Knowing Your Neighbor: Town Line Farms and Stable

CLOQUET, Minn. — Growing up, you can get into all kinds of sports. Hockey, basketball, and baseball.

But what about horseback riding? This ranch is dedicated to spreading the love of all things equine to the area.

“They learn to move in and around a horse safely. We have lower keyed camp horses that are very gentle,” said Town Line Farms and Stable owner Jill Dryke.

Town Line Farms and Stable in Cloquet is enthusiastic about teaching folks about everything horse related to all groups. They host different camps that caters to people of all ages, both starting out in the hobby, and getting refreshed on horse care.

“They’re learning all about beginning introductory things for horses. Safety, brushing grooming. Getting them acclimated to the horse industry and world,” said Dryke.

The farm started in 1996 when owner Jill Dryke wanted more horsemanship for the area. She purchased what used to be a dairy farm and decided to give it a makeover.

“We have six camps every summer. And we started those 20 years ago when I lived up by Island Lake. And then I found this property, 20 years ago and I wanted to carry on the tradition. It’s a good community,” said Dryke.

The camps and other programs bring back people year after year, eager for more horse experience. Dryke says anyone can get involved in the sport.

“We have many levels. Our youngest student is 3, our eldest is 75,” said Dryke.

For the repeat students, they can get even more involved as the years go on.

“When the kids get older, like 13, we hire them to be the leaders and the counselors. It tickles my heart, it really does. Because we’re reaching out to the children. We have a passion for it,” said Dryke with a smile.

The passion for horses is felt by everyone at the farm.

“The first day they’re kind of shy. But by the end of the day, they’re telling mom and dad, ‘We want to live here, don’t take us home!’ and we have a hard time shooing them off the farm!” laughed Dryke.

“Well, I was really nervous, and now that I know it’s actually really fun. It’s really fun to be around the horses and the people,” said Sawyer Roberg, one of the pony campers.