At Horselife Farm, Siobhan O’Brien and Shelley Peters strive to build a community and a lifestyle centered around the love of horses. They do this by creating an atmosphere of learning and growth, allowing the tranquility of riding and caring for horses to soothe those who want a retreat from hectic days.
The picturesque farm sits on 17 acres and encompasses 2 staffed barns, both indoor and outdoor arenas, a cross-country course, and many amenities beneficial to riding, training, and horse care. In the early morning, it feels like a scene right out of a movie, especially with everyone dressed up in their gear.
“We’re a full-service barn, meaning when people have a horse with us, we are going to ride the horses for them, teach them about their horses, and care for the horses when they have an injury or issue they are working through,” explained O’Brien.
As part of the United States Eventing Association, O’Brien and Peters also foster a love for competition-level horsemanship. They not only introduce and teach riding but hope to ignite in riders an interest in eventing. These events are like an equestrian triathlon which includes dressage, cross-country riding, and showjumping. Throughout all of this, riders must maintain their appearance as well as their horses.
When riding, or jumping, it’s important to wear stylish and practical attire. This is often referred to as equestrian style, but for many, it’s anything but a trend.
“Riding requires hard work and the ability to understand your horse,” explained Peters. “We can teach you how to ride, but you also have a partner–the horse–and maybe they don't feel like doing it exactly perfectly that day. So, it's a partnership because the animal is not a machine, and you have to be sensitive enough to change what you're doing.”
Riding, jumping, and developing a relationship with a horse is about creating unique channels for everything from your habits to how you dress. These things do take time which is why Horselife Farm welcomes riders of all stages with lessons at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Riding and competing are rewarding and provide a sense of community, but for O’Brien and Peters, it is also about something bigger.
“We really teach horsemanship,” said O’Brien. “We want you to love and care for the horse and put the horse first and enjoy it. The horse works for that one hour a day, but at the same time, we need to make sure we're teaching good horse citizenship.”
Because time with horses brings both joy and healing, Horselife Farm partners with Helping on Horseback. Through the program, children with special needs or terminal illnesses visit the farm and spend time with horses whose temperaments are perfect for working with kids.
“Horses are used for all kinds of therapy, and you can see the calming nature of the horses,” said Peters. “So, we walk with the rider, play games, and get them comfortable with the horse. Then, depending on how comfortable they are, we can do a little bit more instruction. Primarily, though, it's just about the kids being on the back of the horse and feeling the calmness that a horse instills.”
Ultimately, O’Brien and Peters want to provide a place where horse lovers can come and be part of a community with connections, style, and trust.
“We keep going back to for the love of the horse,” shared O’Brien. “Even if you come out and brush, there is something about the outside of the horse that is great for the inside of the person. So, if it’s something you’ve thought about even the littlest bit, come and explore, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
For more information about Horselife Farm, which is located in Bartonville, visit www.horselifefarm.com.
“Even if you come out and brush, there is something about the outside of the horse that is great for the inside of the person. So, if it’s something you’ve thought about even the littlest bit, come and explore, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”