Fran Pugh always loved horses. She grew up riding at summer camp and at school, but never owned one herself until her husband, Watson, purchased that first Morgan Horse from Barbara Cole of October Farm in 1961. Miller's Ben-Del (Miller's Pride x Miller's Adel), a stallion and a maternal brother to the legendary Waseeka's In Command, was Fran Pugh's first introduction to the Morgan Horse and was everything his predecessors promised he would be. His character, disposition, versatility and distinctive beauty cemented a partnership between human and equine that has continued for over 40 years.

In 1961, the Pughs purchased 100 acres of land just seven miles from their home in Raleigh, in order to be closer to their beloved horses. Tara Farm was born. Before long, Trophy's Merit (Trophy x Gipsey Eileen) and Coralee (Verran's Laddie x Rubby) joined the Pugh family. One thing lead to another, and horse show participation and a breeding program began to emerge from the Raleigh program.

Many talented trainers came through the doors at Tara Farm, directing and presenting such memorable champions as Empyrean Apollo, Apollo's Reflection, Tara's Cherokee, Fox-Ridge Command, Tara's Anasazi, Tara's Deborah, Tara's Rhett Butler and many, many others. At the helm of the training duties were Tom & Lola Hunt, Cindy & Leo LeFave, Eric Noble and finally Ken and Diana Swanson, the current trainers and managers of Tara Farm.