Hi, Margaret.  I just wanted to let you know what a wonderful job you and your staff did with the "gaggle" of Taylor's on December 16th.  No one, including the adults, have quit talking about it and the comments included, "I've never had this much fun on a horse" to "Grammy and Papa can't possibly top this one".  We have celebrated our family Christmas for six years at Silver River State Park and each year we do an event on the Sunday before everyone departs (including Silver Springs, Hay Rides, Santa and the wagon rides, River Trip and family canoe trips)  None have been so organized and memorable as this.  Thank you so very much to you and all your staff. I will be contacting you after the first of the year to schedule a ride for seven cousins in April.  We will talk about a long ride for all adults. Thank you again for all you did to make the family have such a wonderful experience. Sincerely, Patsy T

 

My husband and I had the pleasure of riding with you on…….. Both of us were the most comfortable we have ever been on horses. I rode “Phyfe” and my husband rode “Blue,” a Tennessee Walker, and would like to ride them again. We had a great time and look forward to riding with you again with our family. Marilyn

 

…..I want you to know how much I appreciated the care you all provided to make their first riding experience so positive. The kids talked all the way home about what fun it was…. I’ll be back with my daughter and daughter-in-law, both experienced riders. Nancy

 

Margaret - I had a great time riding with you. Your horses are well mannered and you’re good company. - Pat

 

I was there today and rode “Blue” and had a wonderful time. I will definitely be back for more fun. Thanks. Kathy

 

We rode with you last year about this time and we enjoyed it very much and were planning on doing it again this year. We would like to go sometime besides the morning, but if not, still let us know if you have time available on …..Tracy

 

Margaret and Staff - We would like to thank you for the great experience of horseback riding. The class had a fantastic time and would like to go riding monthly! Thanks again - Katrina , Lake Montessori

 

I wanted to write you a letter to let you know how much I appreciated everything that you did during my recent visit to your wonderful farm. This was my first trip to Florida to visit my parents, who live in the Villages, and one of my first times riding a horse. You were so helpful, and I was so impressed with your knowledge not only of horses and riding, but of the Ocala National Forest. You answered every question I had and it was wonderful when you showed us points of interest along the trail ride. I learned so much and had a really good time. You and the great horses on the farm helped to make my visit to Florida something really special, and something I will never forget. I look forward to riding with you again the next time I come to Florida. Thank you again so much.

From a Volunteer’s Prospective By Grace Nunn Chances are that if you visit JNB Horse Haven Farm on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, you will spot me wearing an old straw hat that has been sat on, stomped on, and even chomped on. I am a retiree who, for the past four years, has been volunteering to work with the horses. At any given time you might find me grooming, cleaning stalls, saddling, or leading trail rides in the Ocala National Forest. It might sound like work to some people, but to me, as a horse lover, it is truly “play,” what psychologists define as engaging in an activity for the sheer joy of doing it. I delight in seeing, touching, smelling, and hearing my equine friends. It is satisfying to learn the different personalities of the horses and to develop skill in handling them. Some are quite mellow in disposition, while others, especially newcomers to the farm, can exhibit nervousness and mistrust. I experience elation when I can befriend a horse who has been mistreated earlier in life. One of my favorite tasks is to groom “Bimbo,” a thirty-four-year-old Spanish Barb mustang. It is astounding to think that if he were a human, he would be over 100 years old! He patiently tolerates my currying and brushing up to a point. Then he gently bumps me with his nose to remind me that it is time for the finely-cut carrots I bring him daily. Among other “fringe benefits” as a result of my volunteering, I can point to learning something new every day, keeping physically fit, observing the beauty of nature in the forest, and helping others who are also interested in horses. For me, my work at JNB Horse Haven Farm is a golden opportunity. I look forward to challenges each and every day and being with my friends.