Barn Boots, Big Hearts, and Backyard Horses
While most of the town is still asleep, a few barn lights are already glowing in backyards across Canton, Massachusetts. Before the coffee brews, before the workday begins, me and my fellow backyard horse owners are already in the barn. Owning horses and having animals in my own backyard is incredibly rewarding and sometimes very challenging. There are early mornings, late-night barn checks in my pajamas, unexpected vet calls, fence repairs, weather worries, and hauling water buckets when the hose freezes. There’s constant learning, but there’s also peace, purpose, and the unmatched joy of walking out my back door to see and hear my horse waiting for me. There’s challenges, sure, but in every challenge there's opportunity to celebrate the small wins like a calm farrier visit, a healthy vet check, a quiet early morning ride just me and me horse.
Not all horse barns are big, but the heart behind them always is. Backyard horse ownership can sometimes feel isolated, but it doesn’t have to be. It started with a neighbor, Caitlyn, connecting a few local horse and farm animal owners. What began as casual conversations quickly grew into something much more, a powerful support group and resource for backyard animal owners in Canton. She created the link for all of us to be united by starting a Google Doc and then a group text chain where we can all feel free to reach out to each other. Before long we all started talking about hay, farriers, swapping tack, vet recommendations, adopting out barn cats and even helping each other out with horse care when needed.
We met up and enjoyed hot apple cider and fantastic cider donuts at Pakeen Farm, and we also gathered for coffee at a local bakery called The Alchemist in Canton. We laughed together, mourned together, learned about our town’s history and shared stories about those animals that we all love so much. This group turned into a network of neighbors, and now friends, who understand the unique challenges and rewards of backyard horse keeping. We have determination, heart, and a willingness to lend a hand when someone needs it. We may not all have big barns or training facilities, but as backyard horse owners, we know the deep joy and responsibility that comes with caring for our horses and animals right at home.
That’s how the Backyard Barn Girls (as I refer to us) began, just a group of women who love their horses and farm animals, care deeply about doing right by them, and want to support one another along the way. Together, we can pool our knowledge, experience, tools, and encouragement to make it easier and more fun for everyone.
What started as a few conversations has grown into something we’re incredibly proud of:
- Sharing practical tips and lessons learned
- Supporting each other through the hard days
- Celebrating milestones and progress
- Highlighting local resources and swapping tips
- Making recommendations for tack and supplements
- Joining up for trail rides
- Building real friendships rooted in our shared love of horses and animals
Our mission is to support, educate, and encourage backyard horse owners in Canton through shared knowledge, hands-on help, and genuine community. This group was created to support one another, share knowledge, offer encouragement, and remind each other that none of us has to figure it all out alone. Simply put neighbors helping neighbors care for horses at home. I for one am excited to see where this journey takes us.
Here’s to muddy boots, full hay lofts, healthy horses, and good friends who understand why we do this. Whether you’re new to backyard horse ownership or have years of experience, you’re welcome here! We’re neighbors. We’re horsewomen. We’re friends.
We’re the Backyard Barn Girls.