Horse Sense Fernwood Farms
Our mission is to provide access to equestrian sports at all levels by teaching basic hippology, natural horsemanship and safety for both horse and rider. We believe the most successful riders have a strong foundation that makes them well-rounded in any discipline. A correct foundation is the key to success for both horse and rider.
Building Riders from the Ground Up
My current lesson program consists of 20 youth ages three to 17. I teach foundational horsemanship from the ground up. I have had students come to me from different barns that do not know how to put a halter on or use proper terminology for basic pieces of tack. I do not want to just teach kids how to ride. I want them to know how to be safe around horses, how to care for horses and feel strong in their own knowledge and abilities to walk into any barn( and live life) confidently. Why not monetize your own horses? I started my lesson program with two ex-show horses. Both of them are nearly 20 years old— that“ been there, done that” kind of horse. From there I have added green horses, performance horses and even a pony from Facebook Marketplace. I have coached riders who have now won several ribbons, plaques and belt buckles. More
AcreageLife. com importantly than buckles, I have seen the self-worth of the youth I teach grow.
Young men and young women, who started off nervous, doubting their own worth, quiet and small— are now young people that have courage, pride and enter the arena with skills that loudly display their dedication and talent. I have had kids with disabilities come out to the barn and find peace and a place with no judgement. Non-verbal kids started talking to my lesson horses. Anxiety ridden teenagers found a place that did not care what they looked like or what they wore. Even though my lesson program started as a way to simply get out of my corporate office, it became something I never thought would happen— the barn turned into a refuge, even for just an hour, from the adversity youth today have to face.
Making It Sustainable
Running a small farm means thinking beyond one income stream.
In addition to lessons, I rent my horses and ponies out for events. Birthdays have been a huge hit, as well as working with local photographers.“ My First Rodeo” and unicorn theme parties get a special treat when a real live horse shows up for endless pony rides. Teaching ponies simple tricks, such as bow or lie down, has become a
April 2026 AcreageLife 21