It was serendipity, my discovering this place that was to become one of the greatest blessings of my life. I reached out to Steve after being moved by an article about him and everything that goes on at Mill Swamp Indian Horses.
At mid-life, trying to heal from childhood abuse that lead me to multiple failed marriages, and struggling to raise my own child, while suffering from Major Depression, Anxiety, and Complex PTSD, I was finding it increasingly difficult to manage my debilitating symptoms. In spite of the fact that I was in a stable, happy relationship, in a new home, with what I thought would be a fresh start, I lost my ability to cope in the wake of unexpected trauma within my family. When I was warmly invited to come out and see what goes on at the farm, it felt like a lifeline had been thrown to me. I have been coming out here every weekend since that day, and it has become an integral part of my therapy. I brought all the broken and glued back together pieces of my challenging life, out here, with no expectations, but I feel whole, hopeful, and transformed by these magnificent horses, the kindness of everyone involved, and the simple beauty of the land, far beyond my ability to express in words. There is something about the love and devotion that is poured into this place and all of it's endeavors that is infectious and soul-soothing. I quickly became passionate about the mission to educate others about the off-site breeding program and the sweet nature and impressive endurance of these wild Mustangs who are endangered, and often overlooked or discarded in favor of fancier, well-known breeds. If more people could be exposed to the magic that takes place here, they would be inclined to want to support it in any way possible. If you love someone who could use some light to infiltrate their darkness, or have a child in crisis, bring them HERE! Or just come out to share in something indescribable.
My daughter takes riding lessons here and she couldn't be happier. After each ride, she shares stories of their adventures in the woods, such as seeing the local wildlife. Her confidence has bloomed through her work with the horses and she has gained a tremendous sense of independence. She now hopes to go to college and work with large animals as a career due to her time here.
Gwaltney Frotnier Farm/Mill Swamp Indian Horses is a gem that transforms lives, honors the best elements of the heritage and culture of the Tidewater Va agricultural community and provides critical conservation and preservation expertise to rare horse breeds in our country. From services to veterans with PSTD, training of law enforcements on prey behavior (victims), to safe and supportive ag and equire based educational programs for at risk youth, this organization is like no other. It's heart and soul is all about doing good for people and horses. This is a photo of my daughter who started riding at Mill Swamp at age 7.
Several years ago my daughter wanted to take riding lessons. Having grown up riding English I found a nice stable where she learned to ride. The horses were kept in stalls and lessons were conducted in an inside rink. This was how it was done when I rode my first horse. One day she told me that she did not want to ride in circles anymore. That is when we looked for something else. Finding Gwaltney Frontier Farm has been the best experience for my daughter and myself. We have learned what is really important to a horse which has made both of us better riders.
The farm is definitely family oriented. Even family members who don't ride enjoy spending time with the horses, turkeys, goats and pigs. It is relaxing to sit on the tack shed porch and listen to the sounds of the farm or on Mondays old time music being performed. Evening bonfires and cookouts are great family time.
Riders don't just ride, they learn. Steve Edwards has an extensive knowledge of the history of the original settlers in this area which he shares with the riders. He teaches about the rare breeds of horses and other livestock at the farm. Riders learn to communicate with horses.
Working side by side, volunteers, riders and their families build fences, clear land, train horses and other activities. It is a great place to help build confidence in both children and adults. The all volunteer staff cares about the horses and riders.
If you really want to learn about horses this is the place to be. In the 6+ years I have been part of Gwaltney Frontier Farm I have learn more about horses than I did in the previous 50 years of my life. With miles of trails to ride you will never have to ride in circles!
Gwaltney Frontier Farm has been a significant part of our lives for several years.
I can remember the first time our family stopped by for a tour and Steve took the time to show us around the lot while sharing various details of the program. I did not know at that time how much I would truly appreciate what we were going to be privileged to be a part of after all this time.
I cannot fully express how much our family appreciates being a part of the program! There is something for everyone. It is hard to explain, but I have seen no other place that enables a person to genuinely be a part of something much bigger than themselves. It is not a place to come to be entertained or just ride horses. Character, teamwork, sweat, grit, an expanded worldview, a deeper appreciation for making a difference and exploring new things, and a love for the preservation of the horses represented are guaranteed outcomes if one chooses to truly participate in the program.
My family has been volunteer/members for almost a year. Steve Edwards is the yoda of all things horse and farm. For me, I will never own a farm, but my children are interested in this culture and I am able to give them the farm education by belonging to this org. When they grow up, I am confident that the lessons they learn on Homeschool Fridays will always remain with them and they would be able to successfully own and work a farm of their own. They grow more confident as horse trainers and riders every week, while also learning blue grass instruments and songs. This farm should be a part of all homeschoolers weekly lives. We are very fond of Steve and the volunteers, as they have became family for us. COME VISIT US TODAY!
unique program- preserving and promoting nearly extinct strains of Historic Colonial Spanish horses and early colonial goats, and ossabaw hogs--kids taught to tame and train wild horses-riding lessons, special program in conjunction with local veterans hospital for patients with PTSD--teaching and practice of permaculture, and important soil and water conservation techniques-history--and even a music program where participants learn to play, sing and perform American roots, folk and gospel songs--All with no paid staff-only dedicated volunteers
Mill Swamp Indian horses has been a joy in my life. I see children transformed from shy and withdrawn to conversational participants. More than just a "horse rescue", this is also a "people rescue". Finally, a place where children willingly work in a historic farm setting, help each other out, no judgement!, no bullying!!, it seems it isn't even a thought to be anything but kind and cooperative in this wonderful setting where "everyone has value". I learn invaluable lessons every time I come here.
PTSD veterans participate in a program here that boosts confidence and sends them back into the world with a smile, exuberant/or relaxed, joking. There are so many benefits to working with these large animals, and finding you have the stuff to connect with that life force.
I am honored to be a part of this program, and only wish I had more to give. Local equestrians with brushes, equipment, tack, gently used riding helmets, please donate.
Mill Swamp Indian Horses is a program of Gwaltney Frontier Farm, Incorporated, a 501 (c) 5 non profit breed conservation program. Located outside of Smithfield, Virginia, the program works to prevent the extinction of the Corolla Spanish Mustang, perhaps the oldest and rarest distinct genetic grouping of American horses. Other nearly extinct strains of the earliest horses of America are also preserved and promoted here, including the Marsh Tacky, Shackleford, Grand Canyon, Brislawn, Galiceño, and Choctaw, comprising one of the largest and most diverse herds of Colonial Spanish Horses in the world. From the desert southwest, eastward through Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, into the swamps of South Carolina and the sandy beaches of North Carolina--these were the horses that built America. Their ancestors arrived in the New World nearly one hundred years before the English set foot on Jamestown.
All of this is done against the back drop of a reconstructed mid-17th century setter's farm, with a working smokehouse, home, corn crib and tobacco barn. Wandering around the farm visitors will see examples of early colonial goats, chickens, and hogs. This setting places the horses in their historical context as the horse not only of the Spanish explorers and Native Americans, but also the horse of the early English settlers in the southeast.
We are an American Indian Horse Registry Hall of Fame farm and have been awarded the Keeper of The Flame Award by that registry.
www.millswampindianhorses.com