About ThorSport Farm

Born from Passion, Built with Purpose:

Brands United by a Drive to Serve

ThorSport & Co. support high-performance industry, people, partners

What began with a love of horses has grown into an ever-growing network of agricultural ventures and brands. Among them are ThorSport Farms North and South, the Equine Surgical Center at ThorSport Farm South, and most recently, ThorSport Ranch, along with Tenda Horse Products, FarmPaint, and ThorTurf.

Based in Sandusky, Ohio, the Thorson family has built a reputation for excellence in the equine and industrial worlds through their specialty coatings business, ThorWorks Industries; ThorSport equine and agricultural interests; and ThorSport Racing, NASCAR’s most decorated and longest-tenured truck series team.

Inspired by her father’s childhood scrapbook filled with pictures of horses, David and Rhonda Thorson’s daughter, Allison, developed a passion for horses early on. At 8, horseback riding became her extracurricular activity of choice. Those early lessons, which started with Tennessee Walkers, sparked Allison’s desire to compete in the discipline.

Her love for the sport, fortitude, and hard work led to more than 1,000 wins in the youth division, and more than 90 world championships. Over the course of her youth career, she and her parents spent more than 30 weeks a year on the road. “They were my pit crew,” Allison says.

“My parents quickly realized what started as an extracurricular activity brought us together more than ever,” she says. “They loved that I loved it, and it aligned with the values they were raising me with—discipline, hard work, integrity, and passion.” At the same time, the bond between horse and human solidified their commitment.

“It truly took hold of all of us—the awe, that mutual respect, unspoken understanding, and deep emotional connection,” she adds. “That’s what inspired them to create products and build opportunities that genuinely honor and support these amazing equine partners.”

The family’s first equestrian venture was developing ThorSport Farm in Sandusky rather than boarding their horses elsewhere. While vetting materials and material suppliers, their manufacturing expertise led to a deep dive into producing dustless footings and barn and fence paint to serve the equestrian community.  Today, the Ohio farm foals and raises some of the future champions in Western performance disciplines.

Not long after, ThorSport Farm South in Murfreesboro, Tenn. was built as a boarding facility in the heart of the gaited horse community. Allison moved there to attend Middle Tennessee State University while she managed the farm and continued to show Tennessee Walkers.

Later, The Equine Surgical Center at ThorSport Farm South was established to accommodate the area’s demand for equine and large animal veterinary services. There, Blake Everett, DVM, MS, ACVS-LA, leads a team of veterinarians offering a broad range of specialties and routine care. The farm is also home to ThorSport’s breeding operation, producing elite Western performance horses.

The family’s venture into high-performance healthcare products began after using, acquiring, and ultimately expanding Tenda Horse Products, unveiling new branding at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. “It made sense for us to make products we know and trust for others who understand the demands of high-performance horse care,” Allison says.

Tenda distributes next-generation wound care products and produces equine nutritional supplements, leg and muscle care therapies, healing salves, hoof care preparations and topical commodities; along with shampoos, conditioners, and grooming products for horses and dogs. With a strong commitment to research and development, Tenda continues to develop and introduce products to the greater equestrian community.

Soon after, in 2019 Allison answered the call of Western performance industry. “I wanted to broaden my experience, take on a new challenge, and it pulled me in,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate, having the opportunity to learn from and train in the reining discipline with Craig Schmersal, Brian Bell, Gennaro Lendi, and Dany Tremblay.” Allison quickly found success earning 2019 NHRA Rookie of the Year honors, the 2023 Non-Pro Futurity Level 3 Co-Championship, and more than $300,000 in lifetime earnings.

Immersed in the business of ThorSport Racing, farms and ranch, and ever-evolving equestrian endeavors, she says, “My parents always told me, ‘If you do what you love,’ you’ll never work a day in your life.’ That stuck with me—we get to live that truth every day, creating and working to give back to the horses and world that have given us so much.”

Allison Thorson

In addition to capturing the 2020 NRHA Rookie of the Year title, Allison holds more than 300 Tennessee Walking Horse Championships. Starting at 8 years old, during her youth career, Allison earned more than 1,000 blue ribbons and more than 100 high point championships. She is a 38-time National Champion; 50-time International Champion; and is the holder of 90 World Titles, including 11 World Grand Championships. She has shown Tennessee Walking Horses in English, Western, Equitation, Showmanship, Model and Trail disciplines, with her parents supporting her along the way as coaches and grooms.

As manager of ThorSport Farm South, Allison’s day-to-day responsibilities contribute to fostering and maintaining the farm’s high standards and welcoming environment.