When I was a kid I was totally nuts over horses (still am, it never stops).
At 13, my mom drove me down the road to Watermark Farm and asked the owners,
Bill and Anne Rawle, if I could work for them.
She said I would do anything they wanted if I could just ride and learn about horses.
Lucky for me, they said yes.
And so began my real education about all things equine at this magical farm
where they could make horses dance.
I mucked stalls, cleaned tack, helped stack hay in the barn on scorching summer days. I learned about breeding, handling stallions and young horses, painted faded jumps and swept cobwebs from the rafters of their beautiful old bank barn.
In return I was gifted with a first class education in riding and horsemanship.
I attended Pony Club, rode in horse shows, went on trail rides and watched the birth of newborn foals.
It was, and still is, a place that holds a lot of magic for me.
I was fortunate to be able to reconnect with the Rawles on Facebook, and, after almost 20 years, arranged a visit to Watermark Farm last week.
So, if you find yourself looking for a young horse that excels in dressage or jumping, or are looking for a warmblood stallion that will give you a talented foal, please check out Watermark Farm.
And be sure to tell the feline, ringside trainer, Oreo, that I said hello!
More photos from Watermark Farm on Flickr.
9 comments:
How awesome that you were able to get back in touch!
What a cool story and that is so neat that you were able to see them again after so long!! Beautiful pictures!
Beautiful! That first farm *is* special, eh? :-)
Wonderful and beautiful post, Jen!!! You had the childhood I wish I'd had. :)
Great that you were able to get in touch and visit the place you grew up and was so magical for you. Love your pictures.
How wonderful you were able to return to the place where it all began. Who says you can't go home? Your love for horses is evident in your photography.
That is an amazing story--and explains your understanding and love of horses. You've always had an idea for the detail and the magic.
there are some gorgeous horses on that farm! so nice to see well bred horses, and ones that can do the jobs they were bred for
Gorgeous pictures. (on the entire blog by the way) I thought I left a comment the other day but I guess I didn't. So glad you got to go back and visit.
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