My Saddlefit 4 Life colleague Cathy Rothery is taking you inside the gates of GoldMark Farm, to meet Paul Bulmahn, owner of GoldMark Farms – the sophisticated, world-class training facility for thoroughbreds nestled in the rolling hills and shade of ancient oak trees near Ocala.
Mr. Bulmahn personally welcomed AHP members and escorted us to the GoldMark theatre where he made history come alive, as he recounted thrilling stories of past Triple Crowns winners whose paintings and jerseys adorn the walls.
Paul’s commitment to establishing the mark of excellence in the thoroughbred training and racing industry is clearly seen as we tour GoldMark. Each horse is treated like royalty, sleeping on a mattress inside a padded stall under 19 1/2 foot vinyl lined ceilings, cooled by circular industrial strength fans. Only the best of care is given to these special TBs – fresh water, 4 daily feedings from stainless steel bowls and feeders, daily training on an all-weather footing, 3 daily groomings, bathing with temperature-controlled water, cold salt water spa therapy, a vibration plate, and wearing four bandages at all times. The barns to remain cool even at peak Florida temperatures because of the innovative barn design. The dry dust-free Safetrack is installed on the 50’ wide, three-quarter mile track and throughout the entire training complex.
The GoldMark name reflects the standard of GOLD – the highest level award at the Olympics, and honors Paul’s respected friend Bill Samuels (CEO Emeritis of Maker’s Mark Distillery) who provided inspiration to build the farm. As a boy Paul was introduced to draft horses, which plowed the land of his neighbors. A bookworm by nature, Paul devoured every book about horses in the children’s library when he wasn’t spending time with the horses. The Black Stallion series (by Walter Farley) inspired him with visions of racehorses pounding down the stretch to the finish line.
After a successful career in the oil and gas development industry, serving on many Boards and Associations and the recipient of more than one degree, Paul realized his lifelong dream and opened the gates to GoldMark Farm in September 2006. Even in its first year, the facility was so successful that Thoroughbred Times named Paul Bulmahn a “Top Ten Industry Leader to Watch”. TBs trained at GoldMark have competed in many prestigious races including the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and the Breeders Cup Championship races and have won Grades I,II and III stake races at virtually every track in the USA.
A frequent keynote this talented gentleman is an author, sought after speaker, philanthropist and successful entrepreneur in three diverse industries – oil and gas offshore development, large animal training and alternative energy sources. In his latest venture as a principal in Planet Green Solutions Inc. Paul Bulmahn is the inventor of a biomass reactor which will generate electricity from ‘horse poop’, which is produced in abundance at GoldMark. He has served on numerous boards and associations over his career and was named a Distinguished Alumnus from Business, Texas State University where he earned his MBA in 2000.
Yet this caring gentleman has spent countless hours of his personal time tutoring one of his staff through high school and then on to achieving his college degree. That is the care and love Paul Bulmahn has for people. His love for horses inspires every member of the GoldMark team to provide the utmost comfort, care and safety for each TB in training. GoldMark’s reputation for superior care, incomparable training services and commitment to optimal performance at the track is the mark of Gold inspired by T. Paul Bulmahn.
~ Cathy Rothery
