November 18, 192008 at 16:54:11
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About Us - Jean & Dale Flagler / North Star Farm
Jean & Dale started North Star Farm shortly after they were married in 1989. It was formally established as a business in 1994. Jean has over 43 years equine experience having been around horses since her early teens. Since she could not have a horse of her own at home in Silver Creek, NY, she rode her bicycle over 10 miles to get to a horse farm where she could pursue her dream of being around horses - even if they belonged to other people. She spent two years working with racing standardbreds and her own trotter. She spent many years showing paints, quarterhorses and appaloosas at local shows in western New York in both English and western riding disciplines. Although her work career involved telecommunications (Jean retired from NYNEX/Bell Atlantic in 1997) she always managed to have a horse or two around, as well as a dream to become an established horse trainer. In 1998 she completed the Richard Shrake Resistance Free(tm) trainer/instructor certification course after apprentice training in Lansing, MI, Morrisville, NY, Ocala, FL and Sunriver, OR with Mr. Shrake. Jean also conducted a two day clinic with Mr. Shrake at North Star Farm in 2002. She is a certified member of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Professional Horseman program. She completed Certified Horseman's Association (C.H.A.) instructor certification at Houghton College, NY. Jean has also completed equine management and equine behavior courses at Cornell University. She serves as an on-site and off-site instructor to Medaille College students enrolled in the vet tech program here in western New York. In addition to giving riding lessons six days a week, Jean has conducted equine clinics at the Erie County Fairgrounds and at North Star Farm. She has helped hundreds of people of all ages overcome many problems and acquire the skills that they needed to ride their horse with confidence. Jean enjoys helping and teaching all types of people with any discipline or breed of horse. She has studied and developed knowledge that enables her to cover a wide range of training and instructing both beginning riders and fine tuning more experienced riders. Jean is a founder and current president of the Lake Erie Paint Horse Club, a regional club sanctioned by the American Paint Horse Association. She is also a 4-H Club organizational leader and is a trainer with EPIC (Every Person Influences Children). Dale's horse career started when he married Jean. Jean bought him his first horse, Duke, a grade quarterhorse, at an auction. Duke and Dale journeyed on many trail rides together - every one a learning experience. Dale accompanied Jean on all her Richard Shrake Resistance Free(tm) training sessions across the country. He has also completed equine management and equine behavior courses at Cornell University, business administration courses at Niagara University, Niagara County Community College and Small Business Administration workshops conducted at Medaille College. Since retiring as a manager at Bell Atlantic in 1998, Dale has worked full time at North Star Farm, focusing on the business and farm management aspects. Dale serves on the New York State Farm Bureau equine committee (at the state level) and is a former director with the Lake Erie Paint Horse Club. He is also a 4-H project leader and a coordinator/trainer for EPIC. A Vietnam veteran, Dale remains very active in the U.S. Army Reserve with over 42 years continuous service. He recently returned from over six years of active duty with the Department of the Army Staff, Washington, DC, supporting Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Homeland Security. Jean & Dale have six children with two still residing at home on the farm. They also have seven grandchildren. They have also hosted an AFS student from France during school year 2006-2007. Bonjour Lou! North Star Farm hosts the Woofers & Hoofers 4-H Club in Cattaraugus County, NY. As the name would suggest, it is a club for children and teens interested in learning more about horses and dogs. Jean & Dale hold memberships in the American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, American Pinto Association, American Morgan Horse Association, Lake Erie Paint Horse Club, Empire State Paint Horse Club, Western New York Quarter Horse Club, U.S. Cavalry Association, and Cattaraugus County chapter of the New York State Farm Bureau. "Although many people and businesses have assisted us through the years, we would like to acknowledge the special relationship that we have with Jack & Mary Jo Peacock of the Stagecoach West western store in Irving, NY, Clyde's Feeds & Hardware in Hamburg, NY, our Purina Mills dealer and Wayne Neudeck of Morton Buildings Inc, Warsaw, NY. Their support encouraged us when we needed it most. The equine and farm products that they sell are of the highest quality and consistent with our own values at North Star Farm" ................ Dale & Jean Flagler |