01/31/2024
So big news.
As most of you know, John suffered a stroke in his brain stem 17 months ago. In the realm of things, we got very lucky. Most people with his type of stroke in that location do not survive, and most of the survivors are severely incapacitated. To have him back at the level he is, is pretty miraculous. But he isn’t who he was. And neither am I, though I am enjoying my return to the saddle and the horsey life. In December he suffered a riding accident that left him with a fractured sacrum, separated shoulder, and a concussion. It was the impetus for us to have a serious conversation about what the future looks like and what we’ll want and will be able to do in the future.
And so it is with both joy and sadness that we announce that Phoenix Farm as a business entity is closing effective immediately. This was a difficult decision, as we’ve had a good 17-year run, and we’re proud of all the people and horses who have come through our program in that time. But, its time to take a step back. We’re pleased that our clients have found a good landing spot with our former assistant at another facility and we wish them all the best.
John and I will continue to enjoy our beautiful farm (once we repair the storm damage we’re currently experiencing), and our personal horses and of course, the goats. Our eventing days are likely behind us, except at perhaps the lowest levels, and we are looking forward to exploring other opportunities with Bucky, Sq**rt and Zara, our lovely riding horses. Trails? Dressage? Working Equitation? Who knows. But it’s time for us to take a step back and enjoy our horses and embrace who we are now. The other horses on property are the beloved geriatric ward (age range 22 to 28) which belong to us, and to two students whose oldies will get to live out their days with us.
I’ve got a fabulous job with Windsor Unified school district, and John will be retiring, but also returning to some freelance work (so if anybody needs any written stuff, you know where to find him, LOL). Wesley starts high school in the fall, so that’s a big “gulp.” But we are so lucky to have our amazing kiddo in our lives.
We want to thank all of our friends, customers, and fellow horsey folk for their support and partnership over these 17 years. And to say, we aren’t leaving or disappearing, so don’t ever hesitate to reach out and say hi, ask for advice or anything else.
All our best,
Heather & John
PS: We’ll be keeping our PF Facebook open for goats and just fun farm posts.
