by Cassidy Nunn | photos by Nunn Other Photography –
Fostering connections and creating a welcoming community feel is at the heart of the programs and events offered at Gamalo Acres, which is home to Harmony Equestrian. The picturesque 30-acre property sprawls across the Martindale Valley. The farm was purchased in July of 2022 by Irene, and while the acreage was already set up with state-of-the-art stables, a variety of outbuildings and riding arenas (two outdoor and one indoor), the team at Harmony Equestrian has continued to improve and add on to the property over the past year.
One of the first changes they made was to the outdoor horse shelters, which all had extra siding added to them so that the horses can live outside in the paddocks full time, which, according to head coach Megan Soellner, most of their horses prefer. The horses can still be brought into the two main barns if needed or during inclement weather. The stunning barns feature vaulted ceilings, stalls with soft flooring, automatic waterers and a heated tack room. The viewing room in the indoor arena was also recently renovated and is a cozy sanctuary for viewing lessons and events.
Sean Currie, business development manager, Megan and the rest of the Harmony Equestrian team have been busy over the past year building a riding lesson program with quality school horses and hosting events in a wide variety of equestrian disciplines. They currently offer riding lessons for all ages, from beginner to advanced, with the option for group or private lessons. Megan says she’s noticed how many adult riders have been contacting Harmony Equestrian, either wanting to try riding for the first time, or coming back to it after years away from the sport. The summer camps they’ve run have been busy and they’re looking to add to their school horse team and offer more camps in the future. While private horse boarding is available as well, the majority of the horses and ponies on the property at the moment are a part of the riding lesson program.
Hosting events and offering up the facility for rental to other equestrian programs and clubs has been a focus for the team as well, as they continue to promote inclusion across a wide variety of equestrian disciplines. In the past year, events have included Working Equitation clinics and shows, Dressage Show and Tells, introductory level jumping nights, Pony Club events, the Gymkhana Club, the Polo Club and Vaulting club. They are looking forward to offering more clinics and shows throughout the fall and winter and as Sean says: “be inclusive to different disciplines and backgrounds and appeal to a wide range of people.” One of the barns can also be rented for birthday parties, of which they’ve held several, and a second barn will be available for hosting larger events.
The property is also used agriculturally, with food being grown in greenhouses and one large field producing hay. The manure produced by the horses on the farm is all used for the agricultural part of the business. “We’re trying our best to add plant life and flowers where we can,” says Sean, who is also busy working on growing the agricultural side of the business and creating an agricultural farm experience in the future.
“The farm work is never ending!” adds Sean. “We’ve put a lot of pride into the property.” With plans to create an outdoor jumping field and to continue to expand the riding lesson program, host more clinics, shows and retreats in the future, plus the events side of the business, the team is excited about what’s to come and their enthusiasm and excitement is palpable.
For more information check out the Gamalo Acres website at www.gamaloacres.com.
