"I just wanted to say THANK YOU for taking such great care of Slide! It's such a relief to know he is in a safe place and that I don't have to worry about him everyday. We are so happy to be a part of the Barr W family"
"Barr W is everything I could ever ask for. I cannot board there year-round because of college, but when I bring my horse home for breaks I find everyone to be incredibly friendly and helpful. More than that, however, they know horses inside and out. Jessie has given me advice on many occasions, from health concerns to behavior issues. I don't have to worry for one second if my horse is safe and cared for. The facilities are great, and the property is beautiful!"
"My daughter takes riding lessons from Jessie. She looks forward to coming every week! Jessie takes time with her and makes each lesson special. I fully trust Jessie to make sure that my daughter is safe. Jessie really knows the horses and their personalities. I feel very grateful that we found her! Thanks for all you do!"
"If you are looking for a good barn, friendly down-to-earth people and horses, then Barr W is the place for you and your beloved horse. The facility is very nice, the pastures are extremely well-managed and rotated so there is grass all year long, and the horses love it here.
Our heartfelt thanks to Jessie for helping us out when we can't make it out there on occasion. And from my heart especially, thank you to Ken, Jessie, Bobbi and the Walkers for "being there" when it was time for me to let Gypsy's spirit go home to God, the most difficult thing I have ever done. His earth-bound remains rest for eternity in one of the pastures he so loved.
It's not a fancy show barn, there's mud when it rains, and dust when it's dry; there is no fancy lounge with air conditioning, showers and comfy sofas, but we do offer a a couple of high-speed barn aisle fans, a fridge, microwave and a comfy bale of hay. Simply put, it's downhome comfortable. It's home for the horses and a quiet country retreat for the humans who own and love them."
Karen Van Allen and Gypsy Girl (RIP Gypsy - My Boy) Ken Van Allen and Dee Bars Foxy Fellow a/k/a Fella Concord, North Carolina
"Barr W Stables is a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The barn and grounds are very clean. The horses are well taken care of. Everyone there is friendly and helpful, especially Jessie. My daughter went to Horse Camp at Barr W last summer and loved it! Now, she is taking lessons with Jessie and learning how to care for the horses as well as riding skills. We both look forward to Mondays when we go to the barn."
"Jessie's experience and knowledge may come in a youthful and humble package, but don't let the package fool you. She is so talented--with the horses, she is kind and patient, yet firm, always taking the time to create a foundation of lasting skills. With clients, she is organized, reliable, and teaches in a way that is clear without ever being condescending. With her guidance, both my horses and I have developed the confidence to continue building a true partnership."
"Barr W Stables is a beautiful, serene, friendly environment for our horses. When I'm at the barn, I feel so relaxed, surrounded by beautiful horses and caring people, that it's difficult to leave. I don't have to worry about Fella and my Baby Girl because I know if there's ever a problem and either Ken or I aren't around, Jessie will call us at the first sign of possible trouble. When my Arabian gelding, Whitemark Gypsom aka Gypsy, had a severe bout of colic on February 15, 2010 and I had to make the dreaded decision to let him go to Rainbow Bridge, David Walker was as caring and sympathetic as I could have hoped and let Gypsy stay for eternity on the grounds, under the trees, of the place he loved so much. Gypsy and Fella were the happiest horses once we moved to Barr W. Everyone at the barn was truly saddened at his death and their concern and caring helped me through a very difficult time. I thank each and every one of them. My new Morgan mare, honestly came with the name Gypsy but I call her Baby Girl, arrived after being rescued from an abusive, neglectful owner. She was a few hundred pounds underweight and had no interest in being handled. Because I work full time and Ken isn't always available to be at the barn every morning, Jessie patiently and lovingly worked with her to gain her trust so she would be happy to come in for breakfast without a 20 minute (or longer!) chase - Gypsy now walks through the gate once invited in and heads directly to her stall. With Jessie's recommendations and suggestions, she has now put the weight back on and is a beautiful, loving girl. Fella is happy as he can be at Barr W and is thriving as well. All in all, Barr W is the best facility I have experienced, and I (and the horses) love it here! Thanks so much."
Karen Van Allen Whitemark Gypsom a/k/a Gypsy - 8/3/83 - 2/15/10 Gypsy a/k/a Baby Girl
