Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Franklin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gregory. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My family got involved with horses when I was 8 years old. Both of my parents, my sister and I all rode at one time. From there my parents bought me a pony and we started attending horse shows. When I was 15 we purchased our first farm where I would help out on the weekends. I did everything from cleaning stalls to feeding horses to turning them out in their paddocks and bringing them back in. I think that was when I really caught the bug and knew that I wanted to do this for a living.
I then went to Virginia Intermont College, which had a huge equestrian program. I made a lot of contacts there. Some people that I still stay in touch with today. From there I got a summer job at Lakeview Farm in Greensboro, NC with Johnny and Parker Barker. This was the first time I really got to see what it was like at a top ‘A’ show barn.
I then came back home in the early 90’s and started to work at my Canterbury Farm.
Has it been a smooth road?
There were plenty of struggles along the way. From trying to find appropriate horses for people, to introducing people to bigger horse shows to dealing with people and their budgets, so they can get the biggest bang for their buck
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Canterbury Farm – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Canterbury Farm is a full-service Hunter/Jumper barn. On a daily basis, we care and train horses and teach riders to compete at a national level in the Hunter/Jumper discipline. We specialize in importing young horses from Europe and bringing them along and then reselling them here in the US.
I am most proud of how far we have come in the last 25 years. From a farm that only did local horse shows to one that competes on a National Level all over the country.
What sets us apart from others is the personal attention that people get when they come to the farm. I keep the business on the small side so I can manage and take care of every one of my customers
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I think that this is one of the most amazing cities in the world. I love going to Wrigley Field when I get an off day, the museums and the culture here are great.
Worst thing about this city is the winter.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14n200 Thurnau Road
Hampshire, IL 60140 - Website: www.Canterburyfarmchicago.com
- Phone: 8472741605
- Email: greg@canterburyfarmchicago.com
- Instagram: @Canterburyfarmchicago
- Facebook: @Canterburyfarmchicago
- Twitter: @CanterburyFarm1
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
