Life by the Reins: Running a Saddle Barn

Concessionaire Deena Coleman has run the Pokagon State Park Saddle Barn for the past 25 years, introducing thousands to her love of horses and the great outdoors. “Growing up, my childhood was filled with these types of experiences,” says Deena. “I feel bad that a lot of kids never get a chance to do it at all. I think that’s why I feel good about this,” she says about her work at the Saddle Barn.

Deena and Larry at the “office.”

Deena’s passion for horses has proved infectious. Most notably 32 years ago, when she won over Larry, the man who would be her husband. “About two months after I met him, he bought a horse,” Deena says.

As a couple, then as a family, when their daughter Kelly was born, the Colemans continued to keep and raise horses. Eventually, they landed the lease for the Saddle Barn and haven’t looked back.

Today, Larry and Deena maintain day jobs at the local post office while running the Saddle Barn. Deena’s dad, Eldon, does payroll, and they get a huge helping hand from their Massey Ferguson 1742 tractor and their dealership Harmony Outdoor Equipment, which provides on-time parts and service.

Yes, the hours may be long and the work hard, but the Colemans will tell you the Saddle Barn has become a hub for three generations of family and a dream realized.

For more, see http://www.myfarmlife.com/features/life-by-the-reins-running-a-saddle-barn/.