Soon after the Harris family moved to the city limits of Buckley, Washington to locate Friendly Horse Acres on a farm with more acreage, there was a knock on the house door. A man stood at the side of his anxious daughter. He introduced himself as Mr. Whitmore from down the road. This was his daughter Naomi. She was horse-crazy. Could she work for the Harris family in exchange for horse personship lessons?

Laverne took a chance on Naomi.

It was the start of official lessons at Friendly Horse Acres, because that first student led to others.

Children and a few adults work at the farm to learn about horses. The lessons are not typical riding or driving lessons, but instruction in the handling of the equines. Leading, grooming, mucking and the basic communication that must go on for different species to understand each other are part of the curriculum. Over the years the students have participated in parades, visits to nursing homes and senior centers, as well as numerous visits to libraries to entertain and educate the public about horses and ponies.

Although horse shows are not part of the regular routine, students with more experience have successfully competed in schooling shows.

Over the years more than a hundred students have been part of the life at the farm. Some of them stay with Laverne for many years. Others only last for a few lessons. Some have gone on to purchase horses of their own.

And Naomi, that first student, what has become of her? She stayed with the program at Friendly Horse Acres, helping it to develop and then she moved away with her family to Eastern Washington. Over the years she consulted with Laverne through letters as she formed a relationship with her first horses in 4-H. Naomi entered university as a student dedicated to become involved in the equine industry. Today she lives in Texas with her husband and she teaches horsemanship.  Laverne takes real pride in knowing that first student surpassed her in expertise.

Steve and Laverne have hopes that other students will decide to make horses their life work. It looks promising. As a non-profit organization, Friendly Horse Acres offers opportunities for all children, especially at-risk young people who would not have the chance to be with horses except for generous contributions to Friendly Horse Acres.

For more information please contact Friendly Horse Acres

email:  friendlaverne@friendlyhorseacres.com