Spotlight: Fairwinds Farm & Stables

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Fairwinds Farm & Stables

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Staff Writer

Fairwinds Farm & Stables is a working horse farm owned and operated by JoAnn and Ted Dawson. Located in the heart of Maryland horse country, it features something for everyone. Fairwinds Farm & Stables off ers the best in overnight horse boarding for equine travelers including room to stretch on 52 aces of fenced pastures and paddocks, indoor and outdoor riding rings with jumps, and a cross country course— perfect for keeping everyone in shape while traveling.

Travelers can relax in country comfort at the Dawson family’s restored Victorian bed and breakfast. They can enjoy the farm, ride one of the trails, fi sh in the pond, or just relax.

“We’ll help make your stay refreshing and memorable,” JoAnn Dawson said.

For those who would like to extend their stay, this is the perfect place to have a relaxing, riding holiday.

In addition to overnight horse boarding, Fairwind Farm & Stables also off ers birthday parties, horse shows, pony rides, horse-drawn carriages, summer camp, hay rides, trail rides, tea parties, weddings, corporate retreats, special events and a gift shop.

At Fairwinds Farm & Stables, the focus is primarily on English riding, which includes hunter/jumper and dressage lessons for riders ages 8 and up, beginners through advanced. Western lessons are also available. Quiet, welltrained horses of many breeds are available for lessons, trail rides and day camp.

“As a Horse Discovery Center, we are very open and welcoming to the public, to anyone who wants to learn about horses as well as ride them,” JoAnn Dawson said. “All ages can come and watch a lesson, see how we operate, or just visit or groom the horses. In addition to lessons, we welcome kids for pony rides and families for carriage rides.”

In 2019, Fairwinds Farm served as one of the locations for the DBM Film production, “Hope’s Legacy,” featuring Dyan Cannon.

After the success of the fi lm, JoAnn Dawson was inspired to submit her own script to DBM Films. Her story “Cream of the Crop” is centered around eff orts to preserve family farmland for future generations. The fi lm was shot at eight locations in Cecil County in the summer of 2021, with a release date set for some time in 2022.

Fairwinds Farm and Stables has been named Cecil County Outstanding Farm Operation, Tourism Business of the Year, and is in the Cecil County Business Hall of Fame. For more information visit the website at www.fairwindsstables.com. Information on the fi lm can be found at www.creamofthecropfi lm.com or joanndawson.com.