Farm Tour stop takes horsing around to a new level
The Hershberger family and a number of volunteers went all out this year in providing one of the more memorable tour stops during this, the fourth year of the farm tour.
"We have been amazed at how many people have come through here," said Junior Hershberger, who was heading up the farm tour stop because owner Robert Hershberger was unable to attend. He said they put a sign up and comment book in front of the horse barn where patrons entered, and he was surprised to see so many out of town names. People from Oregon, South Dakota and even Canada made the tour a part of their Amish Country experience, and the crew at Dublin Farms was more than willing to provide a true sense as to the majesty of the horses.
Even as patrons arrived, they could sense something special was going on at the farm. A rider on horseback greeted them and helped them park their vehicles. From there, a team of six miniature horses or two giant Percherons clopped up beside them, allowing patrons an opportunity to climb aboard a wagon, sit back and relax as the teams took them down the lane to the horse barn. Some were even given the opportunity to take the reins for a short period of time.
"We wanted people to get a complete experience, and we felt that allowing them to actually take a ride would be a good way of giving them something special," said Hershberger.
Upon arriving at the horse barn, patrons could tour the barn and the stall areas, as well as the corral. Inside the barn, volunteer helpers provided expert explanations about what went on at the farm, the difference in horses, how they train and breed horses, the art of horseshoeing and answered a multitude of questions.
"Letting people get a glimpse of what goes on here is what we hoped to do, and letting them experience riding on the wagon and to get to be a part of the action was nice," said Eddie Troyer, who was one of several volunteers who were on hand. "We wanted this to be very educational, and we were surprised at how many people had questions that we would probably take for granted."
Marion Troyer, another volunteer, said that being able to answer people's questions was part of the fun of the event. Troyer said that there were many people who came in who had never even been close enough to a horse to understand their beauty and grace. He also said that it wasn't just people from far away.
"We had local people who live fairly close who stopped in and said that they had lived here for years and never even knew a horse farm was here," said Yoder. "This is something that people don't normally get a chance to experience, and it was fun to be able to help tell them about what goes on here and to provide some education."
The joy on people's faces as they rode in on wagons and got to see the horses up close was more than enough to make the volunteers happy. Whether they were petting a horse, admiring the scenery or actually handling the reins of the tiny miniature horse-drawn wagon, there was plenty to enjoy during the visit.
Fourteen-year-old Jaynee stood by one of the horses in the stalls, gazing at it like it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
"They're about the most beautiful thing I have ever seen," said Jaynee. "I had a pony once when I was little, and some day I would love to have a horse. I just love them."
Paula Hendrick, of Dayton, said that she had never really looked at a horse up close, and she was surprised to see how large and powerful they were. However, even though she admired the power and allure of the larger horses, it was the miniatures that really caught her attention.
"As soon as we drove in here and saw them, I knew we had to ride that wagon," said Hendrick. "I just have never seen anything so adorable. I would have loved to take one home, but I am not sure how my husband would have liked that idea."
Hershberger said that they couldn't count how many times they heard the word beautiful during the day, and said that horses have a real connection with people that most animals don't have. The stop definitely provided some insight into one of Holmes County's more unique agriculturally related farms.
"People have come through at a steady stream today, and it has been a real joy to be able to share what we do with people who are really interested in learning about horses," said Hershberger. "This has been a wonderful experience, for us as much as it has been for the people who came here."
Published: September 2, 2010
