Fairhope Stables Keeps Riding Alive in Duluth

 
Rick and Valerie Adams are keeping equestrian traditions alive in Duluth. The Adamses have years of experience working with riders coming to Fairhope Stables off Bunten Road.
 
The Adamses discovered their Duluth training grounds 17 years ago when a mentor of Valerie's urged her to consider a farm owned by long-time residents Jim and Jeanine Gullett.
 
Living and working in Alabama at the time, they were seeking an opportunity to return to greater Atlanta, Valerie Adams explained.
 
"I wanted to come back to Marietta, but there was not a suitable location for a commercial stable available," she said. "When I learned about the stable in Duluth, the demographics were great, the barn was great, and the Gulletts were fabulous."
 
Gwinnett County proved to be an ideal location as the surging population growth of the 1990s brought with it families who could benefit from riding lessons. The Adamses board horses and use indoor and outdoor facilities to teach adults and children as young as 3 years.
 
Fairhope Stables consists of 56 acres leased from the Gulletts, who live across the street from the property. The Adamses also live in Duluth, not far from the location where they work together every day.
 
"I have loved horses all of my life, and so has Rick," Valerie Adams said. "We are in a unique situation in that we get to do professionally what we love. Not everybody enjoys that."
 
The Adamses offer youth summer camps and special therapy for challenged individuals. And the property is available for private parties or corporate functions and includes areas for musicians to perform.     
 
"It depends on your goals, but you can ride as often as your heart desires," she said. "We teach riding lessons to anybody that wants to learn for whatever reason they want to learn."
 
Some students are involved with weekly lessons while others come every other week or for refresher sessions. The Adamses also fill a specific need for riders  developing competition-level skills.
 
"If you are going to pursue it competitively, obviously there is a large degree of dedication and commitment just as there is with any sport," Valerie Adams said.
 
Fairhope Stables has produced a number of riders and horses competing successfully at the national level. A few students have even received riding scholarships to pursue their college education.