Willow Creek Farm has been family-owned since 2013 and is proudly cared for by Lucas and Chayna (DeNicolo) Petrocci, along with their spirited 2½-year-old son, Rocco, who can often be found “helping” around the barn. What started as a shared passion for animal husbandry has grown into a beautiful facility. "We feel incredibly fortunate to share the joy of what we do with others."

More about us! 

Chayna: 

“I’ve always been, and still remain, obsessed with horses! I’ve never known a life without them, and I wouldn’t want to!”

Chayna grew up in a horse-loving family—a passion for horses is how her parents first met, and the rest is history. As soon as she was able to ride independently, she began riding English, primarily focusing on jumping. Around eight years old, she started pursuing Western all-around events with her mother’s AQHA Quarter Horse. She had the privilege of beginning her show career through 4-H and local open shows. From there, she quickly advanced to competing at breed shows nationwide, including some of the most prestigious events in the country such as the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, the AQHA Youth World Show, the Amateur World Show, and the NSBA World Show, among others. Her dedication to the sport earned her a full scholarship to Kansas State University, where she rode on their Division I equestrian team.

While at Kansas State, Chayna met her husband, Lucas Petrocci, an Animal Science major with a deep passion for ranching and animal husbandry. After graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, the two married and officially purchased Willow Creek Farm from her family.

Over the next several years, Chayna transitioned from full-time teaching to managing Willow Creek Farm full time, gradually building a thriving riding school—hiring instructors, booking lessons, and adding lesson horses to the herd. Fast forward to today, Willow Creek Farm has developed into a full-fledged riding school complete with a dedicated team of staff, instructors, lesson horses, and a wonderful community of boarders and lesson customers.

"My favorite part of owning Willow Creek Farm is opening our gates to new riders and giving them the opportunity to discover the world of horses. There’s something incredibly special about seeing someone experience the magic of being in the saddle for the very first time."

Lucas:

A graduate of Kansas State University’s Animal Science Program, the inter workings of this farm could not run without Lucas.  He is responsible for many happenings around the farm. In addition to a full time job, Lucas can be seen dragging arenas, managing pastures, maintaining the property, and occasionally enjoying a Sunday ride!

Rocco: 

Their tractor-loving, outdoorsy little boy is the light of their lives. He can often be found zipping around the farm on his ATV and sneaking the horses’ peppermints any chance he gets. He loves catching a ride on the tractor with his dad or enjoying a pony ride with his mom.