FAQ

• Why don’t you call your residence opportunities “board”?
We are a private family farm, not a public commercial facility. Occasionally, when we have space available, we invite horses owned by others to live here alongside our personal horses. Your monthly contribution simply helps cover your horse’s share of the farm’s expenses.

• What happens if my horse needs medical care?
You are responsible for the cost of any diagnostics, medications, or treatment beyond what's included in routine care. If your horse becomes ill, injured, or needs additional attention, we’ll contact you right away and follow your preferences for vet care.

• What if my horse has an emergency and I’m not available?
In an emergency, we’ll act quickly to ensure your horse is safe, stabilized, and seen by a vet, if needed. If we can't reach you right away, we'll use your Horse Care Agreement preferences as a guide for next steps. You’ll be asked to provide a maximum spending limit and emergency contact when you join us. We’ll always stay with your horse and do everything we can to keep you informed and supported through the situation.

• What kind of grooming or daily care does my horse receive?
All horses are wellness checked at least twice daily for injury or illness and given basic grooming when needed or when you won’t be out, including brushing, feet picked, fly spray, and plenty of attention.

• What’s the feeding and turnout schedule?
Our schedule is flexible, and we adjust based on the season, weather, and what’s best for the herd and its humans each day. Morning feeds usually happen between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., and evening chores vary depending on the time of year and weather conditions. Horses always have access to forage and clean water, both in pasture and in their stalls. If you ever have an appointment, lesson, or other commitment that requires your horse to be fed earlier or later than usual, let us know in advance.

• Can I feed my horse when I come out?
We’ll always handle regular daily meals so all horses stay in sync with the herd - but beyond that, you’re welcome to give your horse any treats or extra meals you’d like when you visit.

• How should I handle grain and supplements?
We ask that you pre-portion grain into labeled Ziploc bags. You can include any powdered or pelleted supplements. We’re happy to add liquid supplements when we prepare buckets. Most of our horses eat a “bucket meal” once a day in the morning, but we can add in an evening meal if your horse requires one.

• Can I bring in my own hay?

You’re welcome to bring supplemental hay for your personal use. Just make sure it’s stored in a hay bag labeled with your name so we can keep it in our hay shed. Let us know if you'd like us to use it for your horse or if it's just there for you to use during visits. 

• Can I bring in my own bedding?
We provide and manage all stall bedding to keep things consistent and support efficient ordering and barn management. If your horse has special needs, we're happy to chat, but we generally ask that horse owners not bring in their own bedding.

• Do I need to clean my horse’s stall?
Nope - we muck stalls and manage bedding as needed. We just ask that you clean up after your horse in shared spaces like the arena, wash rack, or grooming areas.

• Do you offer self-care or partial care options?
Currently, we only offer the horse residency setup outlined in our “What’s Included” section.

• Do you allow horses with shoes?

On a case-by-case basis. We do our best to keep all horses turned out safely, so if your horse has medical needs that require shoes, please let us know.

• Can I request a specific pasture buddy or turnout group?
Pasture groupings are determined by us based on each horse's temperament, history, and compatibility. Safety and herd harmony are always the priority, and groupings may change over time as the herd dynamics evolve. We do not guarantee specific pasture companions.

• Do you require insurance for horses?
We don’t require horses to be insured, but we understand that some owners feel more comfortable having a policy in place. Whether or not you choose to carry mortality or medical insurance is completely up to you. All horses at Cambria must have a current negative Coggins and up-to-date core vaccines to ensure the health and safety of the herd.

• Do you allow stallions?

Sorry, no stallions. 

• Can I come whenever I want?
Our farm is a small environment and it's always helpful to know who's coming and when so we can plan the day and our resources accordingly.  We use Slack farm-wide to make that quick and easy.

• Can I bring guests or use the property for small gatherings?
Your friends and family are welcome. Guests should follow farm rules, be respectful of the space, and remain with you during their visit. Guests should not come out without you and this includes trainers, with the exception of the approved trainer we use farm-wide.  All visitors must sign a waiver before entering or staying on the property; we’ll provide a link and a QR code in the barn aisle to make that simple. If you’re planning to bring a larger group, host a gathering, or use the property for something like photos or a group ride, we just ask that you check with us in advance to make sure it’s ok.

• Are kids allowed on the property?
Cambria is a family-run farm, and we welcome respectful horse-loving kids! We ask that children are always supervised by an adult for safety and that guests follow all posted barn rules. Children on horseback should always wear an ASTM/SEI-certified helmet.  Visiting children should never be in pastures with loose horses.

• Are there people we can ride with?
We’re a small, easygoing barn. You’ll occasionally cross paths with others riding, and from time to time we coordinate small group trail rides to Lake Park. There’s also an active neighborhood riding group that frequently trailers out.

• Can I bring in a trainer or riding instructor?
You’re welcome to work with the trainer of your choice. We just ask that any visiting professionals carry liability insurance and sign our liability waiver before working on the property.  If you’re not currently working with anyone, we also have a trainer who already comes to Cambria, and you’re welcome to see if she might be a good fit for you.  For safety and security, visiting trainers must be accompanied by the horse owner while on the property and are not given independent farm access.

• Can I bring my dog to the barn?
Well-behaved, fully vaccinated dogs are welcome at Cambria at the owner’s own risk. We just ask that they always stay under your supervision - for theirs and our horses’ safety. Dogs should never enter pastures with horses and should stay out of the arena when it’s in use. If your dog is disruptive or reactive, it may be best to leave them home. Please clean up after your dog (we have bags available) and use a leash when needed.

• Do you allow smoking or alcohol on the property?
We do not allow smoking or vaping of any kind. Alcohol? Absolutely. Bring us one, too! Cheers!

• Is there trailer parking?
We have uncovered space for one two-horse trailer, available to horse owners on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to bring a trailer, let us know so we can check availability and plan for its arrival. If the main spot is taken but on-site trailer parking is important to you, let us know.  We’d be happy to explore options and see if there’s anything we can do to accommodate.

• Do you have cameras on the property?
We have security cameras in key areas for safety and peace of mind.  We do not share live feeds to protect the privacy of neighbors, horse owners, and their guests.

• Who takes care of the property?
The owners and managers of Cambria Stables handle all property maintenance, repairs, improvements, and daily farm chores. We prefer to handle these tasks ourselves or via an approved and trusted representative. We just ask that horse owners and their guests use spaces respectfully - keep shared areas like the wash rack, grooming areas, arena, and tack lounge clean and tidy and treat communally provided items with care. 

• Do you live on-site?

We don’t live on the property, but we’re close by and on-site daily. Horses are checked regularly throughout the day, and we’re always just a call or text away. We also have wonderful, helpful neighbors on all sides, and there's a strong sense of community and watchfulness that adds another layer of care. Between our hands-on routines and the supportive local network, you can feel confident your horse is never out of sight or mind.

• When is payment due, and how do I pay?
Your monthly contribution toward your horse’s share of the farm’s expenses is due on the 1st of each month. Payment can be made via cash, check, PayPal Friends & Family, Venmo Friends & Family (preferred), or Zelle.

• What if I’m moving in mid-month?
We are happy to prorate your first month’s contribution based on the day your horse arrives.

• Does the farm get wet during the summer?

Yes.  There is a lake behind our property, and our water table is high.  During the 2-3 weeks of daily downpours in the late summer, our farm will be wet, muddy, and will accumulate water.  We are always working to improve elevation, grading, drainage, and footing, but luckily, even when lower lying areas are flooded, there is still plenty of high and dry pasture for horses to enjoy when turned out and flooding never reaches our stalls.

• Does the farm have mosquitos in the summer?

Yes. During this time, we apply a specific mosquito spray to horses every night during the summer to provide them comfort.  Our water troughs have solar powered aerators to keep their water constantly moving and deter mosquitos and other insects from laying eggs in their water.

• What happens during a hurricane or tropical storm?
We monitor storms closely and evaluate each one individually - considering the track, timing, and projected intensity. Our goal is for the horses to remain on property, but we’ll evacuate if a particular storm makes that the safer option. If we stay, all horses who remain on-site are emergency tagged. We stock up on all supplies in advance and we have a generator capable of running the well in the event of a power outage.  In the event a strong storm is headed our way, we ask that horse owners provide an ample backup supply of their horse’s grain, supplements, or medications to ensure consistency of care. You’ll receive timely updates, and we’ll work with each horse owner to make the best possible plan for their horse.

The name Cambria is the classical name for Wales, a country known for its lush green hills, deep-rooted myths, and quiet, mystical beauty.

Both Samantha and her husband, Michael, have Welsh roots. Samantha’s maternal great-grandparents were born in Wales, and Michael’s family name, Snowden, traces back to Yr Wyddfa, or Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in the country. Their shared ancestry is steeped in a love for magical landscapes and meaningful connection.

Though the farm is tucked away in the heart of Lutz, FL, there’s something about it that feels worlds away. Cambria is a tribute to green spaces, thoughtful care, and the kind of wonder only horses and nature can provide, with a name inspired by the magic of Wales.