Sweet Home Alabama at Fernwood Farms

Fernwood Farms was started long ago by my great-grandfather, Edward Allen, and at one point was at National Treasure Forest status. Over the years it has transformed from a beautiful forest for locals to walk, fish and enjoy into a quaint horse farm with a full lesson and breeding program.

It is a dream to live and work on this land alongside my family. I have a wonderful group of talented students who are learning not only how to ride, but life lessons that can only be earned from farm life.

The legacy my great-grandfather started continues through a working lesson and breeding barn built on foundation, responsibility and long-term vision. We still trail ride the many trails my great-grandfather started throughout the woods.

We are a small barn that prioritizes the horsemanship of the rider. Fernwood offers horseback riding lessons for ages three and up. Students develop skills on the ground and under saddle while increasing their knowledge of the equine world. Youth participants who are members of local 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters are welcome to use lessons and camps as part of their curriculum.

Our mission is to provide access to equestrian sports at all levels by teaching basic hippology, natural horsemanship and safety for both horse and rider. We believe the most successful riders have a strong foundation that makes them well-rounded in any discipline. A correct foundation is the key to success for both horse and rider.

Building Riders from the Ground Up

My current lesson program consists of 20 youth ages three to 17. I teach foundational horsemanship from the ground up. I have had students come to me from different barns that do not know how to put a halter on or use proper terminology for basic pieces of tack. I do not want to just teach kids how to ride. I want them to know how to be safe around horses, how to care for horses and feel strong in their own knowledge and abilities to walk into any barn (and live life) confidently.

Why not monetize your own horses? I started my lesson program with two ex-show horses. Both of them are nearly 20 years old — that “been there, done that” kind of horse. From there I have added green horses, performance horses and even a pony from Facebook Marketplace. I have coached riders who have now won several ribbons, plaques and belt buckles. More importantly than buckles, I have seen the self-worth of the youth I teach grow.

Young men and young women, who started off nervous, doubting their own worth, quiet and small — are now young people that have courage, pride and enter the arena with skills that loudly display their dedication and talent. I have had kids with disabilities come out to the barn and find peace and a place with no judgement. Non-verbal kids started talking to my lesson horses. Anxiety ridden teenagers found a place that did not care what they looked like or what they wore. Even though my lesson program started as a way to simply get out of my corporate office, it became something I never thought would happen — the barn turned into a refuge, even for just an hour, from the adversity youth today have to face.

Making It Sustainable

Running a small farm means thinking beyond one income stream.

In addition to lessons, I rent my horses and ponies out for events. Birthdays have been a huge hit, as well as working with local photographers. “My First Rodeo” and unicorn theme parties get a special treat when a real live horse shows up for endless pony rides. Teaching ponies simple tricks, such as bow or lie down, has become a creative feature for photographers whose shoots range from adorable to majestic.

Another avenue we use our horses to make a profit is breeding. We currently have six broodmares with foundational bloodlines, including Cutter Bill, Hollywood Dun It, Smart Chic Olena and Blondys Dude. We do not breed that old-fashioned way, popping out foals like clockwork. Instead, we rotate carefully to ensure the health of our mares and the potential of our foals.

Most foals stay on the farm for two to three years until they complete a colt starting program. From there, they are sold as started prospects or, if they are a family favorite, kept to ride and show to increase value. This income stream is not instant, but it makes a difference when those 10,000-dollar sales come through.

The Work Behind the Scenes

At the end of the day, horses are my passion. And that means feeding and caring for our horses is top priority.

In cold weather, we break ice. In hot weather, we run fans and hose them down. They receive quality hay and feed twice daily, continuous water and minerals and regular wellness checks. Performance horses are warmed up and cooled down properly each ride. Broodmares receive vet checks and low-stress management.

All of these things require planning and money. From feed store runs to hay fields to farm calls, we balance time and finances to ensure we have healthy horses to teach on, rent out and breed.

Again, this farm and the horses that live here are a blessing. Farm life is a lifestyle choice. Horses can be a source of peace in this chaotic world. I will always do my part to keep Fernwood Farms available to anyone who wants to feel that peace — even for just an hour.

Running a small barn takes planning, sacrifice and steady commitment. But when I look across the same land my family dreamed of, I am reminded that this is more than a business. It is stewardship — of the horses, of the riders and of the legacy entrusted to us.