Dee Watkins

Dee Watkins, shire horses, Jonestown, PA, Lebanon County near Harrisburg, runs a family-operated breeding program that has welcomed these gentle giants for over a decade. A member of the American Shire Horse Association, she follows recommended health protocols including regular farrier visits and annual veterinary exams. Her approach balances traditional draft horse qualities with modern welfare standards, emphasizing patient training and gentle groundwork.

Her farm’s pastures and sheltered stalls reflect a focus on balanced nutrition and social interaction among herd members. Ancestors bred draft horses on this land since the 1800s, and the farmstead’s historic barn still stands at the center of daily routines. Several offspring have participated in regional draft horse shows, demonstrating calm temperaments and sound movement under harness. Visitors often note the peaceful atmosphere that shapes these horses before they move on to draft work, pleasure driving, or therapeutic programs. Foals grow up alongside older horses, learning herd etiquette and developing confidence in varied environments.