We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Grania Gothard Holman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Grania Gothard, what principle do you value most?
I believe in providing an opportunity for dreams to come true. The American Dream. Horses are a vessel of dreams. Riding a horse is a dream of so many, young and old alike. Throughout history, the horse has represented freedom, hope, a future, and healing. It has been my dream to provide foundational instruction to the introductory rider in a safe and loving environment in the hopes of instilling a lifelong love of equine for future generations. So, the values and principles that matter most to me revolve around family and faith, and dream-making. I am in the dream-making business. Providing a family-friendly, peaceful environment outdoors and with nature, especially in these uncertain times, has been such a blessing.


Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In the horse world in particular, what sets me apart is that I am a career educator with an earned doctorate. (Ed.D., Educational Leadership & Instructional Supervision, The University of Alabama Ed.S., Educational Administration, The University of Alabama M.Ed. Foreign Language Education, Auburn University B.A., Spanish Minors: Music (Vocal Performance) and French, Auburn University). I have lived, studied, and worked abroad in Costa Rica and Honduras. I have taught all levels, K-12, and college as an educator and professor. I worked as the Children’s Music Ministries director very large local mega-church. I taught faculty aerobics at Auburn University. I tutored languages and taught vocal arts at a performing arts studio. My love for children and education and animals intersected at the perfect time when my husband and I started our family. Our six children were introduced to equine as infants, and the journey to this business grew organically and serendipitously through the years. We grew this business as we grew our family, from the ground up. Working with children and animals is a challenge, but it has always been my calling in life. My heart and passion are always with children and animals, most notably equine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Patrick Andrew Holman, and my six children, Seth-Patrick, Trinity, Ireland, Andrew, John-Hall, and Patricia have all been my greatest cheerleaders and supporters. Several of my children work at Sunny Brook Stables in various capacities, and my husband has been my biggest supporter and advocate from the beginning and serves as my business partner from when I started out in the pony business, doing traveling birthdays and pony rides for children. I am so grateful for this opportunity to share my vision for “a little country in the suburbs” where we have “Happy Horses & Happy Humans” at Sunny Brook Stables.

Website: www.sunnybrookstablesga.com

Instagram: @sunnybrookstablesga

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunnybrookstablesga

Image Credits
Joshua Jenkins, Trinity Holman

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