At BrookShire Farms, the focus is on each client and their enjoyment of horses.
Formerly the Fox Lake Hunt Club, the 27-acre facility was renamed when Jessica Hewitt began leasing the property in December. She moved in horses Christmas weekend and is excited to be at BrookShire Farms.
Hewitt, 27, has had horses since she was two-years-old, began riding professionally when she was 16 and has taken classes at Michigan State University in equine science training and classes in Ohio on imprinting and stable management. She has membership in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), the Michigan Hunter Jumper Association (MHJA), and the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA).
‘I always knew I wanted to own, train and work with horses,? says Hewitt.
At BrookShire Farms, Hewitt specializes in hunter jumping lessons and training and is dedicated to promoting horsemanship to beginners. She is currently planning summer day camps, which will include instruction on horse anatomy, color, breeds, and stable management, as well as riding lessons. Campers will also play fun games on horseback such as Simon says, relay races, and musical stalls. Camps are for ages 6-16, but Hewitt will also have educational clinics for all ages.
Besides regular lessons and special clinics and camps, BrookShire Farms offers boarding, local trailering and consignments where Hewitt will find buyers for clients? horses and promote the sale of their horse. She offers emergency trailering after hours and offers longer hours than many barns. She is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m.- 10 p.m.
‘The barn is always open,? Hewitt says. ‘I don’t believe in closing. Not everyone’s schedule is fit to a 9-5 job. People make an investment and they want to spend time with their horses.?
Hewitt doesn’t mind, she likes everything about her job and finds it peaceful and rewarding. She enjoys watching the advancement in her students from week to week and knowing that she had a hand in helping them accomplish that.
‘I like watching the kids,? says Hewitt. ‘They might have had a bad day at school and then they come to the barn and that changes.?
Time and dedication sets BrookShire Farms apart from the competition. Hewitt keeps lessons small so there is more one-on-one attention for each rider.
‘I dedicate myself to individual riders,? she says. ‘I try to make it fun to keep them interested. There are more accomplishments and I can get further with a child in a small group setting as opposed to large groups.?
BrookShire Farms has big changes in store for 2006, including new pastures, fencing, and paddocks; the remodeling of stalls and installation of a new observation deck; and a new heated washroom with hot and cold water.
She invites the community to come and learn about horses and riding in the friendly atmosphere at BrookShire Farms.
‘It’s like a family here,? she says, smiling. ‘And we make it fun.?