The morning sun filters through the covered arena at Fountain Greene Farm as young riders tighten girths, adjust helmets and exchange excited conversation before mounting their horses. Nearby, retired show champions graze peacefully in emerald pastures overlooking the Rappahannock River, enjoying a well-earned retirement after careers spent in competition rings across the country.Just beyond the arena, two stories unfold side by side. Horses that once competed at the highest levels of the sport begin a new chapter defined by comfort and care. At the same time, children, teens and adults discover confidence, responsibility and opportunity through the farm’s growing riding program.
For more than 30 years, Fountain Greene Farm, in Wake, Virginia, has earned a reputation for providing exceptional retirement and rehabilitation care for horses. At the same time, the farm has quietly become a place where local riders of all ages learn life lessons that extend far beyond the saddle. What makes Fountain Greene unique is not simply the quality of care it provides. It is the way the farm serves retired horses and aspiring riders who learn on horses donated to the program
More than three decades ago, Nancy Banfield set out to create a farm dedicated to the individualized care of aging and injured horses. An accomplished rider who competed alongside some of the country’s top professionals, Banfield understood that retirement did not diminish a horse’s value. She believed horses that had spent years caring for their riders deserved comfort, dignity and specialized attention.
When she and her husband established Fountain Greene, they committed themselves to creating an environment where horses could thrive long after their competitive careers had ended. The property offered hundreds of acres of pastureland and the opportunity to build a program centered on individualized care rather than one-size-fits-all management. That philosophy remains the foundation of the farm today.
Unlike large herd environments, horses are carefully paired with compatible companions and monitored closely as their needs change. Feeding programs are tailored to each animal. Veterinary, dental and farrier care remain priorities throughout every stage of life. Many of the horses arriving at the farm spent years performing at a high level. Retirement, staff members explain, is not as simple as opening a gate and turning them loose in a field.
“One of the biggest things people do not understand is that you cannot just throw them out in a field with grass and hay,” head trainer Emily Johnston (USHJA instructor credentialed) said. “They need us now, and we have to provide the support they need.”
The transition often requires patience. Horses accustomed to structured schedules and stall life must gradually learn how to relax, socialize and enjoy life outside the demands of competition.
“They do not know how to feel like a horse,” Johnston said. “They have been professionals in the horse circuit their whole lives. We give them the path to being a horse that enjoys being a friend.”
Visitors quickly notice the results. Horses graze peacefully in small groups, interact comfortably with their companions and move through the pastures with a sense of ease that reflects the farm’s careful approach.
For owners, it is reassuring to see longtime partners enjoying a well-earned retirement.
As the retirement and rehabilitation program flourished, another opportunity began to take shape.
Banfield and her sister, retired educator Sue Ellen O’Connor, shared a belief that quality riding instruction should be available to people from all backgrounds and experience levels. Inspired by the Virginia program: made famous by the book School for Young Riders first published in 1958 by Jane Marshall Dillon that introduced generations of young people to horses, the sisters envisioned creating a similar opportunity within their own community.
To bring that vision to life, they built a large, covered arena with professional footing and began assembling a remarkable collection of horses and ponies. Through decades of contacts in the horse industry, they were able to recruit experienced mounts capable of teaching riders from their first lesson through advanced competition. The result was a riding program unlike any other in the area.
Children as young as four begin learning on lead line ponies. Teenagers develop horsemanship skills and gain experience in the show ring. Adults who spent years dreaming about riding discover that it is never too late to begin. One current rider is in her 80s.
The program offers lessons, camps, clinics and educational opportunities throughout the year. A recently added classroom equipped with heating, air conditioning and internet access allows students to continue learning beyond the arena. Participants study everything from hoof care and equine anatomy to nutrition, riding theory and horse health. The goal is not simply to teach students how to sit in a saddle. It is to help them understand every aspect of responsible horse ownership and management. The program’s growth, however, can be traced to an unexpected source.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everyday life, Johnston’s five-year-old niece asked for riding lessons. Johnston agreed to teach her. Soon a few friends joined. Then more children arrived. Before long, what started as one little girl’s interest in horses had grown into a thriving community program.
“My niece is the whole reason I was teaching,” Johnston said.
Today, that same young rider remains actively involved at the farm. Johnston describes her as hardworking, responsible and eager to help with daily barn activities. For Johnston, her niece represents what the program is all about.
The equestrian world can be prohibitively expensive. Lessons, equipment, horse care and competition costs often place participation beyond the reach of many families. Fountain Greene’s leaders recognized that reality and began looking for ways to make opportunities more accessible.
That effort eventually led to the creation of Fountain Greene Ponies for Kids Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to equestrian education and riding opportunities.
Founded in 2024, the organization provides scholarships and support for riders who demonstrate commitment, determination and a desire to improve their skills. Today, between 20 and 30 students actively participate in the program. Riders come from communities throughout the region, including Middlesex, Lancaster, Essex, Mathews, Gloucester and King and Queen Counties.
For many families, the nonprofit has opened doors that otherwise might have remained closed and created new opportunities for the horses themselves. As Fountain Greene’s reputation spread, horse owners and trainers from across the country began donating accomplished horses and ponies to the program. Many had enjoyed successful careers in the show ring and were ready for a new purpose.
Rather than ending their careers, these horses began teaching a new generation of riders. Among them is Pixie, a Welsh cross pony known for her patience and gentle temperament. Donated by a top junior rider, Pixie has become a favorite among young students learning to walk, trot and canter. Her calm nature and years of training allow beginning riders to build confidence while developing fundamental skills. She is only one example of the many horses that continue making a difference long after their competitive careers have ended.
During a recent camp session, Johnston watched children interact with the donated horses and saw firsthand the impact they were having. The smiles, the excitement and the connections being formed reminded her how far the program had come from its earliest days. What began with a single older pony and an aging Quarter Horse has grown into a collection of talented equine teachers whose influence extends far beyond the arena. The relationship benefits both horse and rider.
Students gain access to exceptionally trained animals they might never otherwise have the opportunity to ride. The horses receive attentive care, meaningful work and a permanent home where their well-being remains the highest priority.
Over time, the impact of Fountain Greene has extended well beyond horse care and riding instruction. The farm has become a gathering place where children learn responsibility, adults pursue lifelong dreams and horses receive the care they deserve. The lessons taught often have little to do with ribbons or competition results. Students learn patience while grooming horses. They develop confidence by mastering new skills. They discover the importance of consistency, responsibility and hard work. Those lessons are carried into school, careers and everyday life.
The farm also reflects a broader commitment to community service. Produce grown on the property is shared with neighbors. Fresh eggs are distributed to those in need. Educational opportunities continue to expand as the riding program grows. At its heart, however, Fountain Greene remains focused on something simple: creating meaningful connections between horses and people.
As Fountain Greene enters its fourth decade, its mission remains as relevant as ever.
Retired horses continue finding comfort, companionship and individualized care in carefully managed pastures. Young riders continue discovering opportunities that might otherwise have seemed impossible. Adults continue proving that new passions can be pursued at any stage of life. Johnston hopes more people will realize that riding is not reserved for a select few.
“I want people to know that this is open for anyone,” she said. “It is never too late. You can still enjoy horses.” That philosophy can be seen throughout the farm each day.
Across the farm, retired champions graze peacefully while young riders dream about what lies ahead. Both are beginning new chapters. It is a simple idea, but one that has guided Fountain Greene for more than 30 years. Every rider deserves an opportunity, and it is never too late to discover a passion for life.
Fountain Greene Farm is located at 1892 Wake Rd, in Wake, VA. For more information, including donor and rider questions, please visit fountaingreenefarm.com, or call (804) 694-7721.