Fulfilling the Vision
In February 2009 we purchased 21 acres of land with an existing home, small barn, and limited paddocks, that would become Indian Meadow Farm. This section provides a historical perspective of the key events and activities leading to fulfilling our vision for Indian Meadow Farm. The farm offically opened on August 15th, 2009 thanks to the hard work and professionalism of the various contractors who contributed to this major accomplishment.
Current Status and Project Progression
August 10th - The "surge" continues to complete the essential requirements to accommodate our new customers from Cressbrook Stables on August 15th. The feed room is complete and thanks to Adam we have compacted stone dust in all the stalls and now we must conquer the installation of the rubber mats. The boarders tack room is complete and I'll be hanging saddle racks and bridle holders on Thursday. I also had 240 tons of stone dust laser graded in the indoor arena; during my "break time" I drive the Bomag compactor to prep the area for the application of cut angular sand and Perma-Flex horse turf. We will have 10 individual paddocks and 5 larger ones for the 15th. Dave LaPierre from Olympic fence did a great job on the outdoor arena and the split rail fencing for the paddocks.
July 30th - e now have electrical power in the barn and the indoor arena lighting looks great. Our new well is on line and we have some crystal clear West Newbury water in the barn. I've been busy framing the tack rooms, office area, and the bathroom. Morrill Electric has made great progress on all the electrical "rough-in work". And Dave LaPierre from Olympic Fence did a precision job on the outdoor arena and is also fencing additional paddocks with split rail fencing. There's some lush grass and vibrant clover in the paddocks for the horses to enjoy (and I won't have to cut it anymore). Insulation and Pine boards will be going up next week and Morrill will continue with the aisle lighting and outlets.
Week Ending July 19th - Unit finished their final piece of site work and I had Goudreault Landscaping "rock hound" the areas and apply some hydro seed. RKD Plumbing installed the water hydrants in the aisles and Bernard Concrete poured and finished all the areas that will have cement floors. Morton finished installing the grill work and all the stall doors are up. Morrill Electric installed power distribution conduit in the indoor arena. R-30 Installation was blown into all the ceiling areas. Our stall mats arrived on site and will be installed shortly. And with the period of dry weather Kimball farm was finally able to cut and harvest our hay fields; it's stacked in the small barn and I'm sure in August the horses will enjoy some great West Newbury hay. I think this was our most productive week yet.
Week Ending July 11th - The stalls are almost done. We have Southern yellow pine throughout the barn and the grill work looks great. The last challenging piece of site work is complete; we had to trench down 3 feet to run the water hydrant in the back aisle and we encountered some ledge but Jimmy and his crew ordered up a jack hammer and cleared the path. Well done Unit.
Week Ending July 4th - The Indoor is almost complete with most of the steel up. I spent the weekend painting the arena liner Hampshire Taupe (Chris picked the color) and when I wasn't painting I was spreading stone dust in the stalls in anticipation of the rubber mats arriving in the next 2 weeks. So you may be wondering what is Joe thinking devoting space to the picture with holes, conduit, and pipes? You are looking at the bathroom that will have a toilet, sink and shower as well as the well feed and the electrical service. Infrastructure may not be pretty but it is essential. Please welcome our new family of barn swallows; they were born at our original Kimball Cove farm but we have instructed them to meet us next year at Indian Meadow Farm just a mile and a half down the road.
Week Ending June 28th - We had multiple trades people working all aspects of the project. Team Morton has completed securing purlins throughout the barn and the ceiling insulation is in place. They also have half the arena liner installed in the indoor riding ring and all the beautiful Diamond M doors are up. The Unit folks have completed the wash stall drain, trenched for the electrical service, and spread loam as we approach completion on site work. Additionally, Morrill Electric arrived on site and have started the electrical installation. Morton trucking delivered all the grill work and materials to complete the stalls. And Joe's Painting even primed the arena liner on Sunday.
Week Ending June 21st - The well drilling is complete and we have a flow of 8 gallons per minute at 500 feet. Remember seeing the Stormtech chambers buried under the outdoor area? The 6" drain pipe is now installed around the perimeter of the barn and the system is complete. Team Morton has been busy installing tongue and groove southern yellow pine for the stall backs and aisle ways. I also had 300 tons of stone dust delivered which will be used to prep the stalls for rubber mats and establish a base for the indoor arena. And with all the rain the new grass is really taking hold throughout the property; the swale around the outdoor arena is is working great.
Week Ending June 14th - The exterior of the barn is complete. I think the evergreen and ivory theme is a good compliment to the property and the wainscoting, shutters, and copulas give the barn a dressed up look. We have also started to install the steel panels on the indoor arena and have insulated the office and tack room area. On Monday the next shipment of materials for the interior will arrive. We can't wait to see some southern yellow pine going up and grill work being installed.
Week Ending June 7th - The 2 Morton teams have been making remarkable progress, especially this week. Most of the roofing and 2 of the 4 cupolas are on and the office/tack/reception tee is in place. The ivory siding looks great and I'm pleased with the quality of the windows. We also have fencing going up next to the barn for turnout paddocks and the natural split rail fits in well with the bucolic setting. The hay fields will need to be cut soon. Indian Meadow Rocks!
