Our Facilities

Crystal Farms sits on 258 acres of prime farm land near the historic town of Marshall, Michigan. This scenic farm is home to many wonderful animals and the owners that enjoy them. It boasts a large indoor riding arena (200 x 60) with an attached 15 stall show barn. There is also a heated indoor observation room for our clients' comfort and relaxation. Another three barns hold 37 stalls and storage. This makes a grand total of 52 stalls. Crystal Farms has three large pastures that can be divided up into individual turn-outs as well. A 250x80 outdoor riding arena (pictured) is also utilized in the summer.

Meet the Staff of Crystal Farms

Mary Carlton

Mary Carlton has been the head trainer and instructor at Crystal Farms for 12 years. She is 34 years old and has been riding since she was three. Mary began her practice at home under the instruction of her sister and mother, then at the age of 14 perfected her craft with accomplished instructor Sandy Sessink. A year later she topped the competition at the Grand National and World Championship Horse Show in the AMHA Saddle Seat Gold Medal Finals, the UPHA Challenge Cup and the Senior Saddle Seat Equitation Championship, winning the Triple Crown. She has taken her experience and hours of hard work, and passed it on to many riders over the years. She has been named Instructor of the Year by many national publications and has instructed riders and trained horses to over 100 World and Grand National Titles. She also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in political science.

Dani Chapman

Dani Chapman hails to us from Wiesbaden, Germany. She has been riding since she was 8 years old and was a riding instructor in Germany for 10 years teaching students in vaulting, jumping, horse ball, and dressage prior to coming to the USA. She completed schooling in Germany to be a kindergarten teacher. She has been active in the sport of horse ball and was part of the German team that went to the National European Championships while also serving as a referee for the sport. She joined Crystal Farms in January of 2003 and has been integral to the training of many of the World and Grand National titles won through Crystal Farms.

Meet the Owner of Crystal Farms

Patricia Carlton

Patricia Carlton is the owner of Crystal Farms. Her husband, Pat, recently passed away after a short illness. He is greatly missed, however Patricia continues to own and help operate the farm with her family.

Crystal Farms is truly a family tradition since it has been owned and operated by the Carlton family since 1965. What started out as a family hobby soon grew into the booming equestrian facility that it is today. The late Pat Carlton and his eldest daughter Chris decided that the Morgan horse was the breed for them. In the late 70s and early 80s Crystal Farms was having over a dozen Morgan babies a year and starting to make their mark in the show ring. This soon blossomed into a lesson program and training facility. Crystal Farms turned out its first World Champion in 1992 at the Grand National and World Championship Morgan horse show. Today horses and riders under the Crystal Farms banner have earned over 100 World and Grand National titles.

Patricia has been there every step of this great journey! From helping with the day to day operations of this large farm to cheering on the riders and horses at horse shows around the country. She has seen their family hobby grow into a thriving business where horse enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy a great atmosphere.