We had the good fortune of connecting with Louise Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Louise, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I feel like my 8-year-old self dreamed up Backyard Barnyard and she’s very proud of us. I grew up on a farm in Western Maryland, where we bred Thoroughbred horses. My 8-year-old self spent all of her waking hours with animals; from training and competing horses to birthing piglets. I felt more at home with more four legged friends than anywhere else in the world.

Growing up around animals was such a fundamental part of my development, into a responsible, grounded, successful adult. I’m also a competitive horseback rider, to this day.

When I had two kids of my own, I knew I wanted them to also grow up being responsible for animals. When my daughter was about 3 we started with our Nigerian Dwarf goats, Leo and Marty. Then we got chickens, and rabbits, and the rest is history. At this point I had 15 critters, a trailer and a truck and the thought came to me, ‘I could share this experience with other kids, get other people’s kids excited about animals and caring for them.’

From there the creativity just started flowing and I began designing the logo, writing the website and bringing Backyard Barnyard to life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
From Fort Collins to Denver, we bring adorable critters to any event. We believe that being with animals is grounding, and in many cases healing. The therapeutic benefit of sharing our animals is a major motivator for us, but not only that, our adorable crew levels up any event. My favorite part is seeing the kids’ faces as we bring out the animals, or their joy when they get their chance to hold a rabbit or pet the pony.

That’s not to say kid’s are the only ones who have fun at our events, we have way too much fun ourselves. These past few years have been heavy and we thought it was the perfect time to introduce a business to the community that was born out of pure joy and playfulness.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our favorite things about Fort Collins are the natural beauty, the parks and the food. If you have kids, Fort Collins has the best parks. Twin Silos park and Spring Creek Canyon Park are sure to tire everyone out.

We always take visitors to Horsetooth Reservoir, and do some stand up paddle boarding when we can. Even if you can’t stand up paddle board, the beaches on the Lory State Park side are gorgeous.

If you’re digging vegan food,Tasty Harmony is the place to go. While we were downtown, we’d visit the Cupboard for some shopping, before heading to the Exchange. At the Exchange, we’d play some putt putt at Old Town Putt and enjoy a few cocktails. At the Exchange you get a variety of vendors sharing one space, which is great for letting the kids burn some energy while we enjoy some tacos and margs at Vato’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my Shoutout to my partner, Ryan, and my mom, Julia. Without their support Backyard Barnyard would’ve never come to life.

The patience that it takes to be a partner to an animal lover is bar none. Ryan accepts that so much of my energy goes to my animals and he’s not only accepting, he’s supportive. He helps teach the kids to water the animals, and helps pick up the slack when he sees I need help. He watches the kids, during the 5 times a week I’m riding my competitive event horse and when we’re at Backyard Barnyard events (which is beyond our day job). He’s the reason I’m able to go after this dream and I’m so grateful for you, Ryan!

To my mom, who’s creative inspiration has helped with so many parts of Backyard Barnyard. Thank you for continuing to share your time, energy and resources in support of Backyard Barnyard taking off. You’re instrumental to our success and have given me the courage to pursue this dream!

Website: https://www.backyardbarnyardzoo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backyard_barnyard_co/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backyardbarnyardzoo/

Image Credits
Lindsey Memering @lbmequestrian

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.