Our Story

In 1998, Tom and Jennifer Kennett created Tail Feather Farm, after meeting in college. They began a small-scale farm featuring vegetables/flowers, landscaping, maple sugaring, poultry, equine related activities, through community based agricultural education.

Our farm gained its start in the White River Valley of Rochester, Vermont. In 2017, Growing with change, accommodating our family needs led us to make our home on the former Hunt Family Farm, a historical 1880’s farm located on 29 acres on the Middlebury/New Haven town line.

Farming, community, and education run deep in our family. Both Tom and Jennifer were raised on their family farms. It is of great importance to us that our children have had the opportunity to be “farm kids”. It is our mission to share this lifestyle with our community as well. This led us to open our farm for educational activities. Our farm offers an open-door family atmosphere that has a special feel to it. All are welcome.

We are committed to our animals and the land we utilize to care for them. All of our animals are humanely raised through a holistic approach. Our team is made up of excellent staff, veterinarians, farriers, and community members. Our equine program carries a kind approach, with thoughtful training at all levels and is enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

Our Mission:

To produce safe healthy, therapeutic atmosphere for our community and our family. To educate and support each person’s journey with horses. We are good stewards of the land, and humanely care for our animals. We take pride in making our living off of the land and working with our animals, while supporting our family farm heritage. Maintaining a sustainable business that provides a return to our investors, partners, and community, while breeding kindness is of great importance to us.

Meet the Team

Jennifer Kennett

OWNER, OPERATOR, LEAD TRAINER
Jennifer is a seasoned Horsewoman with over 40 years experience.
Educated in Equine Studies & Management; Equine assisted therapy; Therapeutic riding; Horse & Rider confidence training; Standardbred Retraining/retirement, and much more. Specialties include Re-training/breaking all breeds, Gaming/Gymkhana, and Barrel race coaching.
Jennifer is committed to giving her students the very best, up to date skills, by frequently participating in continuing education of her own.
Her approach is kind and at the pace of her students. Jennifer believes that “ground work is sound-work”, and is the key to successful under-saddle skill building.
Amelia Kennett

ASSISTANT BARN MANAGER, ASSISTANT TRAINER FOR STANDARDBRED RETRAINING PROGRAM, BEGGINER LESSON PROGRAM
Amelia is Jennifer’s daughter, and right hand. Amelia has built her platform by following in her mother’s footsteps. Amelia also participates in continuing education of her own, through workshops, and lessons with other area partners. Amelia is proficient in Standardbred retraining, and has broke a handful of horses herself, Including her award winning gelding, Nateman.
Anne Hopkinson

Clinician, LICSW
Anne Hopkinson has been providing individual and group therapy for Adults and children for over 11 years. Using a trauma informed approach Anne knows that horses are not just natural healers but their neurological composition can help us to learn to regulate our own emotional state. Working as a team with Jennifer Kennet Anne offers Equine assisted Psychotherapy and is able to use selective insurance including UnitedHealthcare, Oxford Health, Cigna, Aetna, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, UMR, Oscar, UHC Student Resources, AllSavers UHC and Harvard Pilgrim.