Post links to the best farm websites

[hunteryperson]

I'm thinking of doing a little website and would like links to what people think are the best websites. TIA.

[bloomingtonfarm]

The best I have seen so far is:

www.primaequestrian.com

[rideagoldenpony]

I absolutely love: http://www.silverwoodfarm.com/

I found Liz's site MANY MANY years ago and admired it for so long. Then in 2008, I decided to make some changes to my web site (I had been building web sites since 1996) that involved graphics beyond what I was capable of. I had Liz redesign my site for me, and I am thrilled with it. She does a wonderful job and was super to work with (for anyone looking for a web designer - 5 stars all the way!).

[ThatScaryChick]

The best I have seen so far is:

www.primaequestrian.com

I really like their site and their farm!

[Kinsella]

I really like the Triad Farm (http://www.triadfarm.com) site for a home grown site. I know Talley does it herself, and I find it to be simple, easy to follow, and it has tons of photos and information on the horses. It could maybe be updated more often, but that's just nit-picking.

The Prima site is lovely, but I often have problems with sites that have built in video.

Liz's site is awesome, of course! But she is a pro and if you want to do one yourself, that may be beyond what you want to get into...

[rideagoldenpony]

Liz's site is awesome, of course! But she is a pro and if you want to do one yourself, that may be beyond what you want to get into...

Mine is set up so that I can maintain it and create new pages myself. I think that is a great way for a lot of people do handle their web site -- have a professional template made, then do their own updates, because we all know that a current, updated web site that is updated REGULARLY is what keeps people coming back!

[Kinsella]

I know that is a great option - but not if you don't have or want to plunk down the money for the pro design...

(BTW, I don't think I've said it lately, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE Mardi Gras!!!)

[Maryanne Nicpon]

I don't know if it qualifes as one of the best, but I am proud of mine. I did it all myself and I am not a computer guru!

www.minglewoodsporthorses.net

[AdAblurr02]

We hired a web designer to create the initial site and page layouts, and the graphics stuff (that I still can't replicate). It came out "ok", but as she was not a horse person per se, I've had many things to change over the years. Still do!

I made my hubby's site "all by myself", using Dreamweaver MX, once I had enough experience in doing updates to work up the guts to do it!

I think that unless you have a good deal of web experience, having the site at least roughed in (and having someone to tutor you a bit in doing updates) is a good way to go. Cheap is not always best - I whined a lot, but I bit the bullet to get it done.

[sixpoundfarm]

Prima does have a great site!
For top drawer sites, I also like Hilltop Farms' site, and Iron Spring.

There are some other really nice, tasteful and professional sites out there. But, I prefer the simple, cleaner looks over busy stuff.

http://www.fieldstone-farm.com/index.php
http://shootingstarfarm.com/

[Greymeadows Farm]

I had a friend do mine. I think it came out pretty well for a small farm just trying to get our basic information available on the world wide web. Yes, I know the sales page still isn't done, but I'm waiting for better weather to get nice pictures on there.

www.greymeadowsfarm.com

[Oakstable]

Anyone wanting to create their own web site can start with a blog.

Many of the basic elements are used to build a blog.

I created a blog because I couldn't update my web site myself.

Eventually I want a site redesign that is organized by mares and show their produce.

The BEST web sites have the BEST photography.

The design is secondary. Or tertiary.

Content is key.

[hunteryperson]

The best I have seen so far is:

www.primaequestrian.com

Nice site. I'm not sure what I want to do, just getting ideas.

[Daventry]

I'm also a fan of the Iron Spring Farm website. Although, I CANNOT stand music on a website (remember, most people browsing the web do so at work!) and I know some people can have problems with viewing Flash.

I've also always loved www.wynnbrookfarm.com (http://www.wynnbrookfarm.com), but you should always try and stay away from using frames in web design. Among others reasons, they can be impossible for the search engines to properly use.

Of course, my own website tops my list. :o www.daventryfarms.com (http://www.daventryfarms.com) I always believe in having a fresh new look every couple of years, but we get so many compliments on our website and people saying not to change it that it's been the same for the last 8 years. Although I have certainly "tweaked" it over the last year to freshen it up a bit!

[horsetales]

I like Hilltop Farm's site

I am also proud of ours as a small breeder. I keep learning and trying to make it better.

[hunteryperson]

I'm also a fan of the Iron Spring Farm website. Although, I CANNOT stand music on a website (remember, most people browsing the web do so at work!) and I know some people can have problems with viewing Flash.

I've also always loved www.wynnbrookfarm.com (http://www.wynnbrookfarm.com), but you should always try and stay away from using frames in web design. Among others reasons, they can be impossible for the search engines to properly use.

Of course, my own website tops my list. :o www.daventryfarms.com (http://www.daventryfarms.com) I always believe in having a fresh new look every couple of years, but we get so many compliments on our website and people saying not to change it that it's been the same for the last 8 years. Although I have certainly "tweaked" it over the last year to freshen it up a bit!

I'm getting good ideas, Minglewood your website is really good. Daventy what are frames? Is that on the front page that looks like a picture? You website is very good also.

[frisky]

http://www.rollingstonefarm.com

Has tons of videos and is updated frequently. Great site.

[Jumper Breeder]

I like these:

http://www.octoberhill.com/
http://www.laprairieaire.com/
http://www.grandefarms.com/

If you go to each of the breed websites, they should have a breeders or links section and you could just "cruise" through those to get ideas. :) There was a thread not too long ago that had some website critiques which may give you a good idea of what people like and dislike.

[rideagoldenpony]

I am also proud of ours as a small breeder. I keep learning and trying to make it better.

That's it right there -- a huge part of being sucessful with a web site!

[Sugarbrook]

Gretchen designed my original website. www.sugarbrook.com

[DennisM]

www.rollingstonefarm.com is the best, hands down. It's regularly updated, has photos of all horses and videos of most sales horses and all stallions, shows pedigree info., gives info. re offspring of stallions and other client news, shows produce from all mares, and Mo Swanson updates it herself.

[bioteach]

To add to the list:

http://www.hasslerdressage.com/
http://www.homeagainfarm.com/
http://www.leatherdalefarms.com/
http://www.dreamscapefarm.com/
http://www.copperbayfarm.com/index.html

Of course, I second Hilltop, Iron Spring, and Rolling Stone - I especially like how Mo frequently updates her site! I believe Sandy of Copper Bay Farm has done a few of these websites, I really like her style. Of course, it helps having gorgeous horses to look at on all these sites, too! :)

[sixpoundfarm]

http://www.copperbayfarm.com/index.html
Sandy of Copper Bay Farm has done a few of these websites, I really like her style. Of course, it helps having gorgeous horses to look at on all these sites, too! :)

I love Sandy's work. I wish I could afford to beg her to do mine. Top notch.

[Dan]

I really like this website. Very clean and easy to browse.

http://www.laprairieaire.com/Default.aspx

Dan

[lauriep]

http://www.grayfoxfarms.com/index.htm

Clean, easy to navigate, horses are well documented with pics and vids, not overdone. I hate websites that have TOO MUCH information on a page, too many "moving parts" and spelling errors.

[Cindy's Warmbloods]

I have always liked: http://www.silvercreeksporthorses.com/

I just did one from a template that I quite liked as well: http://www.cawsa.com

[Showpony]

I wouldn't say mine is the best and I am a small time pony farm, but I did it myself VERY inexpensively! You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a decent website. I update mine all the time VERY easily! So I'll add mine to the homemade/inexpensive/EASY catagory. I try to keep things simple and try not to have too much cluter.

Timberrunponies (http://www.timberrunponies.com)

I really like Grey Fox Farms site. Nice and simple. Some of the other ones have way to much "stuff" for me, I am really not looking to read a book :)

[PixelGraphixDesign]

Ah, as a web designer and graphic designer for several years now, I might as well post some of my favorite sites that I've designed into the mix. :)

I just started doing a redesign of dressage trainer Michael Etherly's site:
http://www.michaeletherly.com/

This is for an Andalusian breeder. Her focus is on breeding the sport-type Andalusian, suitable for dressage: http://www.andalusiandressagepartners.com/

And another Andalusian breeder: http://www.purespanishmares.com/

Here's one that's still under construction, another Andalusian/cross breeder:
http://www.threecreekshorsefarm.com/

And one more Andalusian breeder: http://www.yeguadamarquesa.com/

I like to use bold colors, interesting imagery, and textures that really show off my clients' horses and I like to create a really unique image for each business. I strongly believe in keeping the sites easy to navigate as well. All the breeders are small breeders but they have told me that it has been money well-spent getting their websites professionally done. They are breeding expensive horses and it really comes through with the professional site design and the professional photos.

Everyone has a different budget, but it truly is worth it to have a professional help you, even if it's doing just a one-page site! Often times, a website is the first impression a potential client will have of you and your horses. And most designers do want to provide you something that will work with your budget. You just have to remember, we have bills to pay too so we do have to limit what you can get for less money. :)

Not only that, but I KNOW how long this web stuff takes. :lol: And as a horse owner myself, I also know how long it takes to do the barn chores and ride horses, so having a professional take care of the tech stuff is a big relief to many small breeders. I get the updates taken care of quickly for those of my clients who don't want to deal with it as well. I know how important it is to keep things current on one's site (I'm constantly updating my own with new content). It keeps things fresh and helps with SEO.

I also do print design as well, magazine ads, stallion cards, show banners, business cards, logos, etc, so if you get a chance, stop by http://www.pixelgraphixdesign.com and shoot me an email!

I should also add, I'm also a dressage trainer, and I've also done hunter/jumper & x-country (though the latter two not for many years now...just don't have the courage that some of you others have), so I know horses.

So, one last question...Shouldn't your advertising be as beautiful as your horses?

;)

[yellowpony]

http://www.tremontfarm.com for something different

[yellowpony]

http://www.tremontfarm.com for something different

[Rancho del Marr]

I had a friend do mine. I think it came out pretty well for a small farm just trying to get our basic information available on the world wide web. Yes, I know the sales page still isn't done, but I'm waiting for better weather to get nice pictures on there.

www.greymeadowsfarm.com

I really like your website. Your friend did a nice job. :)

[dressurpferd01]

www.garnercreekfarms.com Found it from the thread about their new stallion. Great, easy to navigate layout, regularly updated, and as a bonus, they have a wonderful blog every couple days.

[horsechick]

the garnercreek farms site has lots of glitches when I view it...lots of duplicate/overlapping/partial pictures. Anyone else see that or is it just my computer?

[airbourne1]

I am going to mention Prima again. Not only do I love their site, but I covet their entire operation. Just gorgeous.

Not to mention dealing with Michelle is a dream.

[dressurpferd01]

the garnercreek farms site has lots of glitches when I view it...lots of duplicate/overlapping/partial pictures. Anyone else see that or is it just my computer?

What specific pages are you having issues on? What screen resolution are you viewing at?

[horsechick]

home, stallions, about us, and blog all have duplicate pictures for me...the others seem fine. It's like 2/3 of the original picture is just below the orignal and covers up whatever text is supposed to be there....

[MoSwanson]

www.rollingstonefarm.com is the best, hands down. It's regularly updated, has photos of all horses and videos of most sales horses and all stallions, shows pedigree info., gives info. re offspring of stallions and other client news, shows produce from all mares, and Mo Swanson updates it herself.

Awwww, thanks, Dennis!

[twotrudoc]

My favorite

www.summervalefarm.com

[Sonesta]

Dressurpferd01, naughty naughty! And you do know whatof I speak.

[theblondejumper]

www.rollingstonefarm.com is the best, hands down. It's regularly updated, has photos of all horses and videos of most sales horses and all stallions, shows pedigree info., gives info. re offspring of stallions and other client news, shows produce from all mares, and Mo Swanson updates it herself.

So impressed! I also had no idea that a farm of that caliber was so close to me (about fifteen miles away). Gorgeous site!