01/24/2025
Dear Community Members/Media, I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart and an urgent plea for help. My name is Jules, and my husband Angel and I are fighting for our farm, Angel and Jules Not So Ordinary Farm at Samrock Stables, which has been a sanctuary and a place of healing for children in need, veterans with PTSD, those facing life-threatening illnesses, and individuals overcoming domestic abuse. Through our therapeutic riding program, farm assisted therapy, farm classes, and volunteer opportunities, we have provided respite and transformation in the lives of many. My commitment to this cause runs deep, rooted in a long family history of dedication to horses — the most incredibly intuitive and restorative creatures in the world — and farming. As a fourth-generation farmer and equestrian, I have spent my life cultivating and nurturing our land. My grandfather had the honor of training horses with General Patton, and the legacy continued as my mother began her journey into motherhood in the winner's circle at Monmouth Park Racetrack in New Jersey. This farm is not just our livelihood but our life's work and my passion. However, despite our dedication to serving the community, we are facing relentless legal challenges from our township, threatening to close down our operations. These actions have forced us into costly litigation and now place us on the brink of losing everything. The town's refusal to take us to the Monmouth County Ag Board further exemplifies their frivolous spending of taxpayer dollars, causing unnecessary financial and emotional distress to our family and community. Had they done this not only would it have saved us costly legal fees it would have spared taxpayers from footing numerous legal bills. In reality the normal course of events is to do this first. Our farm is more than just a piece of land; it's a haven where rescued animals become therapy companions, where children, some facing their last chance to thrive, learn to trust and express themselves, and where veterans and survivors find solace and purpose. The closure of our farm would mean losing the safe space and support system that so many depend on. Today, I am asking for your support to help us save our farm. We need financial assistance to cover legal expenses and maintain our programs. We are also accepting donations of feed and hay to help us through this very difficult time. More importantly, we need your voice to help spread the word and bring attention to our plight. It would be incredibly helpful if students or anyone who has visited our farm could write a statement or a letter about how the farm has positively impacted their lives or those of their children. Your support can help us ensure that our farm continues to serve those who need us most in the years to come and doesn’t succumb to the politics and bullying that don’t belong in farming. Please consider donating, volunteering, or sharing our story with your networks. Together, we can protect this vital community resource from being taken away.Please understand while we are in the fight of our lives farming as a whole is in danger. We must do all in our power to advocate for our farmers, to advocate for the future of farmers. We all need to fully understand that farming is life! Our food, our vitamins and supplements, life saving medications, textiles, fabrics, fibers, so many parts of our life would not be possible without farming. We are all fighting to be healthier, stronger, more fit, with a peaceful mind. Farming, horses, livestock, provide these things for us. Please help us protect this most valuable resource. Thank you for your time, compassion, and support.
Please understand that all of our activities are protected under The Right to Farm and clearly outlined within their guidelines of approved activities including farm camp, farm class, and summer riding camp. However the township has a blatant disregard for Right to Farm.
If you’d like to donate to the family a go fund me can be found here. Carol Mae https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-our-farm-a-sanctuary-for-healing?attribution_id=undefined&utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=website_widget
We are a small business creating big help to our community - We care for your pets in your home while you are away, dog walking, cat care and Transporation.
