About us...
The BK Corral is a family owned and operated Tennessee Walking horse farm that began in 2001. Byron and Patti Ketcham began this adventure when they purchased 38+ acres on Lay Lake in Wilsonville, Alabama. From the beginning, it has been a family operation. The Ketcham's have raised and home-schooled nine children. Now they are expecting their 24th grandchild and five great grands. Dr. Ketcham is a retired dentist and they now have even more time to invest in the their horses.
Patti explains...We began breeding mainly spotted Tennessee Walkers, but now focus primarily on palominos, buckskins, and cremellos produced by our cremello stallion "Blue". Our goal has always been to raise quality trail horses to sell and to use for riders who come to our barn. Except for this year, we have had 2 - 7 foals every year. Over time, we have enjoyed learning, riding as a family, and sharing the horses with friends. In 2010, we began hosting a summer horse camp which was a huge success, and have since had summer, fall and spring camps. This grew more interest in regular lessons. We also have had a growing network of special needs kids and their families. Home schooled children, who have more flexible times, also come out to ride. Our focus has been to teach Caution, Competence, Confidence and Control toward the goal of our riders enjoying trail riding, while at the same time teaching verses from the Bible where God uses the horse in some way to teach life lessons. We have 12 horses, four boarders, two barns, and a total or 12 stalls. We do not have a fancy operation but we try to keep our prices affordable to families and special groups. We hope you will call or come out and visit us at the BK Corral.
Patti explains...We began breeding mainly spotted Tennessee Walkers, but now focus primarily on palominos, buckskins, and cremellos produced by our cremello stallion "Blue". Our goal has always been to raise quality trail horses to sell and to use for riders who come to our barn. Except for this year, we have had 2 - 7 foals every year. Over time, we have enjoyed learning, riding as a family, and sharing the horses with friends. In 2010, we began hosting a summer horse camp which was a huge success, and have since had summer, fall and spring camps. This grew more interest in regular lessons. We also have had a growing network of special needs kids and their families. Home schooled children, who have more flexible times, also come out to ride. Our focus has been to teach Caution, Competence, Confidence and Control toward the goal of our riders enjoying trail riding, while at the same time teaching verses from the Bible where God uses the horse in some way to teach life lessons. We have 12 horses, four boarders, two barns, and a total or 12 stalls. We do not have a fancy operation but we try to keep our prices affordable to families and special groups. We hope you will call or come out and visit us at the BK Corral.
What People are saying...
"""We absolutely LOVE BK Corral.Patti and Byron are so patient with their riders and the kids learn so much! Bentley can’t wait for her lessons each week. We are so thankful!"
Kim Dojonovic, My. Laurel
"We love Mrs. Patti and Mr. Byron. My daughter can’t wait to get to their barn each time she goes. On the way there she talks about how much she loves being there and learning."
Christa Goodroe, Alabaster, AL
"We love going to BK Corral. The Ketcham's are wonderful teaching the steps to riding and care of horses. They continue to help my daughter build confidence with each lesson."
Shanda, Helena, AL
"It is so fun riding at BK Corral! Not only do you get to pick what route you take but you also get to pick your horse and put on the saddle and bridle. It is so beautiful out there! You get to be in control of your horse. You get to be the boss and you can even decide if your horse goes in the water. I love Mrs. Patti and Dr. Ketcham! They are so sweet and sometimes Mrs. Patti even lets me lead. It is such a fun and amazing place to ride horses!"
Katherine (age 11)
"My daughter has only been taking lessons for 6 months but she has learned so much about riding and the general care of horses. She has gained so much confidence from her time with Mrs. Patti and Dr. Ketcham. They have a beautiful farm and it always feels like we’re visiting family!" LG,Birmingham
BK Corral has been a wonderful place for my daughter to enjoy her love of horses! The Ketcham family are wonderful teachers. My husband and I really appreciate the time they take with Sam and teaching her about the whole process… not just riding but, all the extra stuff too"
Lauren S, Calera, AL
"My daughter got hurt in college on an acro and tumbling team. She was a gymnast her whole life. After a severe concussion - then seizures from anxiety - she decided to learn to ride. Not only are horses therapeutic but they've become incredibly important to her. Patti and Byron were so welcoming to her. Patti has taught her so much. When they ride - I get pictures and as a mom seeing my child happy no matter what age is a blessing! So thankful to BK Corral and the love Patti has shown my girl!"
Michelle, Chelsea, AL
"I'm so thankful to have found BK Corral. Ms.Patti is awesome. I love riding and learning more and more each time. I also love being able to take care of the horses after we ride. My helmet hangs at BK Corral and I get excited every time I arrive.
I am so appreciative to Ms. Patti and her husband. I love horses and it's been so wonderful to move on from gymnastics to find a new passion."
Jenna/ Chelsea, AL
“My daughter has flourished under Patti and Dr. K’s instruction at BK Corral. They are patient and wise teachers who clearly love their horses and students too. That love is contagious. My child went from having ridden a horse one time at a fair to never wanting to leave the barn after lessons. This is a special place run by wonderful people!"
J.Y., Birmingham, AL
Kim Dojonovic, My. Laurel
"We love Mrs. Patti and Mr. Byron. My daughter can’t wait to get to their barn each time she goes. On the way there she talks about how much she loves being there and learning."
Christa Goodroe, Alabaster, AL
"We love going to BK Corral. The Ketcham's are wonderful teaching the steps to riding and care of horses. They continue to help my daughter build confidence with each lesson."
Shanda, Helena, AL
"It is so fun riding at BK Corral! Not only do you get to pick what route you take but you also get to pick your horse and put on the saddle and bridle. It is so beautiful out there! You get to be in control of your horse. You get to be the boss and you can even decide if your horse goes in the water. I love Mrs. Patti and Dr. Ketcham! They are so sweet and sometimes Mrs. Patti even lets me lead. It is such a fun and amazing place to ride horses!"
Katherine (age 11)
"My daughter has only been taking lessons for 6 months but she has learned so much about riding and the general care of horses. She has gained so much confidence from her time with Mrs. Patti and Dr. Ketcham. They have a beautiful farm and it always feels like we’re visiting family!" LG,Birmingham
BK Corral has been a wonderful place for my daughter to enjoy her love of horses! The Ketcham family are wonderful teachers. My husband and I really appreciate the time they take with Sam and teaching her about the whole process… not just riding but, all the extra stuff too"
Lauren S, Calera, AL
"My daughter got hurt in college on an acro and tumbling team. She was a gymnast her whole life. After a severe concussion - then seizures from anxiety - she decided to learn to ride. Not only are horses therapeutic but they've become incredibly important to her. Patti and Byron were so welcoming to her. Patti has taught her so much. When they ride - I get pictures and as a mom seeing my child happy no matter what age is a blessing! So thankful to BK Corral and the love Patti has shown my girl!"
Michelle, Chelsea, AL
"I'm so thankful to have found BK Corral. Ms.Patti is awesome. I love riding and learning more and more each time. I also love being able to take care of the horses after we ride. My helmet hangs at BK Corral and I get excited every time I arrive.
I am so appreciative to Ms. Patti and her husband. I love horses and it's been so wonderful to move on from gymnastics to find a new passion."
Jenna/ Chelsea, AL
“My daughter has flourished under Patti and Dr. K’s instruction at BK Corral. They are patient and wise teachers who clearly love their horses and students too. That love is contagious. My child went from having ridden a horse one time at a fair to never wanting to leave the barn after lessons. This is a special place run by wonderful people!"
J.Y., Birmingham, AL