Carrie Brogden, owner of the successful Machmer Hall breeding operation near Paris, Kentucky, openly admits to being a horse addict who must regularly reduce her stock each fall to sustain the business. The Brogdens, along with Carrie’s mother, participate annually in sales where they offer select mares, mostly in foal, through Fasig-Tipton’s Digital platform. This method has replaced traditional brick-and-mortar sales for many of their mares, as it reduces stress and costs associated with physical sales, allowing buyers to evaluate mares via video and pedigree information. Machmer Hall currently manages 116 mares and about 16 racehorses, and they strategically sell mares in foal to stallions they support, such as Upstart, Tacitus, and Seize the Grey.

Brogden acknowledges the challenges of selling pregnant mares, describing it as a gamble for both seller and buyer, but remains optimistic about the long-term benefits, citing examples like mares in foal to top stallions producing valuable offspring. She also highlights the importance of trading in her operation’s success and expresses interest in emerging stallions like Aloha West. After 25 years in the business, Brogden embraces the convenience of digital sales for managing herd reductions and continuing Machmer Hall’s growth in racing and breeding.