This is true. I hear it a lot. Especially when I bring visiters by.
Everytime a friend expresses interest in meeting my horse I do my best to arrange a time when they can come to Maple Row Farm. I love showing Annie off!
Last year my sister and her husband traveled to my neck of the woods from Kansas where they have an alpaca farm. My sister had been to Maple Row before but my brother-in-law had never seen the farm. I felt a guy who builds barns and cares for animals like he does should check it out.
During the time we toured the barns they met Annie, Daisy the pig, Fritz the cat, as well as the awesome landmarked buildings. We also ran into several boarders, horses and the owner of Maple Row herself, Pam. Everyone we ran into had a smile and time to stop to chat a bit. Pam takes the time to answer questions and share horse community info as if she has all the time in the world.
As we drove away, my sister said "The people at your barn are all so nice!" It's funny how happy and proud that made me feel.
Yesterday I drove to the barn with a friend of mine, her daughter, plus my daughter and a young woman visiting my friend from abroad. We had a wonderful time even though it was a dark, coldish, rainy day. One fellow boarder even brought out her quarter horse to show the girls how he can count. For treats of course! My barn friends couldn't have been more friendly, welcoming and warm to my unexpected group of visitors.
As we left the barn to find food for lunch my non-horse friend said, "What nice people!" with a chorus of agreement from everyone.
Maple Row is a haven. Everyone supports everyone else. There may be a few exceptions but I can't think of one right now. I suspect the owner may have a secret system to weed out potentially not-so-nice-people in the boarder application process. Maple Row is not a show barn, so there's no stress or pressure to train. That probably helps. We are mostly just plain horse lovers who want to enjoy our horses and care for them the best we can. Down to earth, relaxed, friendly. I love it.
Annie's home is a treasured constant in my life. Even when I am up to my eye balls with work and family matters that demand my attention, all I have to do is think of Annie in her paddock at Maple Row and I find a little corner of peace for my spirit.
And when I do have time to drive out to be with her I always leave with a smile, not just because of Annie, but also because my Maple Row peeps are so awesomely nice!
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