Our beginnings - In 1995, after loosing their pet dog of 12 years.  Gerald (a.k.a. Bumpy)   took Alice (a.k.a. Nanny Alice) with Pat and her two daughters to P.E.I. on a day trip to visit a miniature horse farm. That day was the beginning of the miniatures, they purchased a 4 year old mare called Misty, her three month old filly and a 2 year old stallion named Dino. Both Misty and Dino are still on the farm. At the present time our numbers average around 60 horses on the farm, making it the largest herd in Eastern Canada.

Our experience in developing top quality livestock has come from more than 30 years of experience. With three daughters to keep busy, we started raising Quarter Horses, which the girls showed extensively around the Maritimes. A few years later Gerald decided to start a herd of Registered Polled Herefords, which at their peek combined over 80 head of cattle on the farm in Sackville. We showed the Herefords extensively throughout Canada, with many champions. Our pedigree influence can still be seen throughout North America. As a family, we bring this same experience and dedication with us to the miniature horses.

Our daughter Barb has been extensively involved in all the aspects of the different endeavors, which Bowlin Farms has under taken. We were very pleased when she married her husband Mike , who a machinist by trade, and has designed and built our entire stall system, and many of carts, which we sell.

We truly have a family operation with 3 generations involved in the development of the farm. Another daughter B.J. and her husband Doug are always there to pitch in not only at the farm, but shows and parades. It is a great asset, since Doug has his own construction firm and can be called to build whatever is required.

We also have a six-horse hitch of blacks, which Barb drives, that we take to various parades and fund raising events around the Maritimes. It's all hands on deck when we are heading down the road. Alice tries to keep everyone heading in the same direction.

The third generation of our family is what we are most proud of. Mike and Barb have two daughters who are deeply involved with the miniatures. Jacklyn and Samantha show in every class from halter to roadster, as well as devoting their time in developing younger horses.

B.J. and Doug's daughter Jordan also enjoys the ring with her horses and helps with the horse training and running of the tack shop. Our third daughter Pat and her husband David also have two daughters, Jayme and Bridget, who are also involved with the miniatures. All hands pitch in when there is a show, or event, and all hands are appreciated as the operation continues to grow and evolve with each passing year!

Starting at a young age is nothing new on the farm; Barb drove her first team of heavy draft horses into the ring when she was only ten. Jacklyn is now an old hand at showing a team and has set her sights on taking over the six horse hitch from her mom (Barb) in the near future.

There is never any need to make an appointment at the farm; you are always welcomed with warm Maritime hospitality. We look forward to meeting new and old friends on the farm.