St Johns County horse farm tour tomorrow

Historic City News readers and their families are invited by the St Johns County Horse Council to attend the Second Annual Horse Farm Tour on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Three farms will be featured, each offering various demonstrations, activities, food, prizes, and giveaways.

There is no admission charge for the tours of these working horse farms; however, children must be supervised and no dogs, other than service dogs, are allowed.

Star 4 Ranch
The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. at Star 4 Ranch, 4300 CR-208, St Augustine. Star 4 will offer obstacle and Parelli games, demonstrations, and hayrides. Vendors will include Happy’s Horse Camp, operated from Star 4 Ranch, and Dark Horse Horsehair Jewelry. Light breakfast will be served at this farm.

Picalata Farms
The tour continues at 12:00 p.m. at Picalata Farms, 7520 CR-208, St Augustine. Featured vendors are Optimal Horse Boarding Environment at Picalata Farms, Atlantic Veterinary Hospital, Farrier Brian Tindell, Western Saddle maker, Hal Rogers of Saddle Creek Ranch, Old City Life Magazine, Korner Feed Supply, and Diamonds in the Rough Rescue. This tour will feature a demonstration by Cindy Norman of Norman Natural Horsemanship. Lunch will be served by Hot Diggity Dawgs.

Steppingstone Farm
The tour concludes at 3:00 p.m. at Steppingstone Farm owned by Nina Fisher, located at 2191 Tocoi Terrace, St Augustine off CR-214. Steppingstone has been in business since 1998 and offers lesson programs, camps, and showing opportunities for children and adults from beginner to intermediate level. This tour will feature farrier, Cameron Fisher, who will provide a demonstration on hoof care and trimming, and horse trainer, Jerry Taylor, who will demonstrate the process of desensitization to create calm, willing equine partners. There will also be stations on saddles and equipment that is used for riding, as well as various horse care products. There will be activities for the kids such as pony cart rides and a Horseless Jump Course. Dessert will also be offered.

The St Johns County Horse Council told reporters that the Second Annual Horse Farm Tour would not be possible without the support of their generous sponsors, including The Futch Group; tractors, fencing, and landscaping; Michael Porter DVM PhD, mobile veterinary services; Tocoi Feed Mill, Feedin Time of St Augustine, Hastings Equestrian, Shelton Veterinary Clinics, Two Time Tack & Feed, and SandSpurs Horse Ranch.