The story of Cedar Springs Stables is one of adventure and life with horses. Kathleen Gregory did not grow up on a farm or ever lived on a farm until she purchased Cedar Springs Stables. The story really began when her daughter, Kate Marie, was 8 years old. She began riding lessons at Diamond TR, and her son, John, wanted to learn to ride by age 7. Kathleen found herself wanting to groom the horses and then decided to take riding lessons. She found a certain peace when she was with the horses. She knew she wanted a place where she could have horses and quite by accident she found just that.
In 2008, while perusing the Internet, Kathleen found the property and stables near Conway, Ark., in Faulkner County, and called a realtor to check it out for her. She was faced with the big decision and made the purchase in May 2008. After not living near her parents for 19 years, that same year they moved from Arizona and purchased the 7 acres behind her and later the 10 acres next door to her property. It was like a dream come true for herself, her children and her parents.
The Cedar Springs Stables is home to Kathleen’s four horses and two miniature horses, as well as boarding horses. The six stall horse barn is well kept and includes a roomy wash stall. There is a 60’ by 125’ well lit and covered riding arena in excellent condition for horse training, and riding in a more enclosed area. There are also over 500 feet of movable arena panels on the farm. Kathleen said they are great for changing pasture size and access. There is a ‘Tack Shack’ for the stable patron’s that has a nice warm place for tack and a restroom for them to use.
For over three years, Elise Nadboralski has been the horse trainer at Cedar Springs Stables. Kathleen said it’s been a win-win situation for both of them. Elise has been able to have a place to train horses and Kathleen has been able to learn from her. Kathleen has been introduced to new horses and owners, and has the advantage of boarding some of the horses. Elise works with horses that have never been ridden and takes them to the point of being ridden. She also works with horses who need a ‘tune-up’ or need work on particular skills such as trailer loading. It has worked well because they share the same philosophy in the way the horses are cared for and treated. Elise also gives riding lessons to children.
Kathleen, a single parent and kindergarten teacher, said part of the reason she loves the farm is the time she has with family. Her dad, Bob Gregory, is involved with the farm and with the kids. John, now 11, likes to help his grandfather on the farm and enjoys the times they can do fun things as well. Kate and John, even though there are chores to do, love living on the farm. They have chickens, some cats and most recently Kate Marie, now 14, has a rabbit she will be showing for FFA.
One of the things Kathleen does is take the two miniature horses to schools and events for children and adults to have the experience of being with horses, some for the first time. Kathleen also invites some groups to come to Cedar Springs Stables. The Natural State Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Association has had two shows there in 2012 and Kathleen is hoping they will be back again this year. Her son’s Boy Scout Troop and her church youth group have been there, and the Girl Scout Troop she is the leader of will be visiting as well.
Bob planted two of the back pastures in winter wheat to help stretch the hay this winter. Fortunately, they were not affected by the summer drought due to the artesian well on the farm. The well supplied water for the horses, 10 cows, and summer grass pastures without going dry. The water has been piped to watering places for the horses and out to the pastures.
Kathleen really enjoys coming home at the end of the day – just feeding and petting the horses or sitting on the back porch and watching them as the sun goes down is soothing. Her parents and the kids love being close and love the farm life. Bob does woodworking with John. Only 10 miles away is a great place for trail riding at Camp Robinson Special Use Area, 4,029 acres designated for riding trails, this is a place Kathleen really enjoys to ride.
