Amy Smith of Falmouth, Maine has a lot to be thankful for these days: her family, a doting husband, Kevin, and a new training operation named Capall Creek Farm–which is a gorgeous 79-acre farm on Route 100, where multiple white fences and horses are seen from afar. The word “Capall”, Kevin Smith explains, is Gaelic for horse which is a tribute to his Irish heritage. The farm offers riding lessons, horse boarding, quarter-horse training, clinics and shows. Kevin’s daughter, Abby, had been training with Amy for several years, and in late 2009, Amy and Kevin began dating and recently got married this past April.
Content and happy with her life now, a fews years ago; Amy’s life was full of uncertainty and sadness. On December 10th, 2008, her life unraveled in one brief moment when a barn fire resulted in eight horses being killed at her former training facility that was located in Windham, Maine known as Spruce Hill Farm.
“The barn was a total loss and the fire department suspects an electrical issue as the cause,” Amy told GoHorseShow.com. “I woke to the smell of smoke which wasn’t unusual since our neighbor frequently burned firewood. As I looked around, I couldn’t see out the windows as there was so much smoke. I opened the door and realized it wasn’t fog, it was smoke and my worst nightmare instantly became reality.”
Amy admits that she didn’t handle anything for several days. “I leaned on my family and friends, and the barn family was there every day. We went through this together, and we were never alone. We were all very numb. Thankfully, we still had horses to take care of–as five horses were outside that evening. We also had a memorial service which was very helpful.”
Smith says that she was like most individuals who never thought any tragedy like this would ever happen to her. “I never thought about it….that is no longer the case. Now, I think about it every day. Literally, the smell of smoke, and fog–there are just so many triggers.”
Amy continues, “I saw firsthand how helpful people are. We had people from all over send blankets and money and supplies since there were still horses to take care of,” Amy remembers. “I learned how to accept help which isn’t easy for me since I am someone who takes care of most everything. When this happened, I had to surrender that and really accept help.”
Amy adds, “I also learned it’s really important to know your insurance. Insurance companies do not want to help you rebuild and recover. They fight to pay you as little as they can. An inventory of your belongings and contents is so important and helpful. Everyone should film their property and place a copy somewhere off the property. This will prove very valuable.”
The best advice she has for the recent tornado and flooding victims is to take it slow. “Rome wasn’t built in a day and your life won’t be rebuilt in a day either. If people are anything like me, the numb feeling doesn’t go away quickly. I also think if you can, find a way to have some closure. While that night and those eight horses will never be forgotten, life does go on.”
Some of the couple’s major challenges have revolved around starting the business out while also renovating their new farm. “We have been very fortunate to have Jeff Temple from Canada move here and partner up with Amy. The iconic property has been so well received locally, regionally and nationally,” Kevin proudly said. “Nancy Sue Ryan held a very successful clinic here in December and our lesson program has brought in on average nearly 20 clients per week already.”
Jeff Temple, formerly from Canada is Amy’s partner at the new farm, and they have formed a great team. Jeff specializes in Western Pleasure while Amy specializes in Hunter Under Saddle and Showmanship.
“Not too long ago, we had our first foal born here at the property in an experience shared by all of us including the kids. The foal is by Allocate Your Assets out of a mare named Lukette,” Kevin said. “Back in March, we were fortunate enough to have our mare foal out at Gumz Farm a very fancy filly by Invest N Vital Signs. In addition, we recently purchased a package of horses from Dave MacDonald including well known names like, Off The Clock and Shining Detail, as well as the stallion, Greatmindsthinkaluke, just to name a few. These are very exciting times at Capall Creek!”
Kevin speaks admiringly about his wife and how she has been able to rebuild her life from the recent tragedy.
“Amy is truly an amazing woman. She has a battery that never runs out. She has made a huge impact on not only myself but all of my children. I am so impressed with her work ethic, her commitment, and her professionalism,” Kevin fondly said. “She is one-of-a-kind, and I am so proud to call her my wife. She volunteers in the kids classrooms, cleans stalls, trains a bunch of horses, and still finds time to take care of a family of six with a constant smile on her face. We honestly have the best life anyone could ask for.”
To find out more about this inspirational family and their training operation, please visit their website at www.capallcreek.com.
