For Jenn Wallace, horses have always been about more than a ride. As owner of Hollybrook Farm in West End, she has created an equine-centered community where riding lessons are only part of the experience.
Through programs designed for children, adults and families, Wallace and her herd help build confidence and foster connection. She describes her broader mission with one word — horsemanship.
“We’re really offering horsemanship,” Wallace said. “That encompasses everything to do with horses, not just riding.”
Wallace’s experience with horses has accumulated over a lifetime. She was managing a barn by age 16, and as a young adult, began creating the kinds of programs that Hollybrook offers today.
Wallace purchased the property six years ago after learning her longtime trainer was preparing to sell the farm. Operating BelleMar Farm — named for her husband’s grandmother, Belle, and her grandmother, Martha, — at the time, she saw the move as an opportunity to create something new, including a name.
“Hollybrook” combines memories of her childhood home, Stony Brook Farm, with the abundance of holly trees that surround her property. As a prominent Celtic symbol, the evergreen holly reflects her Irish heritage and represents peace, goodwill, protection and endurance.
The farm offers riding lessons for youth and adults, day camps, pony rides, a 4-H club, an after-school Helping Hooves Club, horsemanship retreats, obstacle play days and a Pathways equine-facilitated learning program. Most programs align with the Moore County school calendar, including the formal 4-H season which starts Sept. 15.
Unlike traditional riding schools that focus primarily on equestrian skills, Wallace says many of Hollybrook’s programs use horses as partners in learning. The Pathways program is an example of this intent. It serves children and adults with sensory challenges, ADHD, executive functioning needs and emotional regulation goals. Sessions are primarily conducted on the ground rather than in the saddle and often involve collaboration with a social worker or other therapists.
“Horses kind of dictate where you’re going to go with your curriculum based on how they’re interacting with the clients,” Wallace explained. “You’re teaching people how to self-regulate through the horses.”
The same philosophy extends to adult retreats, where participants spend time connecting with horses while stepping away from the pressures of everyday life. “We’re offering people a chance to come and find their tribe,” Wallace said. “Whether it’s families dealing with similar challenges or women reconnecting with their love of horses, it’s about creating community.”
Many Seven Lakes residents may recognize Wallace from her management of the community’s equestrian program. She emphasizes that Hollybrook Farm has developed its own distinct mission.
“It has turned into a really beautiful experience to continue sharing these horses and meet people who never thought horses were for them.”
Today, Hollybrook is home to 13 horses, along with goats, sheep, cats and chickens, creating a welcoming farm environment for visitors of all ages.
The programs intentionally accommodate a small number of participants to preserve the personalized experience, so openings are limited. Wallace encourages interested families and individuals to join the wait list when sessions are full.
To learn more about Hollybrook Farm’s programs visit hollybrookfarm.bloom.io.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
