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As a
founding member of the Hella Black Horse Patrol, Tommy Ernest Mayes
decided to purchase some property near his University Park home to
keep a few of his horses. In October 1956 he purchased ten acres of
land on the outskirts of Dallas.
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Founding Member,
Tommy Ernest Mayes |
Tommy had envisioned a small farm where he could sit in his rocking
chair and watch his horses in the pasture (thus the name "Rocking
M"). Over the years, Tommy
developed some large gardens and several hen houses along with
countless numbers of kids and horses. In the meantime, the city grew
out to Tommy's little spread. But Tommy continued to enjoy his
property and was pleased when the surrounding land was designated as
park space. Tommy would still be able to enjoy nature and his
horses.
He passed along this dream to his grandson, Michael, who spent his
weekends and summers at the barn sharing the old man's love for
nature and horses. The two would spend time riding the area and
trading dreams.
In 1978 the City of Dallas purchased 8.5 acres back from Tommy to
accommodate the building of Walnut Hill Bridge.
When Tommy died in 1992, the barn was handed down to his son, who in
turn realized that the property and Tommy's dream would best be
continued in the hands of Michael. Since Tommy's death, the focus of
Rocking M has expanded from a boarding stable to include a training
facility for horsemanship.
Owners, Molly and Mike Mayes |
To accommodate the growing interest in equestrian activities, Mike
and his wife Molly decided to undertake an extensive renovation of
the property including a massive covered arena, completed in the
fall of 2003. By successfully working with the area neighbors, the
Dallas Planning and Zoning Board, the Dallas City Council, the
Dallas Park and Recreation Department, a team of professionals (i.e.
architects, engineers, contractors, equine professionals, etc.), the
Mayes are currently in the final phase of accomplishing The Rocking
M Family's dream of "helping the entire child to grow and become a
responsible adult through learning and developing the horsemanship
skills."
For more information:
Rocking M Stables
Mailing address:
7207 Oak Bluff
Dallas, Texas 75254
Stable phone: 214-348-5933
Office phone: 214-682-8922
Fax: 972-239-4514
Email:
info@rockingmstables.net |
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