The only breeder of Clydesdale and Shire horses in its entire county is a family farm where you can stand right next to these giants. That’s a big claim, and the horses are even bigger.
A husband-and-wife team runs the place. They raise these massive draft horses alongside beef cattle, and they open the gates to visitors by appointment.
I like how personal that feels. You won’t be lining up behind a rope with a hundred strangers in this corner of Virginia.
You plan a visit, show up, and meet horses with hooves about the size of dinner plates.
I can’t imagine a better way to feel tiny in the best possible way. So what’s it like to share a field with a horse that weighs as much as a small car?
The Only Giant Horse Breeder In The County Lives Right Here
Franklin County, Virginia, has plenty of farms, but only one breeds Clydesdale and Shire horses. That farm is Cross Creek Farm in Hardy, and it has carved out a very specific, very tall niche.
Breeding draft horses is not a casual hobby. These animals need serious space, serious feed, and owners who know exactly what they’re doing.
Robert and Christine Sink own and operate the farm. Their focus on raising and breeding these gentle giants makes the place stand out across the region.
Here’s a quick fun fact to file away. Clydesdales come from Scotland, while Shires trace their roots to England.
Both breeds were once the muscle behind plowing, hauling, and farm work before tractors took over.
Today, those same muscles mostly power jaw-dropping reactions. A Shire can be one of the tallest horse breeds on the planet, so standing beside one is a reality check.
The farm officially got its start in October 2020. That makes it a young operation with an old-world passion at its core.
For anyone who has only seen these breeds on TV or in parades, a breeding farm offers something different. You get the chance to see where these horses actually grow up, and that’s a rare treat in Virginia.
Book Ahead, Because These Giants Keep A Schedule
Spontaneous road trips are fun, but this stop needs a little planning. Cross Creek Farm welcomes visitors by appointment only.
That rule makes sense once you think about it. A working farm has feeding times, chores, and animals that don’t care about your weekend plans.
Booking ahead also means the visit feels focused. Instead of wandering around hoping to spot a horse, you arrive when the family expects you.
So how do you make the most of it? Start by reaching out early, especially if you’re traveling with a group or hoping for a specific date.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Farms come with mud, uneven ground, and the occasional surprise you’d rather not meet in sandals.
It also helps to bring patience and a good attitude. Horses move at their own pace, and the giant ones seem to know they’re the stars of the show.
Kids should get a quick talk before arriving too. Calm voices and slow movements help everyone, horses included, feel relaxed.
Think of the appointment as a ticket to a more personal visit. Fewer crowds means more time to ask questions and soak in the scene.
Prepare To Feel Very, Very Small Next To These Horses
Hooves the size of dinner plates. Legs wrapped in fluffy white feathering.
Heads that sit way above most adults.
That’s what meeting a Clydesdale or Shire up close looks like at Cross Creek Farm. Photos simply don’t capture the scale.
The feathering on their lower legs is a signature feature of both breeds. It gives them a look that’s part workhorse, part fairy tale.
Shires often wear darker coats like black, bay, or gray. Clydesdales are famous for their bay coats, white faces, and flashy white legs.
Despite their size, draft horses are known for a calm, steady temperament. Many people call them gentle giants for good reason.
Still, size matters around any animal this big. Always follow the family’s directions about where to stand, how to approach, and whether petting is okay.
A good tip is to approach from the side where the horse can see you. Speaking softly lets it know you’re there before you get close.
Bring your camera, but don’t spend the whole time behind it. Some moments, like a horse lowering its huge head toward you, are worth simply enjoying.
A Husband-And-Wife Team Runs The Whole Show
Behind every massive horse is a lot of hard work. At Cross Creek Farm, that work belongs to Robert and Christine Sink.
Family farms carry a different kind of energy than big commercial attractions. The people you meet are the same people feeding, grooming, and caring for the animals every day.
That connection matters when you visit. Questions about the horses go straight to folks who know each animal personally.
Curious about how much a Shire eats? Wondering how long these horses live or how they’re trained?
This is your chance to ask.
Draft horse care takes dedication. Big bodies mean big appetites, large hooves needing regular trimming, and grooming sessions that can feel like washing a minivan.
A family-run setup also means the visit can feel more relaxed. There’s no script, just real people sharing what they love.
Show some courtesy while you’re there. Thank your hosts, respect their space, and remember that this is their home and their working farm.
Supporting small family farms like this one helps keep rare breeding programs alive in Virginia. That’s a pretty good reason to plan a visit.
The Horses Share The Spotlight With Beef Cattle
Horses may be the headliners, but they aren’t the only residents. Cross Creek Farm also raises and sells beef cattle.
That mix gives the farm a well-rounded, working feel. It isn’t a petting zoo built for show, it’s a real agricultural operation.
Cattle and draft horses actually make a fitting pair. Long before tractors, horses like Clydesdales and Shires helped farmers manage fields and haul heavy loads.
For kids, spotting both animals is a great mini lesson in farm life. They can see how different animals serve different roles on the same land.
If you’re interested in buying local beef, it’s worth asking about it when you book your visit. Supporting farms directly keeps your food close to home.
Remember that cattle aren’t always as people-friendly as the horses. Admire them from a respectful distance unless the owners say otherwise.
Pastures full of grazing cattle also add to the scenery. Combined with the horses, the view feels like a classic slice of rural Virginia.
So keep your eyes open as you take in the property. The giant horses may steal your attention, but the herd deserves a nod too.
Fall Brings Pumpkins To The Pasture
Pumpkins and Clydesdales in one trip? That combo sounds almost too good to be real, yet the farm hosts an annual pumpkin patch.
Autumn in this part of Virginia already brings cool air and colorful trees. Adding a pumpkin patch gives families another reason to make the drive.
Pumpkin picking is a simple, timeless fall activity. Kids love hunting for the biggest one, while adults usually end up carrying it.
Here’s a tip for choosing a good pumpkin. Look for one with a sturdy stem and no soft spots, and give it a gentle knock to check that it feels solid.
Dress for the weather and expect dirt. Fields can get muddy after rain, and old sneakers or boots are your best bet.
Because details can change from year to year, check with the farm before heading out. Dates and activities may shift with the season.
A pumpkin patch at a horse farm also makes for great family photos. Orange pumpkins, green fields, and maybe a towering horse nearby?
That’s a holiday card waiting to happen.
Fall visits could easily become a yearly tradition for your crew.
Mountain Views Could Soon Frame Someone’s Wedding Day
Saying vows with a view of the mountains sounds pretty dreamy. Cross Creek Farm plans to offer its scenic setting as a wedding venue.
The farm sits in the rolling countryside around Hardy. That landscape gives couples a natural backdrop without needing much decoration at all.
Rural weddings have grown popular for good reason. Open skies, fresh air, and wide fields feel relaxed compared to a crowded ballroom.
And let’s be honest, a few giant horses grazing nearby would make the photos unforgettable. Few guests forget a wedding with a Clydesdale in the background.
Since this is a planned offering, couples should reach out directly for the latest information. Ask about availability, setup options, and any rules for events.
Planning an outdoor wedding takes some extra thinking. Have a backup plan for rain, and consider comfortable seating for older guests on grassy ground.
Timing also matters for photos. Late afternoon light tends to glow beautifully over fields and hills.
Even if a wedding isn’t on your calendar, it says a lot about the land. When owners believe their views can host life’s biggest moments, the scenery must be worth seeing in Virginia.
Finding The Farm Takes You Down A Scenic Country Road
Country roads, rolling hills, and plenty of open sky lead the way here. You’ll find Cross Creek Farm at 5540 Edwardsville Rd, Hardy, VA 24101.
Hardy sits in Franklin County, a rural area in the Roanoke region of Virginia. The drive feels like a breath of fresh air for anyone used to city traffic.
Since visits are by appointment, confirm your time before you leave. GPS works well, but rural signals can sometimes get spotty, so save directions ahead of time.
Give yourself a little extra time for the trip. Winding roads and slow farm vehicles are part of the local charm.
Pack water and snacks, especially with kids in tow. Farm visits can be longer than expected once everyone falls for the horses.
Hand sanitizer or wipes are smart to bring too. Petting farm animals is fun, but you’ll want clean hands before grabbing lunch.
The area around Hardy offers plenty of countryside to enjoy on the way. Smith Mountain Lake is also in the general region, making it easy to build a fuller day trip.
Just remember that the horses are the main event. Everything else is a bonus.
Horse Lovers Of Every Age Will Leave With A Grin
Some animals make adults act like excited kids again. Draft horses are definitely on that list, and Cross Creek Farm has a barn full of them.
Young children often light up at the sheer size of these horses. Teens who claim they’re too cool for farms might quietly sneak a selfie anyway.
Grandparents may enjoy the visit for different reasons. Many remember a time when draft horses were a more common sight on rural land.
That mix of wonder and history makes this a great multi-generation outing. Everyone gets something out of it, and nobody needs a screen.
Want to keep the learning going afterward? Look up the history of Clydesdales and Shires at home, or check out a library book about draft breeds.
Kids might also enjoy drawing their favorite horse after the trip. It’s a fun way to remember details like feathered legs and white faces.
Visits like this remind us how cool real animals are. They beat any video for creating lasting memories.
When you’re ready for a Virginia adventure with a little more hoof power, book a visit. Just don’t be surprised if someone in your family starts asking for a pony.
