Although I was reared in the metropolitan city of Miami, I have always loved horses. My father, an old horseman in his younger days, picked out my very first horse, an appendix quarter horse from the King Ranch in Texas. Little Balmy Joe, or "Balmy" as I called him became my companion. When other kids were going to the "love-ins" and doing things they shouldn't, I was spending time with my horse. When leaving Miami to finish my education at Florida State University I couldn't leave my horse so I brought Balmy along. My voice professor owned 60 acres of land and allowed me to keep my horse on his farm. Balmy was a part of my life until it was impossible to give him the attention he needed with two toddlers along side. I then gave him to a riding school where he would be enjoyed by those wanting to learn about horses. When the two toddlers grew up to be teenagers, I decided it was time for me to get back into riding. I tried quarter horses again, but due to some back injuries I couldn't tolerate the jarring. My pastor owned a Tennessee Walking horse and allowed me to ride him. Once you ride a gaited horse there is no turning back. Charlie had an automotive meeting in Lexington, Kentucky September 1994. It just so happened the Rocky Mountain Horse Association was having their international show. Once seeing this beautiful animal and the way they move, I fell in love. A couple from Indiana allowed me to ride their rockies. My goal from that point was to own one. I could not afford the price tag on a well trained older rocky so in 1995 I bought some yearlings. I have owned rockies ever since.

Charlie grew up on a farm in Tennessee. He majored in agricultural mechanization from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Seeing the temperature of the market for farming, he decided to pursue his career in the automotive field. When Charlie and I married, he had a 20 acre farm outside Tallahassee, Fl. When he married me, he also got the horse. We sold the farm when the children had too many activities to live so far out and moved into town. We came full circle to country living once again when they left the nest. Charlie is the chief farm engineer keeping up the maintenance and keeping the fields green and lush. He gets to use that degree after all.

We both love sharing our love for the land, our love of horses, and our love for life. Come see us and we will share our experiences and our hobbies. Please check back soon for updates to this page!

Charlie and Joanie Elder