Remembering Wendy Comstock

by Mary Gallagher

Wendy Comstock and Nina

As many of you know, over the past 8 years, Freedom Farm has had a great friend in Wendy Comstock, owner of Wensleydale Farms in Yamhill, Oregon, where she bred beautiful, talented, well-minded horses. With her recent passing, I find myself reviewing a remarkable friendship and working partnership, as over those years she sent many colts and a few other special horses to me for training. So I thought I’d share an appreciation of this special friendship journey, and more than a few photos from along the way.

Observe, Observe, Observe! (2026) A working session with a 4-year old mare

by Mary Gallagher

I recently had an opportunity to video for students how I observe a horse in my ground work before I start a teaching session. A promising young mare had arrived at Freedom Farm in need of attention to her behavioral habits. I’ve been taking time here and there to get to know her better. The video captures 9 minutes or so of an early session with her, in which she revealed quite a bit about herself. 

Gratitude for the Little Things That Add Up

by Mary Gallagher

Trainee Lorenzo loves our training walks.

Once again I find that it is little, even unseen things that gift me with the most joy in life. Looking back on 2025, I am once again almost overwhelmed with Gratitude…

First, I give thanks to God for the grand and the meek and all the little wonders tucked in between. So much of what we enjoy about our life on the Farm is unseen—fresh air, well-fed soil that nourishes life, kindness between friends and strangers alike, the connected energy of horses for each other and their people. To me, it’s all an expression of Divine care, and I am profoundly grateful to be here with all of it, and all of you.