Paul & Kerry Fleenor

Owners

Paul and I have always shared a dream to love big. We have been married for two decades and have multiple children. Our family is not a “typical” family. We are a blended family and have been blessed with the opportunity to have adopted Matthew and Emily who are medically fragile and have special needs. A few years ago we started looking for some land because we knew that some of our children would need to live with us forever. We found this beautiful property here in Maiden on 33 acres. It immediately felt like home. Two years later we had an opportunity to purchase this horse barn that sits on 18 acres that has been established for more than 40 years. We prayed about it and felt like this is what God called us to do. Our long term dream and goal is to turn the barn into a non profit organization that will minister to foster children and their families, special needs children, & veterans.

Right now we are offering a safe place for horses to board and for anyone that would like to begin their horsemanship journey.

We pray that the barn will bring you happiness, fun and peace as it has done for our family.

Blessing,

Paul & Kerry Fleenor

Rachel Harris Owner/CEO Equine Connections

equine-connections-inc.com

Hi, I am Rachel! I am originally from Rancho Cucamonga, CA, but I called NC home since 2005. My love for animals started when I was young, volunteering at animal clinics and working with programs that used horses to help children with special needs. After graduating, I pursued a career as a veterinary technician. I’ve also been deeply involved in wildlife rehabilitation, caring for animals and helping them return to the wild after recovering from injuries.

Over the years, I’ve developed a strong connection with horses and have dedicated myself to learning the Natural Horsemanship approach to training. I am also certified in Natural Lifemanship for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, which allows me to support healing with both horses and humans through meaningful connections. In addiction to the therapeutic work, I also provide riding lessons as part of our program, helping clients develop confidence and skill while building relationships with horses.

At Equine Connections, I oversee the care, exercise, and safety of all our animals. My goal is to create the best possible environment for our clients and animals, enhancing the therapeutic and practical benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy and riding.

When I am not at work, I love spending time outdoors with my husband, our three daughters, and of course, our fur babies.