About Runaway Farms

About Us
Runaway Farms is a family-owned and operated business, and as such, is run almost entirely by the owners, Kenneth, Sharon, and Melissa Roberts. Although we are a small family operation, you will find that we have the qualifications, skills, and business savvy to meet the needs of our most demanding clients. You will not be disappointed by the staff and service at Runaway Farms...we bet our business on it!

Barn Manager and Resident Trainer: Melissa Roberts
Melissa is a graduate of Otterbein College (Westerville, OH) who holds a BA in Equine Facility Management. While at Otterbein, Melissa was awarded departmental scholarships and awards for academic excellence, as well as earning her riding instructors certificate from the college. An active competitor, Melissa participated on all 4 equestrian teams: Dressage, Hunt Seat, Western, and Combined Training, earning ribbons and trophies in all disciplines, as well as qualifying for regional and national competitions in western and dressage respectively. While at Otterbein, Melissa also purchased her first horse, Sophie, whom she trained, cared for, and competed in addition to juggling work and a full course load. While at Otterbein, Melissa worked at the college stable as a TA for the "Systems" course, overseeing several students in the administration of medical treatments for horses at the college. Melissa also re-opened and managed a local boarding stable catering to Otterbein students, where she oversaw the care of the 30 acre facility as well as its 15 equine occupants. In addition to her college coursework, which included pre-vet level courses on equine systems, equine nutrition, equine business and law, facility design, teaching methods, and numerous medical treatment practicums, Melissa has many years of experience riding, training, teaching, and working with horses in all aspects of the Equine industry. From her earliest days working at the riding stable for lessons at age 13 to her working student position at a top training and breeding facility for FEI level dressage horses, Melissa has experienced the equine industry at all levels, and has excelled as a leader and member of every professional team she has been a part of. Now she has the opportunity to bring her many years of experience, both academic and practical, to the horse community of East Tennessee here at Runaway Farms.

Administrative Specialist: Sharon Roberts
Although she grew up in the heart of the Windy City, Sharon has learned a lot about horses over her years as a horse-show mom, and now, as a member of the team at Runaway Farms. Drawing from her background and experience as an administrative assistant, Sharon oversees most of the administrative work, such as making phone calls, appointments, placing orders, and preparing paperwork and tax documents. She also assists with daily turnout, feeding, and facility maintenance; where she specializes in keeping water buckets and tanks spotlessly clean! In order to further her equine education, Sharon often attends continuing education programs on feeding, health, and general horse care with Melissa.

Facility Maintenance Specialist: Kenneth Roberts
Even though most people rarely see Ken around the farm, with the exceptions of weekends, he is a vital member of the RF team. A full-time mechanical engineer, Ken works long weeks in Oak Ridge before coming home to relax at the farm. Actually, he doesn't get to relax much around the farm, since there are always a minimum of 5 projects going at the same time! Ken uses his years of experience as an engineer and builder to complete construction, maintenance, and repair projects at the farm. He also helps with turnout and facility maintenance when he is not building or fixing something. Although he learned to ride as a teen, Ken rarely has the time to get on and ride these days. Maybe when he retires you'll see him hitting the trails more often!

Security: White Fang
Everyone who comes to the farm has met Fang, he is always around to greet new people and hog as much attention as possible! Fang has been at the farm longer than we have...he wandered up to the farm as a puppy and has been here ever since. Fang is always on guard duty, watching out for riff-raff, rabbits, and stray deer. He is also known as the "trail boss", and often leads our boarders on trail rides through the woods when he has time. Most of the time you will find him laying around, catching up on sleep....poor guy!

(865)376-6540 farm
(865)603-4846 cell
• rftrainer@yahoo.com •

Directions
1. In Tennessee, take I-40 to exit 352, Kingston
2. Take a right from the exit ramp and travel south on TN-58      through the town of Kingston (stay in the right lane)
3. Cross over the bridge and travel about 6 miles on TN-58.      You will see a gas station on the left, and after about 2 more      miles you will see Shiloh Baptist Church on the right.
4. About 1 mile after the church, turn right onto Mans Hollow      Road
5. Follow the dogleg immediately to the left, staying on Mans      Hollow for almost 1 mile.
6. Turn right at Raby Hollow Road, our driveway is the first on      the left, there is a big sign.

Email us for alternate or more detailed directions. We look forward to seeing you!