Rural Grafton farm teaches more than just horse riding

Jack and Paula Curtis of the Town of Grafton are working with riders to help them “start a language” with their horses.

“We want our philosophies to sync because the way we work with horses is personal and, to us, horsemanship is an art form,” Jack said.

Since 2011, the couple’s horse farm, Woodland Oaks, at 1048 Lakefield Rd. has been offering horsemanship training and boarding services.

“The big message for us is to get people back to nature and reality. We want them to experience something that’s real and not just their virtual world,” Jack said. “Once people get started with horses, it kind of sticks with them.”

Earlier this month, Paula self-published her first book, “Stretch to Connect: Finding Balance And Harmony With Your Horse,” which she began writing last summer.

“The last bit was hard because of formatting and figuring out the cover. There’s a lot of technical details you never think about,” Paula said, adding she is considering writing a series of books on horsemanship.

Last year, the couple launched an online tutorial program that offers several video lessons per month. The course also provides podcasts that allow riders to listen to tutorials while they try out the lessons on horseback. The web series features monthly group chats with experts in the industry.

“This way we’re able to reach out to a way broader audience as opposed to what we are able to offer here,” Jack said.

Most of their clients come from Milwaukee, Port Washington, Cedarburg and Mequon. About 25 horses are boarded at Woodland Oaks.

While there are several other horse farms in the area, the Curtises say they are focused on educational opportunities for riders that are applicable to other aspects in life.

“The lessons we teach are horsemanship based, therefore they apply to life as well because it’s about your feelings, communication and intentions. It’s really a great experience when our students get that,” Paula said. “What we’re teaching is how to approach any living being and have quality interactions.”

The couple said they want to transition their business from a boarding farm to primarily a training center by hosting more clinics, which bring in people from throughout the state and Illinois.

 “Boarding is tough. We’re bound to the farm,” Jack said. “Our idea of a vacation is to buy a horse trailer with living quarters for us.”

It costs between $635 to $685 per month to board a horse. Jack said the company breaks even on boarding because of environmental factors affecting the rising cost of hay and the fact there’s less grain available.

To help with the day-to-day operations, the farm has one other instructor and five part-time employees.

The farm has a second house and the Curtises want to turn it into a lodge for groups visiting for weekend lessons.

“Horse riding encourages community building, and that’s what we want to do here,” Jack said.

The couple met as teenagers through the Ozaukee County 4-H horse project and began a summer camp together called Starting a Language to help people understand their horses.

When dealing with a difficult horse, Paula said, finding the root of the problem is like unpeeling an onion.

“The owners are usually at their wit’s end and don’t know what to do with them,” she said.

Jack, who often trains the more stubborn equines, agreed but added there’s usually more to the story.

“Horses are the easiest part. It’s getting owners to change that’s the hardest part,” Jack said. “Problematic horses are usually the results of people problems because they (people) personify the horse, so that they think the horse is bad. Someone has to discourage that.”

He also said a lot of beginners treat a horse like a thoroughbred in the racing industry, kicking and pulling the horse.

“Jockeys are often very mechanical with their actions. You can see what they do when they’re riding horses down the home stretch. Although there’s a point for firmness, people need to understand how to treat horses,” he said.

The couple hope to get more children involved with horses.

Paula said she’s been on a horse since she was an infant because her parents own Lakefield Farm boarding stable in the Town of Grafton. Jack began riding at 8 and used to offer private lessons when he was in high school.

They said the horse industry is in a decline because there are fewer youths interested in riding.

“Our old 4-H club is not like it used to be. The number of kids involved is dwindling,” Paula said. “A lot of children these days are screen-bound inside their homes.”

The Curtises said they are slowly easing their two children into their line of work. Their son Jackson, 6, is quickly learning the ropes and their daughter Claire, 11, is starting her own saddle-cleaning business for boarders.

While it’s every little girl’s dream to have a pony, Claire said it’s her reality.

“I guess I don’t really notice anything because I haven’t lived any way else, but it’s a lot of fun,” Claire said.