When we dreamed up the name and idea for Six Meadow Farm we were in the small town of Wharton and cared only for our own horses.  In April of this year, we moved closer to Houston, closer to my work and closer to people who need to board their horses.

There was never a point that Lauren and I ever said, “gee, it would be a terrific idea to get a bunch of people together that have horses and take care their horses day in and day out, every day of year!”  That never happened.  We did visit with our friend Libby about moving her horse Cody to our barn when we got closer to Houston and closer to her home.  But never was there an idea for a boarding barn with lots of horses and people every day at our home.

But circumstances intervened with the movement of several riders from one area barn to ours, migration to our barn to follow our trainer Dev, and a new rider who just wants to be closer to her horses.  Six Meadow Farm is now a lively boarding facility.  In fact, our entire original barn is filled with boarder’s horses now not our own.  I thought it was time to introduce the people that fill our lives with new friends and new joy.

Libby and Cody

Libby and Lauren have ridden together for many years.  Her AQHA gelding Cody came from the same horse rescue that brought us Mickey, Snow and my departed boy, Kid.  Libby is a jumper rider, a college student, holder of the titles of former AQHA World Champion and Reserve World Champion Jumper.  She was our first boarder, our go-to rider when Lauren and I are out of commission and our barn sitter when we are gone.  I guess in essence we trust her with our lives because that is what this place means to us.

Libby’s parents have been friends for years as well.  They can be counted on to plant my flowers, fix the latest problem or just join us for a glass of wine on the porch. Libby will be off to Argentina in a year to further her equestrian career.  In the meantime, we love having her here.

Isabel and Prosecco

Isabel, her leased warmblood Prosecco, and her family are newcomers to our lives.  Isabel had ridden Snowboy previously but we did not really know her or her family.  What wonderful people they are!  Isabel continues to improve her riding and can be found most evenings on the back of her horse.  She is working her way up through the horse show ranks by division.  No one is more eager to help out with the horses, dogs or cats than Isabel.  Isabel has also been very kind to me as I have needed a riding buddy with my horse Kalani.

Mia and Snowboy

Mia was looking for a lease horse when we hooked her up with Snowboy.  They have been a great match.  Mia and her family have become part of ours and they can be found hanging with the horses or with the Kendyll/Jordyn duo following them around.  Mia has changed and grown in her riding as well.  I am happy to see her wanting to try other horses and new challenges.  Laughter has definitely entered our barn with the advent of Mia and her mom.

Alex and Mickey

Alex has her own horses and farm but she comes regularly to ride and then shows Lauren’s horse, Mickey.  We love Alex’s family as well and are so happy to get Mickey back in the ring under her care.  Like Libby, we have known Alex and her family for many years and it brings joy to us to have them share our horse and our farm,

Olivia and Avery

Most recent rider to join our barn is Olivia and her ponies, Avery and Owen.  As I have said before with our other riders, she brings terrific parents with her as well.  I am impressed with Olivia’s work ethic.  Regardless of weather, she gets her ponies worked, cleaned and healthy by almost daily attention.  She is small but tough.   I think she will continue to grow and mature in her equestrian abilities.

Jordyn and Mickey at their first “real” lesson this week.

I certainly don’t want to forget to mention my seven year-old granddaughter Jordyn who is “leasing” Mickey.  She has been on horseback since she was just months old and actually took her first official lesson with ‘uncle Dev’ this week.  She did really well and was actually posting around the arena at a trot by the end of the ride.  Hats off to Mickey as well that went from a walk-trot pony to high-flying jumper all within the same lesson day.  What a guy!

Mia walking with my granddaughters, Jordyn and Kendyll

With new Six Meadow Farm, I see more of my daughter Ally and her family.  I enjoy the families of all our boarders.  It is a happy, fun and lively barn with many smiles.  It is like coming home to another world.  One I had only dreamed of having.  Thanks for being a part of our journey!