Community Spotlight: Dutch Acres Farm
In a world where technology dominates, Dutch Acres Farm offers a refreshing escape to nature and the timeless bond between humans and horses. Founded in 2018 by Kathryn Voss and her business partner Sarah Phipps, this unique facility offers a blend of therapeutic and competitive riding opportunities, breaking barriers and fostering a love for equestrian life.
With a background in therapeutic riding, both Voss and Phipps sought to establish a for-profit venture that offered more freedom and inclusivity than the constraints they faced in the non-profit world. “In the non-profit world that we were in, we were very constrained on what the rules allowed us to do, as far as students and hands-on with the horses,” Voss said. “You could pretty much be on a horse and ride. Their facility did not allow students to go into the pasture, did not allow them to go out and learn, be more unsupervised. Here, we want to teach kids how to be able to have their own horses too.”
Voss’s passion for horses is deeply rooted. “It was my first word,” she recalled. Despite her parents’ initial attempts to steer her away, her determination never wavered. She started riding at 6, received her first horse at 12, and eventually turned her lifelong love into a career.
“I tried to stuff it and went to college,” she said. “I was gonna do youth ministry and just did not want to be in an office. I did accounting for a while out of college, basically just to support my horse habit. And then I got into the therapeutic riding world through a friend. I’m not getting away from it. Horses are an addiction. When they get into your blood, there’s just no getting it out.”
Dutch Acres is named after Voss’s first horse, Duchess, who lived to the impressive age of 37. Duchess’s legacy continues to inspire the farm’s mission and values, ensuring her spirit lives on in every lesson taught.
Starting with just a handful of students, Dutch Acres has grown exponentially. With about 50 students a week on average, the farm offers a comprehensive riding program that includes everything from beginner lessons to advanced training camps. Notably, the farm runs a special boot camp in Hot Springs, AR, where students immerse themselves in an intensive week of riding and learning.
A significant aspect of Dutch Acres’ success is its systematic approach to teaching. Voss emphasizes the importance of safety and independence, ensuring students learn to manage horses confidently and responsibly. “We teach everything, and we have a very systematic way to do it,” she said. “We teach them how to go into a stall correctly, how to catch a horse, how to go in and out of gates. And then eventually, they get to the age where I can send them to the field and go get one without.”
Education is a cornerstone of Dutch Acres. Voss and Phipps are committed to fostering knowledgeable and responsible horse owners. “Outside of professionals, the average horse owner is very uneducated,” Voss noted. Through their detailed programs, they aim to bridge this gap, empowering students to make informed decisions and advocate for their horses’ well-being.
The farm’s services are extensive. They offer riding lessons for all ages, including a “Tiny Tots” program for children aged 3 to 6. This foundational training sets the stage for future competitive riding. Dutch Acres specializes in dressage, one of the oldest Olympic equestrian sports, often referred to as “horse dancing.”
Dutch Acres is particularly passionate about its adaptive riding program. “We’ve always done some adaptive riding, but we’re really amping that up right now,” Voss explained. The program focuses on higher-functioning individuals with disabilities, particularly those with autism. One of their instructors, Audrey, who has autism, exemplifies the transformative power of horses. Her journey and achievements highlight the profound impact equine therapy can have on individuals with special needs.
The farm’s diverse herd of horses plays a crucial role in its success. Each horse, from the elderly warmblood Jeeves to the rescue horse Archie, contributes to the farm’s welcoming and educational environment. These horses not only teach riding skills but also impart valuable life lessons about responsibility, hard work, and overcoming adversity.
Voss and her team have ambitious plans for the future. While they hope to expand and accommodate more students, their primary goal remains to nurture the community they have built. “We’d love to get up to 75 or 80 students and hire another instructor,” Voss said. Despite the challenges posed by the current economic climate, the farm continues to thrive, driven by a shared passion for horses and education.
The students at Dutch Acres are testament to the farm’s positive impact. Riley, who has been taking lessons for over a year, expressed how the farm has changed her life. “I like that it gets me to work. Before I started riding here, I just sat at home. Now I’m actually productive,” she said. Similarly, Kaylee, a student of nearly two years, shared, “I like being around all the horses and the good people out here and getting to feel free out here.”
At Dutch Acres Farm, the bond between humans and horses is more than just a hobby—it’s a source of healing, empowerment, and lifelong learning. For Voss and her dedicated team, each day is an opportunity to share their passion and create lasting memories for their students.
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