A Guide to the Southern Equestrian Lifestyle
Deep River Farm, owned by the Willard Family, is located in Oak Ridge, NC, which is a small town located about ten-minutes northwest of Greensboro. Originating in the 1940’s by Frank’s grandfather, Dan Whitaker, the farm was initially home to American Saddlebreds, fox hunters and show hunters. Dan was also the Master of the Sedgefield Hounds for many years.
Horse people are tough, and horse people who show are even tougher. There are many challenges: Early mornings caring for, grooming and braiding your horse, navigating hectic warm-up rings, memorizing jump courses under pressure, fighting nerves in the show ring, handling success or defeat with equal grace and good temper.
Ask your average person about the Arabian horse, and they’ll usually describe a beautiful, yet hot & spirited steed – pretty to watch, but not something they’d want to ride every day. Yet, ask your average Arabian owner and they’ll tell you stories of never-ending loyalty, a “do-anything” attitude, and above average intelligence and sensitivity. Once someone has been enchanted by the Arabian horse, they rarely want to ride another breed!
Lovers of competition will tell you that there is no greater thrill than testing your skills at a horse show. Showing does more than simply give people a chance to prove whose horse or whose riding is best. It is also an opportunity to engage with a wider community of horsemen. It gives riders goals to strive for, and tangible results from their hard work.
