Stanford Family Farm

By, Anna Justice

Full disclosure: the reporter is in a relationship with a member of the Sanford family

The Sanford Family Farm is operated by Gina, Rusty, Trey, and Vinessa Sanford. The Sanford farm gives horse riding lessons and pony rides. They have 12 horses, that go by the names of Boo, Flash, Gandalf, Buzz, Liberty, Morty, Rosey, Zorra, Bandera, Shy, Honey, and Doc.

Seven of these horses (Boo, Flash, Gandalf, Buzz, Liberty, Morty, and Doc) are lesson horses.

The farm was started because Morty and Shy, two shetland ponies, were owned by the Sanford’s grandfather and he ‘willed’ the horses to the Sanford family. The Sanford’s daughter Vinessa and two sons Trey and Taylor had already outgrown the ponies, so, stuck with two shetland ponies, Gina Sanford decided to start a family business to help pay for the ponies’ expenses. Figuring out that the business was successful, Gina expanded the farm to more horses and an arena.

After Rusty Sanford came home from the military, the Sanford family owned two horses, Boogedy and Jeta. They were both older, kind, and experienced horses. The Sanford kids learned handling the horses, riding the horses and caring for the horses. It also taught them responsibility, patience and focus in their horse riding skills.

As the Sanfords expanded their business they learned what makes a great lesson pony. Lesson ponies need to have traits of sound mind, calm demeanor and willingness to please. We have all seen a child going through the Unicorns and Rainbows stage and what a perfect opportunity to brighten a child’s birthday party! The ponies must be able to work around a busy environment and have a kind, friendly, and good disposition for taking to parties.

Depending on the type of party, the Sanfords can dress the horses up with bows, but they always brush them cleanly and outfit them with a saddle. If the party is ‘unicorn specific,’ they would also adorn the horses with horns along with bows.

The pony rides are a hand-led event which means the rider has no control over the horse, but is able to enjoy the ride. The ride is $50 for an hour.

The Sanfords offer basic western riding lessons. The lessons teach the rider horse husbandry practices including how to catch the horse, lead the horse, and ride the horse. Anybody can become a student; ages start from 3 and up. Each lesson is $25, but there is a package price with 4 lessons.