Derrick Smith

Derrick Smith breeds Percheron horses in South Plymouth, NY, in the Catskill Mountains near Kingston. Smith has been raising Percheron stock for more than fifteen years and maintains standards set by the American Percheron Horse Association while working closely with local veterinarians for routine health screening, annual hoof evaluations and core immunizations. His herd enjoys open pastures during the warmer months and sheltered barn stalls with year-round heating in winter. Foals receive daily handling, and all horses follow a diet that balances locally sourced hay with tailored grain supplements.

The farm traces its roots to a mid-twentieth-century family stable and hosts regular groundwork sessions that prepare horses for light draft work and local demonstrations. Reviewers note the horses’ calm temperaments and Smith’s clear communication about lineage and training milestones. Visitors describe the setting as peaceful and appreciate the farm’s emphasis on balanced riding and draft experiences.