounds via Peoria Road north to Sherman and then following the same route to the farm.

Ken Walker is a veterinarian who specialized in horses and taught night school classes on equine lameness and hoof care at Joliet Junior College. Pat Walker, who grew up in Lockport, has loved horses since childhood and was a student in Ken's class. The couple married in 1966 and began traveling throughout northern Illinois for Ken's veterinary work before establishing their breeding operation.

The business began leasing a northern Illinois farm in 1974, breeding 60 mares the first year and expanding to 260 by the next year. They officially purchased the Jake Bunn farm in Sherman in 1991, bringing their Fox Valley theme with fox statues to the property. The farm has grown significantly since these early years under the ownership of Ken and Pat Walker.

The farm currently offers stallions, foals, and yearlings for sale to potential owners. Their website includes specific sections dedicated to these categories, allowing customers to browse available horses and learn more about each group. The site also provides an 'About' section detailing the history and mission of the breeding operation.

Multiple reviewers have praised the exceptional quality of the horses and the outstanding customer service provided by the team. Many customers noted that the team was knowledgeable, responsive, and made the purchasing process smooth and hassle-free. The personal touch and prompt responses to inquiries were frequently highlighted as key strengths of the business.

Some reviewers mentioned that communication could have been better, with certain details missing from the website that they were looking for. A few customers experienced delays in responding to their inquiries, requiring them to follow up multiple times. Despite these issues, the team was generally willing to resolve problems promptly once contacted.

The Trustburn rating for Walker Standardbreds INC is 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews. The reviews span from February 2022 to December 2023, showing a mix of satisfaction with product quality and varying experiences with customer service responsiveness. The rating split includes several 5-star reviews alongside some 3-star reviews that highlight communication gaps.

Ken Walker previously owned a large animal practice west of Chicago from 1964 to 1977, making house calls at racetracks in the morning and visiting farms in the afternoon. The state legislature passed the Horse Racing Act of 1975, which promoted and provided financial incentives for Illinois-bred horses, influencing the farm's growth. Pat Walker's background as a student in Ken's night school class at Joliet Junior College also contributed to their shared expertise.

The farm is located in Sherman, Illinois, and serves the broader northern Illinois region. The address is 7793 Farrand Road, and the business operates within the sports industry, specifically focusing on Standardbred horse breeding. The farm's location near Maple Park and the Fox River is a notable feature of its setting.

The farm's website was designed by patchwork design and includes sections for stallions, yearlings, foals, and an about page. The site also features a contact form and directions for visitors. The domain walkerstandardbreds.com is used for their online presence, and they maintain a Facebook profile for social engagement.

The farm's success is attributed to the combined expertise of Ken and Pat Walker, with Ken's veterinary background and Pat's lifelong passion for horses. Their ability to navigate the challenges of farm management and breeding has been a key factor in their growth. The couple's personal history, including their marriage in 1966 and the purchase of the Jake Bunn farm in 1991, shaped their current operations.

The farm's website provides clear instructions for visitors to find the location, including specific turns and distances from major roads. The contact information is prominently displayed, and the site includes a message form for inquiries. The farm also maintains a Facebook profile for additional engagement with potential customers.

The farm's history includes a significant expansion from leasing a farm in 1974 to purchasing the Jake Bunn farm in 1991. The couple's background in veterinary work and their personal connection to horses have been instrumental in building their reputation. The farm's focus on Standardbred breeding and its location in Sherman, Illinois, are key aspects of its identity.

You can reach Walker Standardbreds INC by phone at 2174962378.