Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelley Smith.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 1991 my parents bought this property untouched in Southwest Austin, carved out overgrown cedars, and built everything that stands here now. They loved it for the beauty, ancient trees, spring fed creeks, and sense of peace. My dad was an artist, my mom was a gifted horse woman, and I’m the fortunate one who grew up exploring the creeks, climbing the trees, and riding and showing horses based out of our barn.
The goal has always been to share this place.
For nearly 20 years, my mom found every way she could. She welcomed friends and family who needed a soft place to land, invited a nonprofit to call the farm home, and even offered it as a VRBO for 5 years. The heart behind Smith Hill has always been the same: this place was meant to be shared.
In 2020 both of my parent received devastating health diagnoses – my dad stage 4 cancer, and my mom dementia. My husband, 2 (at the time) kids, and I moved onto the property to help. Sadly my dad passed in 2023, and my mom lives with advanced Alzheimer’s. We board horses to support her care.
When I turned 40, we were elbow-deep in the heaviness of caring for my parents, and I wanted so badly to bring the joy back.
I’d taught riding lessons through college, through all three pregnancies, and often just because I loved it. Sharing horses with kids has always filled my heart. But this time, it needed to be more than riding lessons. And it needed to be accessible to every family, not just those who could afford it.
We needed joy by the truckload.
Smith Hill Farm became the answer.
The dream of creating a place where families could experience the slowness of farm life and the magic of horses in a different way was born. No pressure. No judgment. Where children with all abilities and with every personality and way of experiencing the world would feel comfortable here – kids who are loud, quiet, curious, cautious, energetic, or overwhelmed would all be welcomed exactly as they are. A true space to connect with animals, breathe deeply, and experience the kind of joy that only happens when everyone feels welcome not just to come, but to sit and stay a while.
The most beautiful part is that our animals were ready long before we were.
Our three kids—and all of their friends—are growing up with these animals. These kids play with toys in the barn, climb fences, build forts, laugh loudly, ride in costumes, have big feelings, quiet days, endless curiosity, and every kind of personality imaginable. The kids learned the animals, and the animals learned them.
Because of that, our horses don’t expect children to be any certain way. They calmly meet excited squeals, hands with movement, people with mobility aids, quiet moments, and big emotions with the same gentle patience. That has quietly become one of the greatest gifts this farm has to offer.
What started as a place for kids to connect with animals has also become a place where moms find each other. They linger after class, share stories, cheer each other on, and build real friendships. Watching that community grow has been every bit as meaningful as watching the kids fall in love with the farm.
We knew we had something special to offer, but I had no idea where to begin. A friend suggested reopening our old VRBO Instagram account with horse content and calling the group Mama & Me.
It was exactly the spark we needed.
One of my favorite parts of this journey is our logo. Years ago, my dad designed it. After he passed away, I found his sketch while going through his desk. I used ChatGPT to digitize it, and it came back looking just like the drawing he created years before. It felt like his blessing on this new chapter, and I love it so much.
We never expected how many families were already looking for a place just like this.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Caring for ailing parents is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Everything else in life doesn’t seem as hard after that. The farm is physically demanding, but it’s worth it to have this space and these animals in our lives. And to be able to share it with our friends and neighbors and sweet families who visit, is truly such a privilege.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a stay at home mom with a horse barn. We board horses to support my mom’s Alzheimer’s care, and I started sharing the farm with local moms and kids who enjoy being outside and loving on sweet animals, too. We are known for our peaceful space, friendly animals, pretty horses, and welcoming community of families. I’m most proud of finding a way to share our space in a meaningful way that hasn’t overextended my own family or myself. AND that’s it’s connected us with the most amazing group of moms I never would’ve met otherwise.
How do you think about happiness?
I’m happy:
When my kids are happy, healthy, and growing.
When my husband is happy, healthy, and our relationship is growing.
When my horses are happy, healthy, and my vet bill is not growing.
Sharing this beautiful space with other families who love it as much as we do because it’s too special not to share.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithhillaustin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Y4onwYpcG/
