The traditionally male-dominated world of thoroughbred racing is changing...rapidly and dramatically. It is a change of culture which is redefining the thoroughbred culture and community. A new breed of professional women is shattering century old barriers on the farms which develop and nurture the equine athletes known as thoroughbred racehorses. These educated women arrive from rural small towns and Ivy League universities. They’re assuming leadership roles at every level of the horse farms. They are bound together by a single career thread, their passion for the horses!

The Breeding Shed explores the environment and culture of thoroughbred breeding and nurturing at Kentucky’s famous Three Chimneys Farm. The film traces the process of producing and developing the world’s top equine athletes. The film has unprecedented access to the entire process from the mating, through gestation, foaling, and development of the young equine athlete. The final stage of thoroughbred development occurs during September each year, when most thoroughbred yearlings are sold at the Keeneland auction.

The film follows the dedicated effort of three women as they face and address challenges within their professional life. The film also provides a rare glimpse into the impact of the thoroughbred environment on each of their personal lives. Unrestricted access at Three Chimneys Farm affords the filmmaker a unique opportunity to follow three women in leadership positions, each in a different stage of their career, at a leading thoroughbred farm in Lexington, Kentucky.

Sandy Hatfield is the Stallion Manager. With more than three decades experience in the profession, and 23 breeding seasons at Three Chimneys Farm, she is considered a female pioneer in the stallion shed. Kirsten Near is the Resident Veterinarian at Three Chimneys Farm. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she spent five years working tirelessly to reach the senior veterinarian position at a major thoroughbred farm. Katie Ott is the Assistant Manager at Three Chimney’s Farm. Following a lifelong passion for horses, she has been dedicated to the thoroughbred profession

since 2017.