Bernard Sams
Lexington
Summary
Dedicated and experienced horseman with a broad background in yearling preparation, racehorse care, sales presentation, and stallion management. Skilled in advanced horsemanship, health monitoring, and all aspects of breeding shed operations, with a strong focus on safety and animal welfare. Able to handle elite thoroughbreds confidently in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, including major sales and international race meetings. Recognized for reliability, strong work ethic, and consistent commitment to high-quality care and stable operations.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Stallion Groom
Newgate Farm
07.2025 - Current
- Serve as a stallion groom at Newgate Farm, ensuring top-quality daily care, handling, and welfare of all stallions.
- Support all breeding shed operations, including preparing and cleaning mares for covers and assisting with safe, efficient breeding procedures.
- Handle mares during covers, maintaining control and safety for both horses and staff.
- Assist with managing and jumping stallions, following strict protocols to ensure proper behavior and successful covers.
- Perform additional breeding shed tasks as needed to maintain smooth, professional, and safe operations.
Yearling Preparation & Sales
St. George Sales
05.2021 - 01.2025
- Assisted with yearling preparation at St. George Sales, including daily grooming, feeding routines, and conditioning programs.
- Developed strong horsemanship skills and adhered to professional barn etiquette and safety standards.
- Worked sales at Keeneland and Fasig-Tipton, presenting yearlings to potential buyers and managing horse showings.
- Performed professional grooming and handling during sales, ensuring horses were presented at peak condition.
- Supported sales operations by running cards and coordinating horse movement efficiently.
Pupil Assistant
James Ferguson Racing
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Coordinated with stable staff to maintain high standards of horse care, daily management, and overall welfare.
- Assisted in organizing training schedules, trackwork routines, and nutrition plans for all horses in the stable.
- Monitored horses’ physical condition and performance during training, reporting observations to senior staff.
- Supported race-day logistics, including preparing horses and overseeing transportation to and from events.
- Selected for major racing duties, including attending Royal Ascot and leading horses up at York, Ripon, Newcastle, Chelmsford, Kempton, and the Newmarket July Course.
Hot Walker
Christophe Clement Racing Stable
05.2022 - 07.2022
- Assisted with grooming and bathing racehorses to maintain their health, appearance, and readiness for training.
- Monitored the behavior and well-being of horses before, during, and after exercise to ensure proper recovery and safety.
- Helped maintain a safe training environment by supporting exercise riders and ensuring the horses were handled securely.
- Kept barn areas clean and sanitary to reduce disease risk and promote a healthy environment for all horses.
- Cooled out racehorses after training or races to prevent overheating and support proper recovery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY05-2025
Skills
- Leadership
- Communication
- Reliability
- Adaptability
- Presentation
- Management
Timeline
Stallion Groom
Newgate Farm
07.2025 - Current
Pupil Assistant
James Ferguson Racing
05.2023 - 08.2023
Hot Walker
Christophe Clement Racing Stable
05.2022 - 07.2022
Yearling Preparation & Sales
St. George Sales
05.2021 - 01.2025
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration And Management
Western Kentucky University