Oak Hill Farm Celebrates Three Years In Business
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Sixteen riders enjoyed a trail ride at Oak Hill Farm earlier this month.
WATER VALLEY – Oak Hill Farm celebrated three years of business last month. The horse farm is owned by John and Linda Robinson and is located northeast of Water Valley off of County Road 224, and features a barn and stalls and lengthy trails that meander through 170 acres of beautiful wooded bottoms and ridges.
Linda Robinson reported launching the new business allowed her to pursue a passion for horses and support the local community. During the construction process, she hired local companies and people for the vast majority of work building the horse farm that included dirt work, erecting fences, laying water lines, new stable doors, hay purchases and other needs for it.
“My personal goal was to give back to Water Valley and Yalobusha County,” Robinson explained. “Often when people come to the farm, they also spend a little time in Water Valley eating and shopping, and help contribute to the local economy.”
The farm offers a wide array of activities related to horses – trail rides, lessons, boarding and clinics. Sixteen riders participated in a trail ride earlier this month, all ladies but one rider.
“Most of them hauled in their horses from surrounding counties,” Linda Robinson said. “We help them with whatever they need.”
Water Valley resident Jennifer McGavock was the trail boss for this three-hour ride that included lunch..
“She does an excellent job, she is like gold in the equestrian world,” Linda added. “She has this calm demeanor about her that sets the tone for the event.”
The next ride, the Greasy Creek Fall Trail Ride is scheduled Nov. 2 and 3 and offers a chuckwagon lunch and equine dental clinic. The clinic starts at 1:30 p.m. with a certified equine dental technician educating horse owners on proper oral medication and the importance of dental care also with valuable on feeding practices.
“Participants will learn about bits and equipment to maintain a horse’s dental health,” Linda added.
Robinson noted that events at the farm don’t always involve horses. An upcoming haunted trail on foot is scheduled October 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31. All ages are welcome and the cost is $10. The walks through the haunted trail will start at dark and the last group will walk at 10:45.
“But what really makes this place work is the horses,” Robinson added. “A few of our horses have special stories.”
Ace is a four-year-old black Friesian and Percheron cross gelding. Friesians date back to the 11 Century carrying knights to battle and known for their black color, a long flowing mane and tail.
Storm is a 10 year-old Tennessee Walking Horse, a black mare. The Tennessee Walker was bred for a riding horse on farms and plantations in the South. This breed is a popular riding horse with a smooth gait, a calm disposition and is sure-footed. Storm was left at an Amish farrier, never picked up by the owner. She was malnourished and cannot be ridden until she gains more weight.
Cayenne is a 16-year-old saddle-bred red roan gelding. Saddle-bred horses date back to the American Revolution. Linda reported Cayenne came from a Louisiana horse trainer who sells horses to movie producers.
“He sold 50 horses to the Paramount series, Yellowstone,” Robinson explained. “But the seller told me Cayenne will never make the movies, he doesn’t lope, canter or trot. He has more whoa than go, and is the best trial horse.”
Gypsy is a four-year-old quarter horse mare, one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Gypsy was saved from a kill pen. She has had multiple owners in the last four years, and her owner recognized something special about her and sent her to training. Gypsy is now a willing and hardy horse.
Willow is a 22-year-old Paso Fino, flea bit in color, also a mare. Paso Fino horses were imported to the Caribbean. She has been ridden extensively on trails across the country and is known at Oak Hill for her endurance and comfortable ride.
“Thank you Yalobusha County and Water Valley for your support. We couldn’t have made it this far without your support,” Robinson said.
