Could this be the happiest place on earth?

by Brandon Enyeart

Photographs courtesy of Wendi Ross, Blue Ribbon Equine Photography

Have you ever watched one of those movies where the main character loses consciousness and is suddenly transported to a fantasy world? I can only imagine that Happ’s would be that place if the main character was an equine fanatic.

Located in the small town of Ethel, Washington, Happ’s Inc. is a family owned ranch that plays host to nearly 20 carriage driving events per year and has seen everything from polo cross competitions to weddings.

Happ’s Inc. held their first competition in 2000. The variety of both humans and horses they have welcomed includes entrants from the USA, Canada, and even Australia, and breeds such as Friesians, Norwegian Fjord Ponies, and American Miniature Horses.

In an effort to keep things exciting, they have both portable and permanent obstacles, including a built underpass, overpass, waterfall, and covered bridges. Everything on the property came from the imagination of owners Ken Olsen and Maureen Harkcom. With Ken's background in construction and concrete, it's no surprise he built everything on the property.

Along with the driving competitions, Happ’s also holds five trail challenges spanning June through October each year, along with horse trials each May. People sometimes camp nearby for two to three days simply to use the facilities that the ranch has to offer.

Happ’s Inc. photographer Wendi Ross describes Ken and Maureen as “Humble, salt-of-the-earth people who would never brag about what they have done.” The hard work and time that they both have put into the ranch is unimaginable. It wasn’t until April of this year that the two of them finally spent a night away from the ranch to attend a carriage auction. This sort of attitude and work ethic has brought Happ’s a wealth of friends and supporters who have in return donated their time just to enjoy being at Happ’s.

Plans for the future of Happ’s include over 500 stalls and 3 barns and arenas. No public money has been spent on the facility; it is Ken and Maureen’s blood, sweat and tears that have turned this fantasyland into a reality.

So the next time you are taking your lunch break and you find yourself dreaming of a world full of horse-drawn carriages, cascading waterfalls and covered bridges, hoping that you are going to find that golden ticket in last night’s leftovers, don’t worry about it. That world exists, right here in the Northwest, and there is no golden ticket required.