BEYOND THE FIELD
Whilst the Horseplay sessions are a huge focus on the farm and in my life, there are other aspects to Old Kilgobbin.
old Kilgobbin farm cottages
We have 3 self catering cottages available for farm stays. Gobbins cottage, a comfy 4-6 sleeper, the Coop, a quaint 2 sleeper bedsitter and the Cairn, a spacious 6 sleeper barn, which is also our functions venue. We feel privileged to own this mist belt forest and grasslands and love to share it with like-minded people. Please go to the Old Kilgobbin website for booking enquiries
regenerative farming
“Regenerative Farming” describes farming and grazing practices that, among other benefits, reverse climate change by rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded soil biodiversity – resulting in both carbon drawdown and improving the water cycle..
We have always tried to avoid harmful chemicals and farm with an ecological awareness, and slowly we have started to implement regenerative farming principles into our practices, such as creating huge compost heaps, rotational grazing , cover crops and no till planting, organic fertilisers and over sowing kikuyu pastures with 4-6 crops to bring diversity into our horses and cows diets. Rehabilitating the grasslands is a priority and protecting our water table and the springs is all part of the program. If you are curious about the concept click on the link below to watch a fantastic story of one farmer's change of practice has changed more than just his farm
farmlife expressed in paint
In 2019, after many years of not doing any art, I did a course called Find Your Joy (FYJ) by Louise Fletcher. She taught us to paint what meant something to us, what brought us joy, the feelings something evoked in us. My day jobs consist of managing the health and wellbeing of the Horseplay herd, and these horses, besides being daily companions, became the inspiration for much of what I draw and paint. Their ability to hold space in a calm, thoughtful manner, whilst protecting their personal space is always an incredible example of a life well lived.
The beautiful surrounds , the forest, the grasslands and the people that I share this space with me all inspire me and have shown up in the paintings. If you would like to see more, please click on the link below to go to my art website