Somewhere Over the Rainbow Acres: A Haven for Horse Lovers and Equestrian Enthusiasts

By Renae Ison Photos By Matt Johnson 

What started as a personal interest quickly turned into a shared passion with her friend, John and his husband Nathan, formed Rainbow Acres—a collective of two neighboring properties housing nearly 20 horses. Lauren, along with her wife Nicole and their friends, have cultivated an environment where training and camaraderie go hand in hand. Their daily routine involves feeding, grooming, and riding their horses several times a week, ensuring each animal receives attention and proper care. Lauren also cares for a menagerie of other animals—bunnies, cats (indoor and outdoor), a dog, and chickens—keeping her schedule packed. When asked about exercise, she laughs, “Loading 50-pound bags of feed and pellets has to count for something.” 

What sets Rainbow Acres apart, aside from deep bond between those who run it, is their unconventional approach to horse breeding, with a focus on broodmares rather than stud farms. Their operation specializes in breeding high-quality barrel racing horses with strong bloodlines breeding them with the newest latest greatest stud, nurturing them from birth to competition level. For those interested in their breeding program, J and N Barrel Horses highlights John and Nathan’s ability, raising promising young horses with potential for success. 

On a ranch, horses are more than just animals—they are partners. Lauren’s personal connection to her horse, Lenny, exemplifies the powerful relationships formed through equestrian training. Initially difficult to handle, Lenny transformed with patience and persistence, forming an unbreakable bond between two wild spirits. For Lauren, the ability to communicate and build trust with an animal weighing nearly a thousand pounds has been one of the most rewarding experiences of horse ownership. 

When discussing LGBTQ perspectives, Lauren noted an interesting social dynamic in barrel racing. Though predominantly female sport, there was a notable presence of gay men, contrasting with the more “traditional” rural culture often associated. Lauren found the prevalence of male riders, particularly gay men, to be a unique observation within the sport she remarks “It is nice in a predominantly straight, white, female sport to have those little hidden gems.” 

Despite the fulfillment the ranch provides, challenges like finding reliable caretaking and managing the excessive costs of upkeep can be daunting. Lauren jokingly recounts, “the first show I ever went to; my friend comes up to me and looks at my wife and she says, ‘You’re never going to have any money ever again.’” However, Rainbow Acres thrives because of the shared commitment to horsemanship of all involved. Through challenging work and a deep appreciation for these incredible animals Rainbow Acres shows that successful ranching isn’t just about financial investment but dedication and passion. 

Their story inspires those considering a similar path to pursue it with both determination, joy and the only certainty being uncertainty. That we truly never know the places life will take us. The more we spoke the more one theme remained constant: Rainbow Acres is more than just land, horses, and routines—it’s a testament to friendship, commitment, and the extraordinary rewards of a life built around shared passion.