ABOUT US
Running
Horse Ranch is owned and managed by Linda Tharpe.
Linda has been actively involved with horses and horsemanship for over 3
decades. She has been raising and
riding horses and they are the love of her life.
Even as a small child and has been in love with horses.
She first started working with horses at the then "Tot's &
Teens" off of Victory Drive in Savannah.
In
1974, she moved to Ellabell, GA. There
she had a 1-acre "mini ranch" where she raised and took care of horses
and ponies for well over 2 decades. In
addition to taking care of her own horse, she also taught her two daughters
everything she knew about horses and how to ride. Under Linda's guidance, her two daughters excelled in barrel
racing in the 6 & 7 year old group pony class. Between her two daughters, they accumulated over 300 trophies
and ribbons. Linda also encouraged
her girls to enjoy horses by escorting them on trail rides and wagon trains.
In
1996, Linda met Alan and they began dating.
On February 14, 1997, Linda & Alan were married and together, the
"dream" of a horse and pony ranch and a place for "kids to have
fun" began.
In
March 1999, she and Alan bought the "Old McDonald Farm" in Hagan
(that's no joke folks, the farm was previously owned and worked for many
years by "Mr. Buddy McDonald.")
A 33 acre farm, there are three ponds, two large pastures and plenty of
room for their "children" (the horses) to run free. Linda said "I've always wanted a place large
enough where all of my horses can have babies and run free," thus the name
"Running Horse Ranch". At
the ranch, they have over 20 painted horses, ponies, Miniatures, .
and
the loving memory of "Miss Scarlet" her most beloved, treasured
and trusted companion.
Besides
her love for horses, Linda also has a love for children of all ages.
In August 1999, Linda purchased a pony carousel which she and Alan take
to community festivals, birthday parties, and family reunions.
What are her thoughts about the carousel?
Linda says, " a laughing and smiling child having fun is a precious
memory," it reminds her so much of her children when they were growing up.
The more joy and laughter she can bring to other children, the happier it makes
her feel.
In
addition to the horses and ponies on the ranch, Linda and Alan have the ranch
set up so children can come and see
close up various other types of animals. They
also have marked a nature-walking trail through the wooded areas on the ranch.
This is a painstakeningly slow process so that they do not disturb the
already present animal trails. "God
has blessed us with this beautiful piece of land," Linda says, "and we
feel we should let everyone who wants to come, visit and explore the ranch and
look on God's wonders."
As
you can see, we are trying to make Running Horse Ranch a place where children
and their parents can come and visit the entire day and have lots of fun while
learning about different type of animals, nature and the Land. In
closing, Linda and I both believe strongly in the family and the idea of
children having fun while learning and welcome all who wish to come and visit.
God
Bless & "Happy
Trails"
Linda
& Al Tharpe
Music playing on this
page is "Keeper of the Stars", sequenced by
an Unknown Author.
For Questions or comments contact
the Webmaster. (mailto:alinda97@bellsouth.net
)
Running Horse Ranch 
This
Site was created to let you know about Running Horse Ranch. If you would like to
know more or have comments about our web
site here at the Ranch.
