Thoroughbred Training Center - About Us
John McCashin, a third generation professional horseman, moved to Tanglewood Park in nearby Forsyth County in October 1964 to open the Tanglewood Training Center, relocating from New Jersey and the US Modern Pentathlon facility in Texas. The TTC logo was developed along with the dove gray, hunter green, and royal blue barn colors.
In April 1971, John moved TTC to Hanes Ranch in Clemmons, NC. TTC evolved into Thoroughbred Training Center. Hanes Ranch was sold soon thereafter to become a housing development, and TTC moved in August of 1973 to the current Davie County location. TTC consisted of 121 acres of a run down cattle farm with a few pole barns. The little gray house at the front of the farm had no windows and was used to store hay.
John rolled up his sleeves and went to work… miles of fencing, barns, a riding arena, an indoor arena. Through mutual friends and a stroke of luck, Beth applied for employment as farm manager in 1981. Beth had graduated from Gardner Webb College in 1974 majoring in Biology and Math. Having been raised the daughter of an Extension Agent who worked for Ohio State University, Beth longed to return to farm life. As magic happens, Beth and John were married in 1984. Sean, a rising senior at Clemson University majoring in Agriculture Economics, was born in 1985. Mary, a college sophomore majoring in Music Production Business, was born in 1988. John & Beth feel VERY blessed with their children.
Diversification has been THE winner for TTC. Today TTC is a three part facility that revolves around boarding horses, Tack Shop sales, and hosting 24 one day horse shows per year.
What began in 1973 as 121 acres has grown to 191 acres of owned land and 14 acres of leased land. The number of horses flows from 28-35 head. TTC produces all of the hay and sells surplus hay that has been cured for horses. Paddocks, pastures and hay field soils are analyzed once a year. Lime and fertilizer applications follow soil test results.
Here are some average annual statistics…
- One ton of lime per acre for 75 acres of paddocks, pastures and hay fields.
- 15-15-15 fertilizer 500 lbs per acre on grazing fields and 750 -1000 lbs per acre of 18-9-9 to Hay Fields.
- Due to weather conditions, January, July and August are the "slow" months.
- TTC uses 100 round bales per year and 2,800 square bales of hay. In the drought of 2007, hay production was down by 35%. Hay and grazing continues to be the primary feed source with grain added in VERY small quantities. Due to the low digestibility and skyrocketing cost of corn, ALL sweet feed mixed for TTC is corn free.
- Beginning in 1982, Horse Shows & Tack Shop sales have provided 2/3 of the farm income. TTC has hosted over 525 Horse Shows.
- TTC currently has 1 full time employee and 5 part time employees. Complete Health Insurance is provided for Full Time adult workers.
- Yes, TTC does "rescue" animals. We currently have five rescue horses and 11 rescue dogs (some of Beth's best friends). John says, "thank God people don't put their kids out on the curbs or we would have 10 of those as well" … and he IS right.
The McCashin philosophy - "count your blessings, grow a healthy family, a healthy farm, and a healthy mind… the rest will fall into place."
