'Kensington Stables' Owner Expresses Optimism About Business' Future

KENSINGTON, BROOKLYN — Kensington Stables owner Walker Blankinship said Thursday that he's met with a variety of prospective buyers for his 51 Caton Place property, including some who want to maintain it as a stable, and others looking to build a mixed-use property with a stable built into it.

"I think we have viable options both ways," Blankinship said, "which is sort of surprising." The long-time owner said he initially thought he would only receive interest from those looking to construct a large condo building at the site, a prospect Windsor Terrace Councilman Brad Lander has already said he won't support.

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Blankinship has to sell the Stables property to pay off debts accrued by his family, as previously reported by DNAinfo. A recent auction planned for the site was postponed indefinitely, however. The owner added Thursday that if he receives the right offer, he could accept it without returning the Stables to the auction block, assuming he receives legal approval.

Blankinship said that no matter what happens going forward, he will maintain possession of the 32 horses that make up the Kensington Stables, including its Clydesdale.

He also said that the prospective buyers he's talked to haven't indicated a desire to bring in another operator to run a horse business, meaning that he would likely remain in charge of the property's equestrian activities.

Asked about the viability of his business going forward, Blankinship said he was interested in continuing what he's always done, while also starting up a "therapy driving program" that would allow those with disabilities to receive horse therapy while seated in a carriage.

"I'm not throwing away all the work I've done for 20 years," Blankinship said.

Pictured at top: the Kensington Stables. Photo by John V. Santore.