About Us

Situated on nearly 13 acres, Farrington Woods Farm (FWF) is conveniently located near the Jordan Lake recreation area, just minutes from Chapel Hill, Cary, Raleigh and Durham. 

FWF is an American Saddlebred barn.  American Saddlebreds were established when Narragansett Pacers were crossed with imported Thoroughbreds.  As they made their way into Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri and Tennessee during the early 1800s, they became known as Kentucky Saddlers because they evolved into a major commercial product in the Bluegrass State.

The Kentucky Saddler gained recognition during the Civil War because of its beauty, high intelligence and good disposition.  (General Robert E. Lee’s horse, Traveler, was a saddle horse.)  In 1891 they were formally declared a breed when the American Saddlebred Horse Association was established.  Since that time American Saddlebreds have retained their comfortable, even gait, gentle disposition, and strong, graceful athleticism, making them an ideal mount for riders of all ages and skill levels.   Some famous movie stars you may have heard of include Fury, Flicka, and Black Beauty – all Saddlebreds. 

Our focus is fun and safety.  Our riding style is Saddleseat (English), with an emphasis on  proper form, balance and mastery of  the Saddlebred’s five gaits: walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and rack, the latter two being “man-made” and specific only to this particular breed.  Riders enjoy the experience and find it surprisingly aerobic.

FWF is owned and managed by Paul W. Joyner.  Paul has been riding Saddlebreds for more than 30 years and has successfully competed in the Carolinas market.  He began his training career by apprenticing at nationally known stables in California and Kentucky.

Additional Information:

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Frequently Asked Questions