About Vanessa

Vanessa Evans first visited a horse farm in 2001, invited by a fellow freshman at her high school. While a group of kids attended, Vanessa was the one who kept returning. This led to a work-for-lessons agreement, and soon she was riding for the farm at weekly gymkhanas. Her dedication opened up opportunities, including a position at her first stable working with the town camp, assisting in a local college’s introductory equine course, and eventually becoming a trail boss.

During this time, Vanessa welcomed her first forever equine partner, Pocos Dark Echo, a dapple grey Appaloosa mare. Seeking new experiences, she moved to a different stable. Even when she went away to college, Vanessa always found her way back to the trails. It was during this period that she entered the world of Western Pleasure showing, participating in both small local and rated shows.

Clay & Vanessa

After college, Vanessa returned to her hometown and met Clay Maloney at J&M. Her integration into the business marked a significant shift, transitioning the stable from rough to full board.

Over the years, the business expanded its services, became an LLC, obtained licensing, added licensed English and western instructors, and purchased lesson horses.

Vanessa and Clay also expanded their fur family, acquiring Clay’s first horse, Jax, and adopted two boys, brothers Wyitt and Jacob.

As their family grew, Vanessa left her corporate job to work in special education. Once the stables underwent construction, she transitioned to a full-time farmer, taking the lead on stable operations and harvesting hay from their fields.

Her background in western trail riding, gymkhana, and western pleasure broadened as her love for horses deepened. She believes in finding what each horse enjoys, which has led her to explore various disciplines, from games and ranch to hunt and saddle seat.

During COVID, Vanessa also became a state-approved provider for life enrichment for individuals with special needs, welcoming people of all abilities and experience levels.