Submitted by Keev Farm
“Horses and children, I often think, have a lot of the good sense there is in the world.” Josephine Demott Robinson, noted poet, once said.
Her observation can be seen first-hand at Keev Farm, recently opened in the Boston Harbor area of Olympia, seconds from the Boston Harbor Elementary School. Keev is an Irish word used to describe a situation that is sweet and gentle or to refer to a companion or dear one.
Tracie and Tim O’Brien are the founders of the equestrian farm, an environmentally responsible farm that practices natural horsemanship techniques in all their training. Tracie O’Brien, an accomplished instructor, has a longtime passion for introducing children to riding, including her three daughters, Aidan (8), Maiti (6) and Rory (4). O’Brien said, “My husband and I have seen first-hand the joy and developmental benefits riding had has brought to our girls and we realized we can provide that same exciting, quality experience to children throughout the greater Olympia area. This was the impetus for Keev Farm.”
One-hour lessons are $40 and include riding, learning about tack, health, fitness, and care of horses and ponies. A scholarship program for the Fall session (Sept-Nov) is available because of the generosity of two anonymous benefactors. Each scholarship will provide full tuition for weekly lessons, weather permitting (10 lessons per scholarship). “We were surprised and thrilled to receive these donations to fund these scholarships. We think it’s important that all children should have the opportunity to enjoy the fitness aspects of riding as well as experience the partnership developed with the horse or pony while riding,” added O’Brien.
For riding lessons Keev Farm uses Arabian horses and smaller Shetland Ponies trained in English and Western disciplines. The farm is on the school bus route for Boston Harbor Elementary, Reeves, and Olympia High School and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For inquiries regarding scholarship applications and scheduling lessons you can email Tracie@KeevFarm.com or call 360-584-9988. Gift certificates are also available.
