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Paul and Joanna Daily hosted over a dozen out-of-state guests at their ranch located just off LA 8 just west of Jena last week. Two families - one from Texas and the other from Tennessee - had contacted the Dailys about horse riding and training lessons for two of their children’s birthday. Lenora Daily and her father, Paul, are shown with Rose Head of Franklin, Tenn. (seated on far left), Justin Tingle (seated in center) and the nine Angier children of Mount Pleasant, Texas: (left to right) John Luke, Elizabeth, Matthew, Stephen, Daniel, Philip, Sara, Matthew and Mary.

Daily Ranch fulfills birthday wishes
Girls from two states chose horse training as gifts
“What to do for their daughter’s birthday?” was the question proposed by two sets of parents: one in Tennessee and one in Texas. Though there were numerous trip options to go overseas or travel in the United States, the girls, both crazy about horses, wanted to come to the Daily Ranch to learn more about horses for their birthdays. So, the parents called Wild Horse Ministry founder and horse trainer Paul Daily of Jena.
Rose Head, 13, of Franklin, Tennessee, and Sarah Angier, 15, of Mount Pleasant, Texas, along with their mothers and for Angier—her eight other siblings—were the guests of Paul and Joanna Daily last week. Both families own horses and the guests were taught additional horse riding and training skills.
Head’s parents, Julian and Valerie, own the 100-acre Spring Creek Farm in Franklin, TN. She is the eldest of three children. Her parents were discussing taking a trip to Ireland or Australia for her birthday, but because of their knowledge of Rose’s passion for horses, they looked into different well-known horse training programs.
“We wanted to do something for her that would be memorable,” Valerie said. “We want to show her that turning 13 she will begin having more responsibilities in her life and that it’s an important milestone for her.”
The Heads knew their daughter would continue working with horses in the future and that experience in horse training would be a great opportunity. They were glad they knew a man, who knew about horses and God and could encourage Rose in both areas.
“We’ve known Paul for eight years because we’ve hosted the Wild Horse events at our farm,” Valerie said. “We know he’s a strong man of God, so we thought what better person for her to learn from.”
When the trip possibility to the Daily’s ranch was proposed to Rose, she loved the idea and said that Louisiana was much better than Australia and the other trip options.
“I’m glad to be here. It’s been really, really, really fun,” Rose said. “It’s been a great birthday present.”
Rose said during her time with the Daily’s, she has learned a lot more about horse riding and training that she did not know as well as about spiritual things.
“I want to know more about horses, God and myself,” she said. “I think this place offers all three.”
Gregg and Clare Angier, of Mount Pleasant, TX, were just gathering ideas for something special for their eldest daughter’s upcoming 16th birthday. They weren’t aware it would end up being a whole family affair leading to Jena.
The idea that started with a birthday ended up encompassing the trip as a Christmas gift for all nine of their children: Sara, 15, Elizabeth, 14, Daniel, 13, Stephen, 11, Paul, 11, Matthew, 10, Mary, 8, John Luke, 7 and Philip, 5.
The Angiers own horses and thought their children would enjoy learning more about horsemanship. It seemed the trip was a success from the focus that each of them held in their activities at the Daily Ranch each day.
“The kids and I - except for Sara and my husband - were able to see Mr. Daily’s “Pen of Life” demonstration, but I had never met them,” Clare said. “I knew Sara was interested in learning to train horses and I thought the Dailys would be able to not only show her (and the children) more about horse training, but also about God.”
Since the trip turned into one for the whole family, for her birthday Sara’s father plans to surprise her by bringing her back to Jena to go on the Daily’s monthly trail ride. Clare said they have all enjoyed their time at the Dailys and that it was a great decision for the whole family.
Sara said she had missed the Daily demonstration, but had heard great things about them from her mother. She could not wait to come to Louisiana to learn more.
“I plan on working with horses in the future and I have been able to learn a lot.” Sara said. “The experience has been wonderful.”