Page 26 - Winter 2022

Couple gets engaged at Classic City Clydesdales
High school sweethearts pick up where they left off
Story by Deborah Dietzler
Nestled on 225 acres on Price Mill Road, Classic City Clydesdales is one of Oconee County’s hidden gems.
The farm offers tours, trail rides and overnight accommodations at a guest lodge. Owners Shannon and Mark Martin have also helped to create memorable moments for horse enthusiasts like Keri Keehn.
A lover of horses since childhood, Keri Keehn had the perfect high school sweetheart in JJ Henderson, whose family owned a farm in Brooks, Georgia. Their dates often involved working on the property, whether on the century-old house or with the animals.
By 2021, JJ had moved back to the farm in Brooks, and he decided to invite Keri to lunch to reconnect in person. As a healthcare worker, Keri was a bit hesitant due to the pandemic, but she accepted the invitation. In mid-March, they met at Texas Roadhouse in Newnan, and as Keri says, “we picked up right where we left off so many years ago.”
The next day, Keri invited JJ to Bees Freeze, where they savored snow cones while catching up. Time flew, and before they knew it, they were there past closing.
Knowing Keri’s affection for horses, JJ planned a visit to Classic City Clydesdales. To keep the destination a surprise, he asked Keri to join him for a trip to visit friends in Hilton Head. As the drive progressed, Keri found the route JJ was taking to be a curious way to get to the coast, so she asked if he needed her to put on her GPS. He assured her that he knew where they were going, and as they made the turn onto the farm’s driveway, Keri nearly jumped out of the car with excitement. She had long admired the majesty of Clydesdales but had never seen the breed up close.
To add to the joy of the day, the friends they were going to see in Hilton Head were there too. Keri figured that was the extent of the surprise, but JJ had more in store. During a trail ride, the riders came upon a pond, where Shannon Martin, who was guiding the tour, suggested that everyone get off their horses for a saddle adjustment. Keri and the friends began chatting, oblivious to JJ calling for her attention three times. When she finally turned around, he got down on one knee and proposed. As Keri responded with a jubilant “yes,” Shannon popped a bottle of champagne.
The couple married last Halloween and are building their own home on the Henderson family farm. When reflecting on their proposal, they credit Shannon and her team for the amazing experience. And the Martins were pleased to create magical memories for the couple.
Although owners Shannon and Mark Martin grew up around horses, they fell in love with Clydesdales in 1998 when they purchased a stud colt named Sampson. Since that time, they have committed their lives to improving the breed. They are delighted that the farm has also become a place for celebrations. The Clydesdales will forever be a part of Keri and JJ’s love story.
JJ Henderson proposed to Keri Keehn at Classic City Clydesdales last year.
When JJ left for the Air Force after his graduation in 1987, the couple split amicably. Both formed families of their own and fell out of touch. However, they also both went through respective divorces, and about five years ago, social media brought them back together first as friends and then as partners.
JJ’s career required extensive travel, and Keri had moved to Newnan to be close to her mother, who required care following a heart attack.
In 2019, JJ found himself working in the Athens area, where he encountered Classic City Clydesdales. At the time, he was contracted to install video surveillance equipment at the barn. Little did he know how important this connection would become.
sDeborah Dietzler is a freelance writer in Athens, Ga. She is a special project coordinator for Goodwill of North Georgia.
PAGE 24 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | WINTER 2022
Michael Prochaska