Tucked into the forests of northern Wisconsin is a family-owned and operated homestead known as Haven Pines. Run by Erin and Jonathan Sharp and their three children, the Sharps spend most of their winters operating a commercial sleigh ride business.
Hosting groups on sleigh rides is one of the Sharps’ favorite ways to introduce people to the exciting world of horses. The Sharp family purchased their land in 2018, moved into their farmhouse in 2020, and have been running a year-round horsemanship program ever since. Noel, age 17, is an integral part of the business alongside her younger brother and sister.
“I grew up giving wagon and sleigh rides with my family within the horse program that my dad managed,” says Erin. “I loved it as a kid. Jonathan and I wanted our kids to be able to learn and enjoy the world of farming and horsemanship, while making the world of harness horses available for everyone to enjoy!”
A Day in the Life at Haven Pines
Managing a farm and horsemanship business in all seasons is no small feat. The Northwoods region regularly experiences low temperatures in the negative teens, feet of snow, heat waves, and plenty of rain. Maintaining healthy horses in dynamic weather takes the entire family to be successful.
During a typical day of sleigh rides, Erin and Noel manage the driving horses while the rest of the Sharp family works to prepare the campfire, hot chocolate, warm blankets, and guest check-in process.
“We want guests to feel like they get to experience our farm as if they’re a member of our family,” says Erin. “Letting guests get to know the horses is a top priority for us. First, because our teams love the people, and secondly, because it’s so cool to get to know the horses that are the power behind the whole experience.”
Meet the Horses
In addition to their horses that are used for traditional English and western riding lessons, they have a string of driving horses.
“Oak and Maple, 5- and 6-year-old Belgian mares, are the stars of our 12-person sleigh,” says Noel. “Their kind and friendly personalities make them easy to love.”
Driving horses of all sizes call Haven Pines home, including a Shetland Pony gelding named Sampson, a Pony of the Americas gelding named Jack, and a Haflinger/Belgian cross named Randy.
Finding horses suitable for the work of sleigh rides is critical at Haven Pines. Pulling sleighs through snow is physically and mentally demanding work.
“The horse’s mind is the first thing I look at [when horse shopping],” Erin says. “Can the horse mentally live and work safely and happily in the environment I know will be waiting in my program? If the answer is yes, the second thing I look at is physical soundness. If the horse can pass a pre-purchase exam by a veterinarian, the third component is financial. Our equine programs must be self-sustaining. Ultimately, a prospective horse must be friendly, curious, forgiving, and healthy.”
Young Entrepreneur
Noel loves spending time with her family in the horsemanship business. She grew up working with horses alongside her mom, and now often drives Oak and Maple on sleigh routes.
“We always like to have two people with the draft team to make sure we can tackle anything that needs to be done while always having a driver at the lines,” Erin explains.
Since she’s still in school, Noel must balance learning and homework with farm work.
“The balance isn’t easy, but it’s worth it to do it for the guests,” she says. “Because I’m homeschooled, my education can support learning how to operate a business.”
On top of sleigh rides, Noel is involved in teaching riding lessons, doing chores, and managing her own herd of Nigerian Dwarf goats.
“One of my favorite parts of sleigh rides is working with the horses, and seeing how meaningful being around the horses is to our guests,” she says.
Keeping it Safe
Even when faced with challenges such as a record low snowfall in the winter of 2023-2024, the Sharps continue to invest in relationships with people and animals.
“Every sleigh ride business is unique, and learning what the exact perfect fit is has been a learning process,” says Erin. “We’ve had to deal with icy conditions, equipment breaking down, and other common issues that come with the territory of running a farm and managing livestock. Safety is a top priority for humans and horses. Our horses wear shoes with Borium cleats in the winter to ensure they can maintain good footing. We also conduct regular safety checks on harnesses, wagons, sleighs, and trails.”
Only rarely do the Sharps have to cancel sleigh rides due to inclement weather. The Northwoods is known for long, cold winters. As long as there is quality snow, sleigh ride trails can be maintained to be beautiful and safe, and caring for people and horses goes hand in hand at Haven Pines.
Learn more on the Havens Pine website.
