Our Story
It All Started When....
Hi, I’m Kim. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, I was a city kid who dreamed of owning a farm. I spent my summers at my grandparents’ Kentucky homestead, dreaming of the day I would have goats, chickens, and other farm animals of my own.
Little did I know that marrying Steve, a Maryland native and career Navy man, would put my dream on hold for many years. But during that time, we homeschooled our six kids, traveled with our horses and pets across the country, and lived in various places like Florida, Maryland, California, Virginia, and even Guam.
Although we owned a small farm in Virginia for a while, we eventually had to let go of that dream when duty took us back to California. But in 2015, after Steve retired from the Navy, we made California our permanent home and finally bought our farm. And that’s when Prancing Pony Farm came to life.
Olaf, the Dog Who Started it All....
Ever since I can remember, I have loved dogs. My first dog was a Boxer my parents owned when I was born. Oh, how I loved that dog. He was the first of many wonderful dogs in my life.
From childhood, I had a lifelong dream of living on a farm. That dream didn’t come true until 2015 when I was 50 years old. I bought Olaf, my first Maremma Sheepdog, to protect my new dairy goats. My life was forever changed.
Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder
Eventually, my journey led me to become a Maremma Sheepdog Club of America Code of Ethics Breeder. Code of Ethics breeders set themselves apart from all other breeders by pledging to adhere to the highest standards and ethics in breeding.
“The Maremma Sheepdog Club of America aspires to protect the development of Maremma Sheepdogs by encouraging breeders to adopt the Code Of Ethics to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders who are concerned with the propagation of physically, mentally and temperamentally sound Maremma Sheepdogs of proper breed type, and to encourage cooperation in the improvement, advancement, and protection of our breed. Code of Ethics Breeders accept responsibility for the protection, well-being, and improvement of the breed…”
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
In April 2024, I completed the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy Dog Trainer Professional Program. This rigorous six-month program represents the gold standard in professional dog training, focusing on science-based methods, positive reinforcement techniques, and effective behavior modification strategies. I pursued this certification to train my Maremmas to the best of my abilioty and support my clients after they take their pups home.
Licensed Family Dog Mediator
As a graduate of the L.E.G.S. Applied Ethology program and a Licensed Family Dog Mediator, I can empower you to understand your dog’s unique L.E.G.S. This understanding will help your dog thrive in their role and deepen the bond between you and your dog. Whether your dog is a Livestock Guardian Dog, a Family Companion, or a bit of both, I can help!
Ready to Join the Family?
The best way to start the process is by joining our email list. We will send you our puppy application, information on available puppies and dogs, and a link to book a phone call if you wish. Then, we will match you with the perfect Maremma Sheepdog for you!
Current Master Puppy Reservations
Join Our Email List!
Sign up for our email newsletter, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming litters and available dogs! Our email list members are always the first to know and get first dibs on available dogs. We also send out helpful Maremma Sheepdog care and training articles and links to useful resources.
