Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Foster-Beck.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began riding horses as a young child and started showing horses at the age of eleven. I knew that horses would play a major role in my life, however, I never dreamed I would own and manage a large training operation. My business started in the midst of a financial downward trend in 2006 just after my second son was born. I had only the desire to teach a few lessons; mainly to just keep busy! Within a few months, my program had grown from a single student into a robust lesson program, teaching about 60 lessons a week. By 2008, I realized I would need some help with the lessons and training and hired an assistant, Stephanie McKinsey. Fast forward 12 years and Stephanie is still with me as a head trainer and my business is thriving in a lovely facility in Wylie, Texas. (Former home to the Equest therapeutic riding center now located at the Texas Horse Park.)
Our barn is located on 43 rolling acres on Lake Ray Hubbard and includes 40 stalls, indoor and outdoor arenas, and climate controlled lounge and tack rooms.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It was not always a smooth road as horses and the facilities we rented were not always able to meet our needs. One such instance was when we were renting a quaint place in Heath and the owner of the facility was killed in an automobile accident. Aside from the shock and grief of her untimely death, the reality that the barn would be sold and eventually torn down meant we had to find a new home. My business outgrew most of the facilities that we shared with other trainers. We now have 40 horses on the property, mostly show horses and retired show horses. We have also struggled with varying costs of running a horse farm – it is expensive to do the right way!
Please tell us about Foster Farm.
Foster Farm was established in 2006 as a riding lesson stable specializing in training riders of all levels. We specialize in amateur friendly horses and have a large young riders program. We compete at local shows and also have trained World and National champion horses. Some of my proudest accomplishments include being named Chapter Horse Person of the Year in 2014 and 2017 by the United Professional Horseman’s Association (UPHA). I also trained the horse and rider of the UPHA’s Exceptional Challenge Cup National Champion for three years – winning unanimously all three years. I think what sets me apart from other trainers is an attention to detail that can easily be overlooked. I make every attempt to make sure every horse and every rider get the attention needed to make them the best possible team they can be. I cannot take all of the credit, however. I have an excellent team including my vet, Dr. Matt Lampe, and my top notch farrier, Joe Bradshaw.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would buy a property and not rent. The property values in the metroplex have grown dramatically and bought a farm is nearly out of reach. The safest bet that would’ve allowed my growth to be less disruptive would have been to own my facility a lot sooner. I would also set aside lots of time for me – running a business and a household is a big undertaking and some “me time” would’ve made for a more pleasant journey.
Pricing:
- Riding Lessons $65 each
- Show Horse Training $700
- Show Horse Boarding $700
Contact Info:
- Address: 3800 Troy Road
Wylie, Texas 75098 - Website: FosterFarmTX.com
- Phone: 9724008795
- Email: nfoster92@aol.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fosterfarmsouth/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/FosterFarmSouth/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/qTKq/hq3c3RgQQR
Image Credit:
Howard Schatzberg photo (horse and carriage photo)
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