Rob and Karen met in 1991.  

Rob is a Professor of Marine Science and an Environmental Chemist, at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary.  Karen is a Professional Artist and was an Advanced Open Water Scuba Instructor before entering college. Karen and Rob have Scuba dived all over the world. EquiSea Farms is named for their love of the ocean---EquiSea means Seahorse!

The farm unofficially began when Karen purchased Romey. Rob had no idea that Romey would win his heart and change his life! Here's why it happened--Karen is horse-crazy-has been since childhood. She got her first pony as a youngster and paid his board by cleaning stalls at the local stable. Eventually, her family got involved in horses, started a small farm and raised Appaloosas. Karen was involved in 4-H, winning New Jersey State Horse Show Championships and the New Jersey State 4-H Princess title. Karen also competed in Competitive Trail Rides and Appaloosa Horse shows. On the Appaloosa circuit, she showed a horse named "Juaquin's Copy Cat," aka, Jock. Jock was an incredible gelding and the two showed in a variety of classes from jumping to English & Western Equitation & pleasure-but their specialty was running barrels and pole bending. Weekends were spent at shows all over the North East. When Karen first learned to drive…it was in a truck pulling a horse trailer! Once "all grown up," Karen was pulled away horses-until studying art in college. Horses came alive on canvas and in sculpture. That's what happens when horses are in your soul…

Trienke Zeemeermin (16 months old) and Lovers Al Shama practicing tandem reining patterns.  October 2007

View from our back deck

So, when Rob suggested that Karen get herself a horse, he had no idea it would turn into a farm! You see - Rob grew up in Detroit Michigan. He always had a love for animals and his family had German Shepherds and a cat. Rob's passion, from early on, was Science-and swimming. He swam competitively in high school and received college scholarships at Wayne State University. There Rob was chosen team captain, broke a few team records and went to the NCAA Nationals. After earning undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry, Rob went on to graduate school at William & Mary and earned his PhD in 1983. After graduation he worked for Mobil Oil Corp. in their Environmental Health Department, in Princeton, N.J. and in 1987 joined the Virginia Institute of Marine Science as a Professor.

…In 1991 the ocean-loving couple, Scientist and horse-crazy Artist met, beginning a life-long relationship, which led them to the farm…

Since starting EquiSea Farms, we've been busy. Land clearing, fence and barn construction, as well as caring for our growing herd of horses and llamas, has been an ongoing process. We are having a blast! Please explore our web site and meet the gang! As new foals and crias are born, we'll post photos, so check back often.

T         Thee Samurai

Merit's Rocky Road

Angela M & Trienke Zeemeermin

Our Support Team

We keep EquiSea Farms' residents happy and healthy with the help of fantastic people!

Dr. Rob Lee with our '09 Dutch Friesian colt.

Introducing our Veterinarians, Dr. Gary Doxtater & Dr. Rob Lee, of Tidewater Equine Clinic.  These guys are excellent & talented Vets!  We owe them a debt of gratitude for keeping our beloved horses and llamas healthy-even if it means coming out on weekends and 2am...  Their office staff is absolutely fantastic too!

Doc Gary is the lead singer and guitarist for SHAKEDOWN, a Hampton Roads Rock band!

Dr. Gary Doxtater with our newborn '08 Arabian colt.

This page

Introducing our Trainer, Greg Peak, of Greg Peak Performance Horses.  Greg began training our Dutch Friesian mare Trienke Zeemeermin Ster, known to her friends as Zeema, at the 2010 Dutch Friesian Keuring.  With Greg, Zeema became at Multi-World & National Champion at the 2011 IFSHA Friesian World & Grand National Championships!  Zeema remains in training with Greg and will continue her show career.  Our 2007 Dutch Friesian colt, Wander's Nepteunis (Wander 352 x Angela M, Ster x Teunis 332) will begin training with Greg in October 2011.   We are thankful to have our horses in training with Greg.  He is truly a world class trainer!

Trienke Zeemeermin Ster, with Greg after they won "World Champion Friesian Junior Mares, at the 2011 IFSHA Friesian World & Grand National Championship!

... Greg Peak (handling) and Robin Mountjoy (whip) showing Trienke Zeemeermin Ster, to a World Championship in Halter!  October, 2011

Introducing Robin Mountjoy of Greg Peak Peak Preformance Horses.  Robin has a love of horses second to none.  She and Greg run their training business and keep the horses happy and healthy.  Robin has shown several horses to National Championships as an amateur.  She and our mare, Trienke Zeemeermin Ster, won a World & National Championship in Friesian Country Pleasure, Walk/Trot!  Additionally she won two Top Fives at the show!

Gregg visiting our '08 Arabian colt (Thee Samurai x BKL Bint Noraah), April 27th, 2008.

Introducing Gregg Mears.  Gregg has a love for animals that is unmatched!  He watches our farm for us when we travel.  Life is so much easier knowing that our animals are being cared for by Gregg while we're away!  In addition to farm-sitting, Gregg was instrumental in the development of this Website!  He is truly a Computer Freak, extraordinaire!

Introducing Patty Richards and Dr. Jim Perry, of Ambler's Alpacas.  We can't say enough about these guys!  Patty and Jim introduced us to llamas-in fact, three of our foundation llamas are from their farm.  They've helped us with newborn crias, hay pickup and farm chores.  Over the Christmas holidays 2006, Jim helped Rob install 650 feet of underground water line!  They are quality people and dear friends!

This photo was taken the day Rocky was born.  Jim & Patty brought us meals and checked on Sweet Pea & Rocky.  Their support was unbelievable!

Mark & Deb Burke.   Our stallion Sammy was at their farm for the 2007 breeding season.

Introducing Mark and Deb Burke, of Amethyst Acres.  Mark & Deb own and manage a state of the art Equine Reproduction Center.  We brought our young stallion, Thee Samurai, to Amethyst Acres for his first breeding season.  Because of their kind, consistent training, Sammy is respectful, confident and gentle during breeding.  We think the world of the Amethyst team and invite you to visit their website!  Their address is listed on our "Links" page.

Introducing Dr. Karen Baum.  Dr. Baum, known as Little Doc, is one of the leading Camelid Veterinarians in the United States.  She is always available for consultation.  Doc Karen has helped us many times.  We consider ourselves lucky to have such a talented expert available!

This page was last updated 
10/17/2011 10:55 AM