“The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.”
– Winston Churchill
Success with horses is not measured in ribbons and trophies. Although Willow Hill has many competitions to test skills, the best accomplishments come through daily training.
A horse and rider team successfully complete a simple change of lead across the diagonal; another completes the cross country obstacle course in perfect obedience where, heretofore, one or both of them had not been able to do so. Campers cheer each other on because they learn to want the best for every horse and rider. Campers get to know their horses like lovers, and soon bring out the best in each other. Horses, like people, get reputations for doing some things well and others not so well. Everyone knows when a camper has created a change, a special victory in training and horsemanship, such as getting over a bigger jump or getting the correct lead after every jump on the hunter course; both of which are victories far beyond ribbons.
It has been said that passion inspired individuals to become larger than life. Lucky is the parent whose child craves to be around horses. The child appears driven by a higher life form and no substitute can be found. These children are not hanging around the streets, nor do they struggle with decisions about which activity warrants their participation. For them, there is only one true love and all other parts of life are downstream. Their focus leads them on the path of discipline, physical stamina, and exercise which will carry over to their adult lives whether or not horses can be a major part. Their love of horses tide them over through the throes of adolescence, while parents of non-focused teenagers worry about poor choices. The horse driven child who is permitted to become a horseman is a little dirty, very tired, and ecstatically happy at the end of the day, leaving little room for sin or indecision.
Working together as a team with people who share the same interest forms the basis of a meaningful relationship. School friends cannot match the friendships made at camp. Living together in a cabin, as well as working and riding together, form the essential ingredients for memorable friendships. Campers share email throughout the year and return every summer to be with good friends.
Horse crazy youngsters will happily accept discipline. Parents admit having trouble with the child carrying out the trash or similar household chores are always amazed to see their child carrying water buckets, hay bales, and tack with ease.
Camp experience at Willow Hill Farm is like a dream come true for the kids lucky enough to come. The child’s dream of owning their very own horse is a reality every day.
It’s a family business.
The Edwards Family has been raising horses and grooming riders of all ages and experience levels at Willow Hill since 1970. The Farm’s extended family reaches across oceans after years of successful and heartfelt camp experiences. Teens and young adults from all over the world have spent summers at Willow Hill, honing skills and expanding their horizons.
Julie Edwards and her daughter, Tara Edwards, as well as Tara’s family live on the farm and keep the day to day operations running smoothly. Tara’s daughter Eleanor carries on the legacy, embodying the third generation of horsewomen. Julie’s son, Ken Edwards, lives and works in Florida and returns to the farm for clinics and summer sessions. Her daughter, Tawn, runs Willow South Riding School out of Johns Creek, Georgia where she continues her breeding, teaching and Eventing career.
Julie Edwards
1938-2022
Julie has enjoyed 50 years of riding competitively in Eventing & Dressage. A dressage bronze and competing at the Preliminary level was on her bucket list, and both were achieved. Life on the family farm with three generations and many more equine families has meant more happiness than she could have dreamed of.
Tara Edwards
Tara started riding at five years and over the course of her riding was a working student with 3x US Olympic Dressage rider, Jessica Newberry Ransenhousen, as well as Jimmy Wofford, and Nanci Lindroth. Tara graduated from Dartmouth College and competed in the Young Rider Championships on the mother of Willow Hill’s stallion, Rainsong. She then took her mother’s Preliminary horse, an OTTB named Rigel, to the Advanced level and rode in the Kentucky Rolex*** 3-Day Event twice, completing both times. Tara is an ARIA certified instructor, as well as Pony Club B and Yogalign instructor. She lives on the farm with her husband, Francis, and two wonderful children.
Eleanor Bola
Eleanor Bola is Tara’s daughter and the third generation of women to live and work on the farm. Her background in Eventing and Show Jumping has led her far to work for and learn from some of the top horses, trainers and competitors in the country.
Ken Edwards
Ken began riding at nine years of age and was soon competing across New England, winning and placing well on horses he and his mom, Julie, trained. Ken studied under 3x US Olympic Dressage rider, Jessica Newberry Ransenhousen, from age 12-17 which he considers invaluable to his career. At 22 he became focused on Grand Prix level Show Jumping and earned a chance to try out for the Pan American Games in 1991. With decades of experience bringing up young riders and horses, Ken specializes in helping people train and understand hot blooded, often sensitive horses.
