Meet Maureen Forman | Owner, Willow Dell Equestrian Center

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maureen Forman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maureen, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At its heart, WDEC is built on the belief that there is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a person. We see our farm as a bridge—a place where the silent, intuitive nature of animals meets the often-complex needs of humans. Whether we are hosting a veteran or service dog through our partnership with Healing4Heroes or introducing a child to their first pony, we are facilitating a connection that is grounded in trust, patience, and mutual healing. We take great pride in being a ‘soft place to land’ for animals whose lives were upended by circumstances beyond their control. Every animal here has a story of resilience. For instance, we are home to two Labs who came to us after their owner tragically died by suicide; they needed a space where they could just ‘be’ again. We have sheep whose previous owner became critically ill from late-stage Lyme disease and could no longer provide the care they needed. We also have horses who were not able to be cared for by their owners. To us, these aren’t ‘rescues’—they are residents who remind us every day that even after the hardest life circumstances, there is a path back to peace and security. Accessibility is vital to us. We created the Stable Start program specifically to remove the ‘intimidation factor’ from horsemanship. It’s an affordable entry point that teaches the fundamentals of horse care and riding without the high-pressure environment of a traditional show barn. We want people to fall in love with the horse first, and the sport second.
We also believe in opening our gates to those who need it most—including shelter dogs or poorly socialized dogs who just need an outing in a safe, expansive farm environment to decompress. Whether it’s hosting local schooling shows to support regional riders or mentoring the next generation of trainers, WDEC is committed to being a hub where people, veterans, and animals can find a sense of belonging.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My professional journey has never been a straight line; it has been a climb. I have ridden since the age of 9 years old but my work ethic began at age 13, mucking stalls and feeding horses every Saturday in high school. My parents instilled the value of horsemanship early: if I wanted to ride competitively, I had to work for it. The discipline I learned in the saddle as a junior carried me from collegiate competition at UVM to a role with Heidelberg Youth Services in Germany. I had the honor of teaching riding within military-run recreation facilities, providing a sense of community and stability for the families and dependents of those serving overseas. However, my path took a defining turn into law enforcement and then into the rigorous worlds of HR compliance and corporate finance. Navigating complex organizational structures and the front lines of the law taught me the true weight of integrity. It taught me the necessity of standing up for what is right—even when it’s uncomfortable—and gave me a front-row seat to the vulnerabilities of our community.

After years of managing ‘cases’ in the legal and corporate spheres, I realized my true calling was to take those professional values and ground them in something more primal and healing. I wanted to incorporate when I learned from policing and policy to providing a ‘soft place to land’ for those weathered by life. What sets Willow Dell Equestrian Center (WDEC) apart is that we aren’t just an equestrian center; we are a sanctuary for survivors. Our residents are a testament to this mission:
Because of my background in service, we are deeply committed to this mission.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned—from the patrol car to the boardroom to the barn—is that resilience is a team sport. You see it in a horse that learns to trust again, and you see it in the unrelenting spirit of someone like Peter Whitfield (@theaccidentalfarmercooks).

If there is one thing I want the world to know about my brand and my story, it’s this: No matter how ‘at-risk’ or ‘broken’ a situation may seem, there is always a path back to belonging. WDEC is that path. We are a testament to the fact that when you provide a soft place to land, both animals and humans have the capacity to soar.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting for a weekend, I’d keep them right here on the ‘South Side,’ where the pace is intentional and the community is genuine. Here is how we’d spend a perfect weekend:

We’d kick off Friday afternoon with a visit to the Senoia Area Historical Society. It is a ‘must’—a wonderful museum that tells the deep, storied history of our town. It grounds you in where we are before we head into the modern energy of the evening. After that I would take a little country drive to the oldest covered bridge in Georgia- Red Oak Creek covered bridge in Woodbury. We would likely stop for boiled peanuts, fried green tomatoes and maybe some delicious BBQ brisket at Doodlums.

As the sun begins to set and the timing was right (third Friday of the month) we’d dive into ‘Alive After Five’ in downtown Senoia. The shops stay open late, there are awesome outdoor vendors and in addition to the many restaurants, there are yummy food trucks lining the streets, On top of that, there is live music outside- you can bring a lawn chair and enjoy it all from your own little spot. It is a total blast and the perfect way to feel the heartbeat of our town.

Saturday mornings are sacred: Maybe a early stop in Haralson for the best biscuit you ever tasted- at the gas station!! The cafe adjacent is absolute gold! Then we would head to the Senoia Farmers Market. We’d grab a drink at the Bloody Mary Bar that Nic and Norman’s hosts (or a adult coffee!) and wander through the stalls filled with farm-fresh produce, local meats, eggs, and incredible artisan crafts. We would be sure to buy a flat iron steak from Windy Hill Farm- their beef is amazing.

After the market, we’re heading to the farm. I’d treat my friend to a Stable Start lesson at WDEC. There is nothing like a ride in our covered arena to clear the mind and connect with the spirit of the horses. To cap off the day, we’d head to Peachtree City for a world-class meal at The Georgia Shrimp Company—their flavors never miss. Best Shrimp and Grits around.

Sunday is for a slower pace. We’d head to Old Town Newnan for brunch on the square—either the sophisticated comfort of Lilah Grey or the vibrant atmosphere at Let’s Talk Brunch.

After a little boutique shopping around the historic courthouse, we’d end the trip with a mandatory stop at Rock Salt Milk Bar. You haven’t lived until you’ve had their incredible ice cream scoops in a fresh-pressed waffle cone.

In my view, the most exciting ‘thing’ to check out is the people and the hidden gems. It’s the vendors at the market who have been tilling the soil, tending honeybees, raising the cattle, or hens/ collecting eggs- and it’s the artisan makers who pour their souls into their jewelry and crafts. These are the people who make our area more than just a location—they make it a home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The culture here is defined by a spirit of unrelenting service, and no one embodies that more than Peter Whitfield, known to many as @theaccidentalfarmercooks. At 78 years young, Peter is a constant, vital presence on the farm. Whether he’s whipping up a gourmet meal for our volunteers, showing off a tractor to a wide-eyed child, or rolling up his sleeves to help with the animals, he is a reminder of what it means to be of service. He provides a level of mentoring and support that is rare to find; his desire to help others is truly unrelenting, and he is a cornerstone of the WDEC family. When you walk onto this farm, the goal isn’t just to learn how to ride; it’s to learn how to listen. WDEC is here to prove that no matter how difficult the journey has been, there is always a sanctuary waiting for you.

Website: https://willowdellfarms.com

Instagram: @willowdellfarms

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

Other: @theaccidentalfarmercooks