This is in responce to Holli C., because her review honestly makes no sense to me and I can't see why someone would write such horrible things about this wonderful place. I moved my gelding, Al, to Welbourne about 2 years ago. He had been getting thinner and thinner and I honestly didn't think he was going to live much longer. I wanted to place him somewhere he could just be a horse and have a good last year or two. Winter came and went and he didn't seem to be getting any better and honestly I was planning to help him across the rainbow bridge if he didn't improve soon. But he did improve! He was happy and the most energetic I had seen him in years. He was acting like a two year old again. So I decided to see how we would do over one more winter. And guess what? He is now the fattest, happiest, and most relaxed I have ever seen him. The horse I thought I was going to loose is thriving at Welbourne. So please if you're considering this place don't listen to Holli's review, these guys saved my horse. And Al isn't just any horse, he's my first horse, my once in a lifetime horse, and he's only a few months older than me and I was so torn up about loosing him. But thanks to the love and care they give these horses at Welbourne he's still here and he's happy. But this is better and gives me even more confidence in this place, I go out more than once a month and I've seen Josh push through 3ft of snow to get to and care for an injured horse. You don't see that at boarding barns, no matter how much they say they care. These people are truly wonderful and love every horse on the property. Besides Al I have a sweet 9 year old mare who was horribly bullied at her last barn by her herd mates and she lost so much weight she dropped down to a 3. Because of this, and because of how Al is doing, I decided to move her to Welbourne where I know they're keeping an eye on the horses and I trusted she would get better. And she's already gaining weight after 2 weeks! It took me a month and a half to put any weight on her at her last barn. Josh and his father are wonderful people and it really saddens me that someone, who didn't even go to check on her horse in a year, would write such horrible things about them. I also happen to work 10min away from Welbourne in Middleburg and I have heard only respect for them. And all of the people I've met who work for them have been kind, good people. I met one today and he was so sweet and sociable and just nice. So again, I don't understand Holli's review. Hopefully this review doesn't get put into the non-recomended section because I really want people to see this next bit. If you are thinking of boarding at Welbourne and want to hear a first hand account of a 2 year, 2 horse boarder there who goes to see her horses regularly, please email me at ebible15@gmail.com or call/text me at (509) 774-8620 This place has taken such amazing care of my horses and I can't thank them enough for bringing back Al, again he's my heart horse and I thought I was going to loose him. This place is truly wonderful. read more

I write this review, both as a rebuttal and to give a firsthand account of my horse's care! Holly C. - you're SORELY mistaken about what you've written against the Morison's and Welbourne! My horse turned 20 years old this year and has been at Welbourne for over 2 years. Nat, Josh, Sherry & Amanda are VERY much hands-on when it comes to the care of the horses. I go visit a couple or few times a year with notice given no more than a week or two. My horse had a rough winter in 2016 into 2017 and I was informed immediately of his behaviour. They told me what they were doing (supplementing him with grain) and they had already been given hay. They called the horse dentist (he gets sharp hooks in his mouth which affect his chewing). By no means is my horse an alpha - he has, is and will always be at the bottom of the social structure. I visited him this past April 2017 and was exceedingly happy with his physical appearance. He looked fine and was completely normal. He has his 5 or 6 pals on Violet Hill. I've NEVER once EVER worried about his well-being while at Welbourne. Unlike barns I had him at in his younger years - people who wouldn't put a tub of water in a small pasture because it wasn't aesthetically pleasing...but would rather place a small bucket on the fence line so he'd knock it over instead...BRILLIANT! I've received photos of my horse randomly and appreciate the updates I get from them. I'm in contact with the Morisons regularly and enjoy visiting and sharing a bond that we now have - love for the horses. I'm very grateful to the former barn owner that recommended Welbourne! I couldn't have asked for anything more for my old pal. I might add that I never even visited Welbourne before retiring my horse there. It was the perfect place for him...unlike the, so-called "retirement" facilities in NJ - they go out of business and leave you hi & dry. For those thinking of retiring at Welbourne - DO NOT let Holly C.'s undeserved review deter you from becoming a part of a wonderful, wonderful place. Nothing but the best to the Morisons and Welbourne - thank you for your all your hard work, care and compassion! See you soon! Kind regards, Kelly & Doug Eiel Glen Gardner, NJ read more

After a long and successful career as an equitation horse, my Dutch Warmblood deserved the very best when it came time for him to retire in the fall of 2014. I chose Welbourne Farm after completing an exhaustive study of retirement facilities nationwide. Josh was terrific about answering my many questions and at my request, happy to connect me with both current and past clients. After several conversations with these contacts, I was confident in my choice of Welbourne Farm for Ulysses. In the first weeks after Ulysses' arrival, Josh sent me frequent updates on Ulysses' adjustment (it took a while for him to find his perfect herd of twelve) as well as pictures which helped me enormously in my own adjustment to "Empty-stall," syndrome. I have appreciated Josh's texts and pics through the ensuing months, which continue to assure me of Ulysses' well-being. And Nat. Where in today's world does one receive a monthly handwritten thank you note for board? In March of this year, I had the great pleasure of meeting Josh and Nat and of staying at Welbourne B & B. Josh and Nat could not have been more gracious. (Our fire-side drinks & conversation in the sitting room later in the evening were a special highlight.) Despite the torrential rain, Josh insisted there was still time to see Ulysses. We jumped in the pick-up and over hill & dale, came upon his herd grazing in a wet but beautiful tree-lined meadow. It was wonderful, albeit bittersweet, to see Ulysses again. He was clearly thriving, and was exactly where he belonged. If you're looking for a retirement farm where your horse will be responsibly and lovingly cared-for, where 24/7 "turn-out," consists of 500+ pristine acres of rolling hills, woods and pastures and where a horse can, perhaps for the first time, truly be a horse ~ then you can find no better place than Welbourne Farm. read more

Although South Florida is a place of choice for a person to retire, it is not exactly the same for our equine friends. Nearly year round high temperatures and humidity leaves a horse with too much time in a stall and limited exercise. We realized early on that we needed to find a better solution. In 1995, we discovered Welbourne Farm in Middleburg, Virginia. This farm is a beautiful, expansive property with rolling hills, lush grass and fresh running water_ a perfect and natural habitat for horses. We sent our first two horses to Nat Morison that year. He was then and has continued to be a stellar individual. He has nothing but care and concern for horse and human alike. We have sent all our retirees to Welbourne since. Nat's son Josh joined the team in 2001 and what a delightful addition he is! Nat was always super with communication in the traditional way, but Josh is even better as he texts, emails, etc... Nat's a little "old school." LOL That said... I will say in 22 years, I have always been kept informed of our horses' health and well being. I have never had a question unanswered or an issue unattended. What started with polaroid photos delivered via USPS and phone calls on a ground line, now comes by way of frequent texts, emails and cell calls. In any case, everything has ALWAYS been covered in the most thoughtful manner. Additionally, the family offers and encourages visits to your horse, their farm and their home. Our horses have thrived at Welbourne for decades_ some of which are or have lived into their thirties! I most highly recommend this farm and family for your equine partner when it's time for him to kick back, relax and enjoy life after his faithful service! Barn Manager The Country Club Stables Boynton Beach, FL read more

Retired my beloved Molly to Welbourne about three years ago. We visited the farm - without advanced notice - when we were looking for a retirement farm, We were so impressed by the health of the horses, Josh and Nat, and the lovely pastures and streams that we knew this was the place. Josh and Nat knew each horse by name, age ( many over 30), and circumstance, and the horses obviously knew and trusted them. We visit Molly a few times a year. On our second visit, she was so chubby, I was afraid she was with foal. But, no, it was just the Virginia pasture. She is still one tubby mare. Molly has front suspensory ligament issues. Josh, Nat and Shawn, the farrier, see to it that her hooves are kept in trim. We get regular pictures of Molly getting a "pedi." Another horse from our barn retired there in the fall. He was a bit skinny (thoroughbred and hard keeper) when he arrived. Josh and Nat kept him wrapped up in a blanket for the entire winter. He had filled out nicely by our last visit. If you're thinking about retiring your horse, go visit Welbourne. It's about as close to horse heaven as you can get on earth. read more

My thoroughbred mare retired at Welbourne farm in 2007. It is heaven on earth for her...and my family and dogs...when we visit. Set in a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, horses who are retired on this magnificent, historic farm freely roam, literally returning to their natural state. They enjoy grass all day/night, sip cool water from the many streams that are on the property, and gather together in herds the way they are intended to exist for a stress free life. Many of the horses who retire to Welbourne Farm live to the age of 40 years...a testament to the natural environment and life they now enjoy. Nat and his son Josh are attentive to the horses, driving the property in their trucks at least twice a day to check on everyone. They know each horse by name and the herd they belong to! Nat sends regular updates about my mare, often with photos, to keep me in touch with her while I am home in Connecticut. I hope to bring my next horse to Welbourne, too. An amazing place!! read more

Based on a recommendation from a neighbor who had previously retired two horses at Welbourne Farm, I moved my 24 year old mare there two years ago after her best friend at my barn passed away. I could not be happier about the care she receives from Josh and Nat Morison. Whenever I have a question, I can text, call or email Josh and he responds almost immediately. Whenever I want to visit, I just show up with no notice. Josh drops what he is doing and tracks her down for me. She seems so happy there hanging out in a group of other horses. This is truly a horse paradise and I don't feel that I could ever take her away from her friends at Welbourne and the care she receives from Josh and Nat. In addition to emails and texts from Josh, I receive personal hand written post cards from Nat letting me know how Desi is doing at the farm. Thankfully there are places like Welbourne Farm and people like Josh and Nat who care so much about horses. read more

I have had four horses at Welbourne Farm over the past 10 years. Two of the horses have passed. One was 26, the other was 18. On both occasions, the Morisons called me to let me know my horses weren't doing well so I could come and access the situation myself. Also in both cases, a vet had been called to the farm to discuss with me the situation. Both horses were euthanized while I laid in the field with them. Josh was always a stone's throw away if I needed him but he allowed me the time I needed to say good bye to my old friends. I visit my remaining horses once a month and am amazed at how well the Morisons know the horses they care for. They know their habits, groups, illnesses, injuries and most importantly their personalities. The horses at Welbourne live a natural life with all the grass and water they want and for that and the great care my horses and I have received, I am eternally grateful. read more

My horse, a registered AQHA mare in her 20s, has been living at Welbourne Farm for almost 2 years. We retired her there after my other horse died, and we knew Friday couldn't live at home without a companion. Friday is very happy at the farm, and we are happy with her treatment. She has horse friends there, a small herd she spends her time with. She thrives on the grass and the feed which supplements it. My niece, an adult who has ridden and lived with horses all her life, visits Friday frequently. Her comments about our horse's well-being are always positive. I've always had worldclass AQHA show horses in addition to my backyard trail horses. I would NEVER leave any horse of mine at a facility where he or she wasn't well taken care of. By the way, read the reviews below that aren't recommended. They are not recommended because the writers are new to Yelp. read more

I retired my 18 year old mare Darby at Welbourne 2 years ago and visited her for 4 days just last month. She was an FEI level dressage horse who never lived out before. Her adjustment has been amazing. The owners know every horse and every horse's history. They count and check on them twice a day. They send monthly post cards with a little bit of information about my horse.There are now 97 horses grazing on 800 acres of land. They are living in herds that they choose. My mare is in a small group of 7. I looked at every horse while trying to find my mare, a bay with not a drop of white, and except for 2 clearly ancient and happy animals, every horse I saw was in good flesh. The old guys looked fine too for their extreme age. I cannot recommend this place enough, and what a wonderful place to spend a few days of vacation in horse heaven. read more

Welbourne Farm is paradise for retired horses! My horse, a thoroughbred gelding, lived happily until the age of 29 at Welbourne Farm for 7 years. Bud was well taken care of which I witnessed first hand on my visits to Welbourne. I always found Bud in great weight with a shiny coat. He was so content and at peace with his herd and new home. I now have my Belgian Cross mare, Peaches retired at Welbourne. She too is having the ideal life at Welbourne. She has a close companion, a thoroughbred gelding, to roam and enjoy the beautiful abundant acreage of Welbourne. As an owner that does not live "next door" I am grateful to the thoughtful correspondence that I receive monthly from the loving and dedicated owners of Welbourne. Welbourne is the ideal retirement farm for horse and owner. Julie d. read more

I moved my horse to Welbourne farm more than five years ago for his retirement. It is a lovely farm -- acres and acres of rolling hills with a couple dozen horses. I have visited the property numerous times and it is always a joy-- Nat and his son take beautiful care of the horses and I never worry. In fact, I had never seen my horse so relaxed as when I visited him the first time at Nat's. Nat is highly responsive when I contact him, and sends updates about my horse, sometimes with photos. I highly recommend Welbourne for highly affordable, reliable care of your horse I have also stayed at the Inn -- there is a historical home on the property, boarders are entitled to stay (B&B-style) every so often. A very cool and authentic historic country estate experience. read more

My boys Snoopy and Blitz been at the Welbourne Farm for 4 years now and I am so thankful to Josh for taking them in and giving them loving and caring home. I can't imagine any other place for my boys to be at. Josh went above and beyond for Snoopy when he needed extra care and I am so thankful for that. Josh really loves those horses. He cares about them and worries about them; specially those older ones and during winter months. He is so close to them that he knows every small detail about their personalities. It is really amazing how much he knows about each of them. I am so thankful to Josh and his family for giving my boys and all the horses an amazing home. They are such beautiful souls and I am so glad our paths crossed so my boys can enjoy being horses. read more

I've had my Oldenburg, Miles, at Welbourne for about two years now. Josh and Nat are extremely friendly, helpful, and quick to respond if I have any questions about my boy. For the past two years Miles remains to be fatter and happier than ever and is only on grass. I stopped by once to visit and Josh mentioned my boy got a little rain rot he was treating and Miles looked great. Josh and Nat know every horse by name- all 100 of them. Josh sends out a hand written post card to me every month with updates on Miles. He even points out any shenanigans that go on in his herd. Welbourne adds a personal touch that isn't seen anymore. I've recommended Welbourne to everyone who's looking to retire their horse. I'll stay with them forever. read more

My mare has been retired at Welbourne Farm for three years now and she's never looked better. We have our own horse farm in Canada but she needed 24/7 turnout and a friend in Middleburg recommended Welbourne to me. Nat, Sherry, Josh and Amanda are wonderful people and take excellent care of all the horses in their care. I visit my girl at least twice a year and have had the pleasure of spending a few nights at the B & B on the property. The farm is gorgeous, 500 acres of open space for the horses to roam about and just be horses. It's the perfect setting for a retirement farm. I love to visit and it makes me so happy to see that Dakota's doing so well and enjoying her well deserved retirement. read more

I am so grateful to Nat and Josh Morison for taking such great care of my two retired show horses for the past few years. Josh sends me pics whenever I ask to see them and I love to visit and see what a great job Josh does taking care of the beautiful 500 acre sprawling horse pastures. Josh knows the habits of every horse and sees each of them everyday and can find any one of them in a matter of minutes. I am thankful that my horses get to be horses finally after being such amazing show horses, they really deserve to live this lifestyle. Thank you Nat and thank you Josh!!! read more

I retired my 24 year old horse there a couple years ago. I visit regularly at the last minute. I just send Josh a text and he always knows right where my horse can be found. If he's too far from the entrance, Josh will meet me and drive me out to see him. My horse has arthritis and Cushings, and Nat gives him meds with a handful of grain daily. I've always been so impressed that Josh and Nat know every single horse by name. Welbourne is a gorgeous property and I'm thankful my horse can spend his final years in "horse heaven". read more

I was referred to Welbourne Farm for my horses retirement when he went lame at a young age. I wanted to make sure he would have a happy, fulfilled life of horsey retirement and that is what he has gotten at Welbourne. Theo has now been living a wonderful retirement life at Welbourne for 11 years. Each time I go down to visit he is happy among his herd, ears perked and socializing. No matter what the seasons, or weather brings I know that Theo is looked in on each day. read more

My horses are retired at Welbourne Farms. Josh is awesome and so caring. My Mare Just turned 28 years old. I love the Farm it is like freedom for horses. They all have their groups and room to roam and graze. Horses are very social creatures and I am happy My Old Girl has friends. This place is special to me. I look forward to my visits and always come with bags of apples to walk out in that beautiful pasture and feed the horses. Thanks Welbourne...... read more