We are all blessed with different gifts, but the gifts of home, belonging, place and life seem to be what unites us.
I came to the equestrian world rather late, starting from virtually no exposure to horses to deciding I wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream, at age 62. Perry Park Ranch was just “down the street” from the home that my husband and I landed in after having raised children and having worked and developed two different small businesses. We relocated to the area to enjoy the country life. The gift of home is embodied in this community.
From the moment I inquired about lessons, I slowly started to gain confidence under the instruction of Bridget, the on-site manager and trainer. Next came grooming and getting to know the horses living their best lives on the property (no really!). I then learned to feed, muck stalls, hand-graze, and found like-minded people willing to share stories, knowledge, rides and gear. Most importantly, I found the most incredible sense of belonging among people I admire and who inspire me everyday to be a better equestrian, a better rider, and a better person.
Perry Park Ranch has historic cred and chutzpah. Brooke and Matt, the owners of this historic 1850’s property, are seeing the Ranch into its new chapter – honoring and respecting the past, while making much-needed and beautiful updates. They always keep the horses’ happiness and living environment top of mind. Brooke and Bridget are constantly improving the experience for those boarding, bringing their horses in for training, taking lessons and just starting on this journey, and those perfecting their skills. This gift of place is a rare find today. We all wish for some shared history and a sense of connectivity in this world.
Through incredibly diligent research and acquisition, Brooke and Bridget have fostered a breeding program that is world-class through their shared love of Tennessee Walking Horses. Currently, at the Ranch we have an exceptional stallion with mares to match, two beautiful fillies last year, one mid-season filly that has charmed us all, and four babies this season. Two of those four were born just this past week – stunning colts. On a personal note, I have been fortunate to be included in their birthing, their early hours, when standing and nursing are anxiously awaited. How can I be so fortunate? If not for the loving and giving hearts of the people who own and work Perry Park Ranch, this gift of watching life from its earliest moments would not have been part of my life.
It is rare to feel so welcomed and so valued and by doing something that feels so natural. A perfect environment has been created for so many to flourish, learn and enjoy horses and horsemanship. An incredible dream has been realized as I watch the new chapter of Perry Park Ranch unfold.