Dry Creek Barn grew from Jan and Joe’s lifelong passion for horses and a dream to create a welcoming space for both riders and rescued horses. Nestled near a historic creek, the barn is a sanctuary where horses find new purpose and riders connect with nature.
Jan shares a deep personal connection to Dry Creek Barn, rooted in her lifelong love for horses that started in Brazil during her youth. Jan’s love for horses, and Joe’s ranching background in Texas inspired their mission: to build a community, provide riding lessons, and give horses a second chance.
They moved to the property over 20 years ago, with a few personal horses, and a shared love for the land, never imagining it would evolve into what it is today—a place where rescued horses thrive and children and adults alike learn, grow, and find joy in riding. For Jan and Joe, Dry Creek Barn is much more than just a barn—it’s a home for horses, riders, and the community they’ve nurtured with love and care.
“For us, it’s more than a barn—it’s a home where horses find new purpose, and a community is built around trust, care, and learning.”
Our Story
A COUNTRY BOY FROM TEXAS AND A CITY GIRL FROM BRAZIL… WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON
God, Family, country living, and Horses!
Joe spent his childhood and much of his 30s riding and building a partnership with his horse on the ranch—gathering cattle, branding, checking and repairing fences, and riding through the herd to see which cows were getting close to calving. Jan, on the other hand, spent her time riding English at an equestrian center in Brazil, learning basic equitation and competing in local schooling shows.
Fast forward to marriage, raising five children, and careers in the city of Katy and Houston, which left little time for enjoying horses or country life, though it was always part of the plan. Eventually, they were able to buy some property in Bellville, move to the country, and return to their love for horses. Initially, they bought two horses and rode just for pleasure, but soon realized it would be a blessing to share their passion with others. This led them to start the lesson program.
Now retired, Joe and Jan spend their days working at the barn, riding, and enjoying time with the families that take lessons there. This journey has truly been a gift, and they are deeply grateful for all the horses and friends they’ve made at Dry Creek Barn.
The Foundation
The Dry Creek Foundation was established to extend our mission of giving horses a second chance. It is the heart of our mission to care for horses in need.
From providing safe shelter to offering the medical care they require, our Foundation is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses, ensuring their well-being while providing them a nurturing environment.
Through community support and donations, these magnificent animals can thrive, while also maintaining the sanctuary and the ranch’s daily operations. Beyond horse welfare, the Foundation makes a lasting impact by offering lessons, providing educational programs, events, and a space where people and horses can form deep, meaningful connections.