CityView Magazine

20 Februar y 2023 28-acre Feather Ridge Equestrian. "We are a boarding and training facility for saddlebred Morgans and Hackney horses. So, we are a breed-specific training facility," says Best. "You see, cowboys do their western stuff, but ours is more of a performance type riding." Building special bonds As word of a new horse farm spreads throughout Fayetteville, Feather Ridge is starting to pick up clients. Some followed Best from her time in Apex. One of the farm's newest clients, Jen McGarry, saw a flier for Feather Ridge at a local feed store and decided to give Best a try. Her 11-year-old daughter, Keegan, takes English riding lessons once a week at the farm and hopes to compete in tournaments. Keegan has been riding for four years, "but never English," says McGarry. "Before they opened up, there weren't any options," McGarry says. "We would have to drive 30 minutes to the closest farm." McGarry says Keegan loves her riding lessons. McGarry values how interactive Best and Raynor are with her daughter. "Jess and Meg are out there with her, teaching her and encouraging her. And that's huge for a girl her age," McGarry says. Spending time outdoors provides a much- needed outlet for children, Best says. Riding horses form a special bond between the animal and the rider. "Children are so easily swayed. ey see things on the internet, and they're caught up in video games and TikTok and stuck on their phone. is is an outlet for some kids." Best says. In her own childhood, riding provided a healthy outlet. "I had friends, but when I was at the barn, that's how I made connections and friendships and not wanting to sit at home all the time," she says. "I wanted to be around like-minded people." "Animals aren't going to be mean to you. They don't know what's right or wrong, and they're happy to see you every single day," says Best. "Giving kids a sense of responsibility by taking care of something that is always glad to see you is rewarding." and they're happy to see you every single day," says Best. "Giving kids a sense of responsibility by taking care of something that is always glad to see you is rewarding." Riding also is a great way to burn calories, something Best says most people would not think about. "It's a really good way to exercise. You burn calories riding a horse just like if you're walking your dog or walking on a treadmill. It's a way to get out of the house and build friendships. It's different from the norm and the way people normally think." "I think it's fun," she says. Best's long-term goals include introducing people to the sport of horseback riding. "Not just horseback riding, but saddle- seat riding, which is our style of riding. Mostly, that's what the saddlebred horse does. It's such a small spectrum, and I'd like to broaden everyone's mindset and teach them how to do it," Best says. "I think children need this, and it's a safe Six-year-old Ryker Cranston of Red Springs gets his first riding lesson astride Legacy with Jessie Best. 'God's greatest gift' Sometimes children — and adults as well — connect with animals more than they do with other people, Best suggests. Some of her clients are shy and don't like to talk to other people. "God's greatest gi is animals. ey really are the best ever — dogs, cats, anything," Best says. Best has seen animals bring people out of their shell. "Animals aren't going to be mean to you. ey don't know what's right or wrong,

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