Meet Wes and Jane

Rocking L Acres is a small horse farm located about 5 miles southeast of Madison, Wisconsin, just east of the Village of McFarland. Wes and Jane Licht work with their fine Morab horses, as well as training others, at their stables year round.

Celebrating 5o years together

In 2016 Jane and Wes celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. To honor the occasion, they enjoyed a wonderful weekend with family and friends – and horses, of course – at the Villa Louie Carriage Classic.

About Wes

Wes and Jane Licht moved to McFarland with their young daughters over 40 years ago. Wes’s father, Emil Licht, was an Iowa farmer and an expert horseman. He brought two little black Shetland ponies to Rocking L Acres for his granddaughters to ride. Over the years, other horses were purchased and many were raised from foals, including larger ponies and Half-Arabs until the Lichts discovered Morabs in 1992. Today, most of their horses are Morabs, including Windmere Royal Topaz, a Palomino Morab stallion well-known in Wisconsin as a champion halter and driving horse.

After teaching 4th and 5th graders for 32 years, Wes took early retirement and now trains horses to drive and people to drive them full time. He also gives sleigh rides in winter, provides carriage service for special occasions, lessons to beginning riders, horse driving clinics to various organizations, and he enjoys competing in all sorts of carriage driving sports. Wes has long been active in Dairyland Driving Club, Midwest Distance Driving Association, the McFarland Historical Society and other local community organizations.

About Jane

Jane is Wes’s bride and she also grooms for Wes at combined driving events, carriage classics, and distance driving events. Jane serves on the Board of the International Morab Breeders’ Association, the Board of the McFarland Historical Society, and as facilities director of the Larson House Museum in McFarland. Jane retired in 2007 after serving 18 years as the Register of Deeds of Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin.

Wes and Jane both enjoy time with family, prairie restoration and gardening, reading, attending McFarland Lutheran Church and backing the UW Badgers.

Some testimonials

  • Wes Licht has a magical way with horses

    Wes Licht has a magical way with horses…and the people who own and love them. I would recommend him as a trainer to anyone who truly cares about their horse and wants the best result. Wes is confident, firm, caring and very fair and accomplishes a great deal in a very short period of time. His timing for correction or praise is impeccable. The horse instantly recognizes him as the leader and learns quickly under his tutelage. He works equally well with the owner and makes each step understandable in a non-intimidating way. He instills confidence in both horse and owner and the end result is a “well-matched team.” He stands behind his work and is always willing to help if any problems arise after the horse leaves for home. I can’t recommend him enough!
    - KAREN CURRIE
    DEERFIELD, WISCONSIN

  • You have a special gift working with horses

    Wes – This is my third lesson with you and I always feel very good about myself and my horse when you finish. You have a special gift working with horses and their owners. I have taken many lessons in the past (riding only), but the way you teach is a much more meaningful experience. My only regrets are that you live too far away and I cannot work with you weekly to improve my driving. I will be signing up for the next lesson though. I can hardly wait!! Thanks again, for inspiring, encouraging and caring about me and my horses.
    - JANET CISMOSKI MARTENS
    BRULE, WISCONSIN

  • Wes was exactly what she needed

    My daughter and I had a great time with our minis [at the Northwoods Harness Club clinic]. The driving lesson my daughter took with Wes was exactly what she needed. It was pretty much her first time really driving by herself. He gave her some wonderful tips and really boosted her confidence, not only in herself, but in our mini, Smokey. She was doing so well driving that in the afternoon she did the obstacle course by herself. I was very proud of her. My lesson with my mini, Cody, was equally successful. Taking a green horse to that next step of preparing to hitch was something I needed help with. Wes showed me some great exercises to do before I hitch for that first time.
    - Carolyn Peterson
    Balsam Lake, Wisconsin

  • Wes is a gifted teacher

    Wes has been a great help to me over the last three years. He has trained my horse, who was very green, so I could safely drive him. I have taken many driving lessons with him. Wes is a gifted teacher and always willing to help you out. Wes has provided me wise counsel on equipment purchases and then how to safely hook it up and drive. He even taught me how to safely load my horse into a trailer. Wes introduced me to distance driving which has been a wonderful experience for both horse and man. My horse and I have come a long way in three years. Thanks Wes, I couldn’t have done it without you!
    - Jack Shea
    Sullivan, Wisconsin

  • ...the kids enjoy learning from you.

    Wes, as you know, we have had many lessons with you and we would like to thank you for being a wonderful teacher and horseman. With our recent trip to the 4H State Horse expo we put all the good training to use. The girls did fantastic and we attribute this to you! We came home with 4 top tens and a Grand Champion in reinsmanship. We love to come to your clinics and lessons because the kids enjoy learning from you. You are very special to us.
    - Dana Schroeder
    Oregon, Wisconsin

  • ...I learn so much.

    Wes – thanks so much for all your great work at the driving event last weekend. Every time I have instruction with you I learn so much. I appreciated the tandem help.
    - Bobbie Kleffman
    Grand Rapids, Minnesota