Headley VanMeter Enters Consignment World With New Venture

[Wandering Eyes]

Growing up in the Thoroughbred industry, Headley VanMeter has always dreamed of starting his own consignment. Now, he is doing it by going out on his own this summer under the banner of VanMeter Sales.

“Starting a consignment has always been a goal of mine,” said VanMeter. “Everything I have done to this point has been to build a strong foundation as a horsemen. I feel like now is a great time to try to start my own business. I've been really fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of top horsemen and outfits in this industry. I can't thank everyone enough who has helped me along the way. I'm ecstatic to have this opportunity and look forward to this new adventure.”

Headley's father Tom VanMeter helped run Eaton Sales before he founded VanMeter Gentry Sales. With lines that branch out into several avenues within the industry, the son began working for his older brother William at VanMeter Racing. Over the course of four years, he moved up from the bottom to become an assistant. In 2019, Lane's End beckoned, which offered another layer to his resume. Despite a challenging learning curve, this VanMeter has relished the work.

“I started as a groom and was able to see all aspects of the farm,” he said. “I prepped yearlings during the summer and would move to assist with mare and foal care during the winter, as well working in the breeding shed for a couple years. I worked my way up to assistant broodmare manager before becoming the manager in 2023.

“Attending all the yearling and mixed sales while working for Lane's End was just an incredible experience,” VanMeter said. “While there we sold multiple sales toppers and were leading consignors at different auctions.”

Choosing to depart Lane's End last September, VanMeter set his sights on a boutique Thoroughbred consignment experience for his clients. His plans include attending all the major Kentucky sales (yearling and mixed) with Saratoga being the goal in the near future. The burgeoning digital space out there is on his radar too.

“I am after bringing equine athletes to the marketplace and allowing them to maximize their potential while under our care,” VanMeter said. “Giving clients the knowledge and confidence to get their horses moved to top racing programs and into the winner circle is a top priority for me. Being fully transparent about our equine stock allows buyers and their agents to work through our consignment quickly and efficiently.”

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