What a Job!

                  

Joey- Keepsakes Farm

          Keepsakes Farms is perched atop a small snow covered hill in Drums, PA. Upon arrival, clients are greeted by the welcoming committee on the other side of the fence, especially this little guy, Joey.  The barn homes 10 horses, each with their own set of individual quirks. The responsibility of providing all necessary care lies in the hands of a single woman, Amy B. She prides herself in keeping a clean ship, therefore the first whiff of the area comes from pine shavings that smell crisp in the winter as the stalls are bedded. Abruptly the sound of broom bristles sweeping across the concrete isle of the barn is heard. The interior of the blue and tan bilco building appears to open up twin fold once inside. It takes a couple of minutes until eyes to adjust after being outside in the snow with the sun shining. Six 12x12 stalls and a tack room are organized beyond belief. Every item retains its very own nook or hook on the wall.  The two horses in stalls bang their knees off of the stall doors which results in Amy crying out, "Knock it off!"

Amy B.

     For some reason, Amy appears to be stressing out, rushing around like a chicken with her head cut off. She is wearing a pair of deep purple overalls and a grey jacket overtop. The glasses she wears are also purple. Her hair is wild, short hair blown out by fun natural curls. "Are you dressed warm enough sweetie?" are her first words. Then she explains why she has been vigorously rushing around. A little girl and her family will be arriving soon to take her first lesson on a horse at the barn. "I am just trying to make sure it all goes perfect," she explains. Not only does she enjoy the environment of being around horses, she has a love for helping others learn, especially kids. Amy gives the cheapest lessons in the area which aids in attracting a energetic young bunch of children. Then she dives great lengths to describe all of the positive features of the season. Beautiful trails rides are at the top of her list, appealing to her more experienced boarders. In winter, "the trails twist in and out of the woods offer beautiful scenery, the area has so much to offer," she concludes. 

     Shortly into the conversation, the little girls arrive. Each one is wearing a little jacket brighter than the last, resembling a walking rainbow all on their own. Their laughter and excitement filled the barn. After the initial excitement settled, Amy dove into teaching mode with the young girl. She demonstrates everything from how to groom the horse to tacking up the horse. In addition to this, the other 3 girls chase the barn cats, giving them the attention they always crave for. Another young lady, Caitlyn, was there to ride Koal (pictured below). With the 4 girls, their parents, Amy, Caitlyn, and an additional boarder, the full barn was bustling. 

Koal-Keepsakes Farm

     Later in the day, Amy was able to continue discussing her passion for horses. "I've had a horse since age 7, but as I got older I knew how important it was to me to take it to the next level." Amy is now a certified trainer, has completed two years of veterinary school, competes in dressage and jumping competitions,  and owns her own barn. "I do what I can to make sure every horse and every customer has everything they need." She describes her relationship with the boarders at the barn to resemble that of a family. There is open communication and a free flow of thought between everybody. "It hasn't been easy," she continues, talking of how financially unstable running such a business is. To elaborate she speaks of a story about a recently injured horse on the property. Horses are not cheap animals to maintain, and injuries usually result in deep financial burden. Her responsibilities grow ten-fold when an issue arises. Among the things she mentiones were extra shavings for stalls, constant check ups, washing leg wraps, changing blankets, adjusting dietary needs, picking out hoofs, and administering medication.

     What ties her to all of the responsibility? "The horses, and the horse people," she replies. She goes on to describe how rewarding it is to share her passion with others, create new experiences, and have support during the tough times. "When I'm alone, I could just stare out my window and watch them horse around for hours," she concludes. Her passion shines through the grueling winter days filled with icy conditions and unforgiving temperatures. "I have never trusted someone more than I trust Amy with my horse," adds a long time boarder, Gene. Gene retains olympic equestrian training experience and demonstrates a crisp inflection in her tone, but rests her faith in a single woman to care for her beloved animal. Amy creates a environment free of hesitation or anxiety concerning the care administered to these majestic beings.