Boudreau’s Acres Horse Motel and Boarding
Owner: Joan Walker
Location: Bois D’arc, Mo.
History: When Joan Walker laid eyes on a neglected 32-acre farm in Bois D’arc, Mo., several years ago, she knew in her heart it had potential. Joan worked tirelessly to clean up, clear out and completely transform the property. The result is Boudreau’s Acres, a lovely, pristine home and farm with facilities for short-term and long-term horse boarding. “I know what care I want for my horse. I want to give that same kind of care to every horse that comes here,” Joan Walker explained. She gave her business the name, Boudreau’s Acres, because Boudreau is her maiden name. “It is to honor my dad,” said Joan. The name also pays respect to her son who passed away before he could fulfill his dream of owning a horse farm he planned to call Boudreau’s Acres. “I thought, ‘I will name this place Boudreau’s Acres, for him,’” said Joan.
Services: Boudreau’s Acres offers full-stall board, which includes hay and grain feeding, stall cleaning and daily turnout. “We provide whatever they need. We have people come to us with needs I have never heard of,” said Joan with a smile. No matter the need, Joan finds a way to accommodate her customers’ requests. Boudreau’s Acres also provides pasture boarding, horse sitting and horse motel services. The farm’s close proximity to Interstate 44 makes it an ideal stopping place for people traveling long distances with their animals. “It is starting to pick up for the spring now. We are getting repeat customers now. It is fun to meet the people and see all the different horses,” said Joan.
Facilities: Boudreau’s Acres has paddocks, a tack storage area, a wash and grooming stall, round pen, lighted arena and stalls equipped with automatic waterers and cushioned rubber mats. Boudreau’s Acres requires all owners to provide proof that their horses are up-to-date on their vaccinations and have had a current negative Coggins test.
Future Plans: “Right now, I still work. I work to support my horse and my farm. I would like to get long-term boarders in so I can retire. I don’t look at caring for horses as work. Instead I think of it as retirement fun,” said Joan.
