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In the Sorgun district of Yozgat, 61-year-old Sami Taskin’s passion for horses, sparked during the pandemic when he bought a riding horse at his son’s request, has turned into a family venture breeding purebred Arabian racehorses alongside his two sons.
Taskin’s interest in horses grew steadily after purchasing a riding horse for their farm in the Ayridam village area during the pandemic.
Following his retirement, and on a friend’s recommendation, Taskin bought three purebred Arabian broodmares and stepped into the racehorse breeding industry.
Over time, by raising foals, Taskin expanded his stock to 16 horses. Racehorses raised on his farm now compete at racetracks in Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir, with his sons actively supporting the operation.
Spurred by his interest in horses, Taskin's son Mehmet Emin graduated from Selcuk University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and now oversees the health and care of the horses on the farm. His other son, horse trainer Yasin Taskin, prepares the horses for races in Bursa.
Taskin explained that the foals are raised on their farm until they are 2.5 years old, after which they are sent to the racetrack for a six-month training and conditioning period.
Stating that he currently owns 16 horses, including those actively competing, Taskin said, "Raising horses is a truly enjoyable endeavor. It is even more thrilling when they are racing. It’s work we do with love. We are a team; one of my sons is a trainer, and the other is a veterinarian. We all do this passionately."
Taskin added, "As you can see, champion horses at the racetrack are being raised right here in Yozgat." He also noted their plans to acquire and breed Thoroughbred broodmares in the coming years.
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