Situated on over 240 acres of beautiful ranch land, just 22 miles due south of downtown Fort Worth, The Venue at Whistlejacket Farm provides the unique opportunity to host your wedding or special event in the midst of an active, state of the art equestrian facility! The property is owned and operated by the Manning and High families, with its history dating back to the early 1950’s. Originally owned by the current generation’s maternal grandfather, Travis Dean, the original acreage was raw and beautiful… far away from the “big city.” Travis and Lenora Dean’s daughter, Susan, and her husband, LM Manning Jr., moved to the property in the early ‘80’s with their then young children, Ralph and Laura. It was here that the Manning Family built an Arabian Horse training and breeding operation and instilled in the children a love and respect for the breed and the land.
Forty years later, Ralph, Laura and their families have enhanced the operations and facilities, introducing Whistlejacket Farm and The Venue.
Whistlejacket Farm
While the family maintained a presence in horses and ranching through the years, it was in 2018 that Ralph launched Whistlejacket Farm with operating partner and world class trainer, Wendy Potts. As Ralph describes it, “It was simply the perfect time for my lifelong dream of building a world class equestrian community to come to fruition.” The family added to the existing facilities to include a new show barn with attached riding pavilion and additional infrastructure bringing total capacity to more than 40 horses. Whistlejacket Farm is more than a training facility. It is an opportunity to be part of an equestrian community. Its members experience the magic of the Arabian horse and all aspects of good horsemanship. They learn what it means to work hard and reap the rewards in the show ring or simply in their own lives. For the full story, offerings and services available, visit www.gowhistlejacketfarm.com.
The Venue at Whistlejacket Farm
With the decision to convert the family farm to a world-class equestrian center, the family did so in the spirit of creating a place where more people can experience what they have been able to enjoy personally for so many years. “We wanted the farm to realize its fullest potential and to have a unique purpose… to be a refuge where people can escape and find solace while experiencing the wonderful world of horses and the natural beauty of the outdoors,” says Laura. With this goal in mind, in the latter part of 2020, Laura (Manning) High and her business partners launched The Venue at Whistlejacket Farm. This desire to share the property and the farm with others, coupled with the ever-increasing need for beautiful outdoor venue options has led us to create The Venue and all of its amenities. The original 1950’s farmhouse has been updated to create a charming and comfortable bridal suite with a groom’s suite option. The pavilion and porch provide covered or partially covered space for receptions up to 100 people. Larger events can be accommodated by erecting beautiful tents and other temporary structures. Your special event is limited only by your imagination!
The Venue at Whistlejacket Farm currently offers predominately outdoor sites for your wedding or event. The views and vistas from various locations are breathtaking! The natural beauty of wide-open spaces, the lake and water feature, beautifully manicured lawns, horses and cattle, classic, working barns and the beautifully updated 1950’s farmhouse all provide unique backdrops for your special day.
- The Pecan Pasture, Lakeview
- The Tree House Pasture, Creekside
- The Pavilion
- The Patio
- The Farmhouse, Bridal Suite
