About the Farm
Flatwoods Farm is a small, family-orientated and private facility in Grant, FL. We are a licensed and insured animal care facility, offering full board and horseback riding lessons. We are located on 6.5 acres with immediate access to 2,500 acres of trails, and just a short drive to the Sebastian River State Preserve and one of the few beaches in Florida that allows horseback riding. Flatwoods Farm is a nature lover's paradise. The family-feel, immediate trail access, and exquisite native flora and fauna make Flatwoods Farm one of the most unique boarding facilities in Brevard County. We have the amenities for those who love to train and compete, but we also cater to those who live for a leisurely hack on the trails.
Flatwoods Farm is located in the pine flatwoods and Florida scrub ecosystems. We are not far from the Indian River Lagoon. Some wildlife that can be seen on our property and local trails include but are not limited to: white tailed deer, red tailed hawks, osprey, bald eagles, scrub jays, sandhill cranes, herons and storks, gopher tortoises, box turtles, bobcats, coyotes, snakes, pigs and more! Some species are rare to see in the wild and some are endemic to Central Florida (meaning this is the only place you will see them!).
About the Owner
My name is Jackie. I was born and raised in Palm Bay, FL. I grew up volunteering for a horse rescue throughout middle and high school, and riding the local trails. Upon graduating high school in 2011, I was gifted my dream horse (rescue) Spirit. I was fortunate enough to take him to college with me. I attended the University of Central Florida where I studied Biology and competed on the school's equestrian team. While in school I worked as a horseback riding instructor in Orlando, teaching beginner and intermediate lessons to both children and adults. I taught both English and Western basics, but most of my riding experience is Western including horsemanship, reining, trail, pleasure, and speed events. Upon graduating in 2015, I moved back home to Palm Bay and worked for Brevard County as a Park Ranger, and later as an Inspector for Mosquito Control. I now work for Spalding Laboratories, a leader of biological fly control in the agricultural industry. I started Flatwoods Farm in 2018 to continue my passion for horses, nature, and teaching; and to finally have my heart horse, Spirit, at home. In 2023 I decided to further my education by becoming a certified Equine First-Aid Instructor, and expanded my business to include Equine First Aid classes. JLO Equine Services, LLC includes both Flatwoods Farm and Equine Health Academy.
