Horse Haven in Lipa

For none horse lovers, I’m not sure if the excitement will equally be the same as for those horse-crazed people such as me, or the likes. Many kids, if not all, sight of the playground or play area excites them to the point they don’t know what to play first. It’s a place where kids look forward to! For me, it’s the same feeling every time I go to a stable. I don’t necessarily have to ride a horse but the stables, being around horses, sight and smell of a tack room, etc… is really my happy place.

This weekend, V texted me as early as 5am inviting me and the boys to go to Lipa with her. Toni was going to ride her horse, who’s currently “vacationing” at the farm. From the pictures I’ve seen and posts I’ve read on the internet, I’ve wanted to see the place. I even sent a note to the email address on the website if it was open to the public. I’m so bibo. There used to be a restaurant there but I don’t think it’s operational anymore. Anyway, I wanted to go but Matt had an appointment with the DFA for his passport application and we’d finish by noon and the plan was to leave for Lipa at 9am.

Good thing it wasn’t too late since they were still on the road so we were able to follow. We normally plan and prepare for out of town trips. Imagine how unprepared we were for the out of town and didn’t set expectations with Matt. He whined about the long drive.

When we got there, there were two gates and we ended up entering the wrong one. Nevertheless, whichever entrance you take, it was breathless. The place is amazing! As soon as you enter, you’re welcomed by tall trees (mahogany, I assume), thick green grass, huge paddock where the horses were grazing. That was heaven right there! We walked a bit looking for everyone and found them on top of a modernized kubo or tree house. It overlooks the bullring where the lessons are being held.

Paddocks and outside stables...


The main house, library,  greenhouse and indoor stables...

I was too caught up admiring everything and didn’t mind that we weren’t introduced to the owner, Toni, yet. They were in the middle of a serious conversation. Meeting her for the first time was interesting. You’d instantly feel that you’re in the presence of a very strong, tough and accomplished woman. All of a sudden I felt insecure and didn’t feel worthy of being surrounded by these ladies (V and Toni) and felt like an equestrienne wannabe. V hates it when I refer to myself as a wannabe and should proudly acknowledge that I’m a rider, an equestrienne. Okay, perhaps a rider but not yet an equestrienne. I still have a lot to learn, a long way to go.

My smile was so stiff. Hehehe!

The article I read about the farm was true to its word that the owner really splurged on creating the equestrian farm. It was definitely an opportunity and to be toured around was a treat. Absolutely beautiful! To meet little V, Marcel Violet, was also special. She's going to be just as horse-crazed as we are :o)


Indoor stables