Amanda Owen, the renowned shepherdess, has opened up about enduring 'aches and confusion' at her 'infuriating' Ravenseat farm, while paying a heartfelt tribute to her 'indomitable' children in a deeply emotional social media post. The 51-year-old took to Instagram to share touching words about her nine kids, whom she shares with ex-husband Clive, following their split in June 2022 after 22 years of marriage.
A Family Bond Forged on the Farm
The pair are proud parents to Raven, Reuben, Miles, Edith, Violet, Sidney, Annas, Clementine, and Nancy, all of whom regularly assist with duties at the farm located in Swaledale, within the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. Amanda shared a sweet video over the weekend capturing her children engaged in an Easter egg hunt, a moment that highlighted the lighter side of their rural existence.
Reflections on Life's Rewards Amid Hardship
Alongside the clip, Amanda penned a poignant message, stating: 'It can be all too easy to forget what makes this life, place and job so worthwhile and rewarding. When the rain is lashing down, the mud cloying and your body aches from the cold and sheer effort.' She continued, 'Then, amongst the haste and confusion, for a fleeting moment you look outwards and acknowledge just how blessed you are to be here in this invigorating, inspiring and thoroughly infuriating place.'
Amanda expressed her belief that the farm environment instills resilience in her children, saying, 'I reckon that for the children, it’s this place and life that gives them an indomitable spirit and determination that will shape them well for the future, whatever path they choose, they will find their way.' She encouraged them to keep moving forward, adding, 'As long as they are moving forwards and they don’t fear looking over the next hill and to the horizon then the sky really is the limit. So go, go, go children, today the prize is chocolate eggs but one day…'
Fan Reactions and Support
Many fans quickly flocked to the comments section to share their admiration and support. One user wrote, 'Love this Amanda!', while another commented, 'What a cracking prize at the end, lovely hunt.' Others added, 'Brilliantly done !!', 'Just love this so much!', and 'Well done Amanda. Fabulous parenting.' The outpouring of love underscored the connection Amanda has built with her audience through her candid portrayals of farm life.
Earlier Heartbreak with Beloved Pet Dog
Earlier this year, Amanda faced a poignant goodbye to her cherished pet dog, Chalky. Viewers of Our Farm Next Door were left in tears during the show's finale in February, as the Owen family bid farewell to their beloved Jack Russell. In heartbreaking scenes, Amanda and her children provided Chalky with tender loving care, including 'a lot of cuddles and a lot of hand-feeding.'
Amanda revealed, 'She's pretty much gorged herself on sausages and wafer-thin ham. Hopefully, she'll fall asleep in her bed and not wake up.' The mum-of-nine added emotionally, 'These last few weeks have been quite emotional because Chalky is fading away. She's slowed down hugely. I think, on the quiet, that her time is nigh. She's nearly at an end.' She assured that Chalky was not in pain but admitted, 'To see her going downhill has been quite hard,' describing the dog as a 'real character.'
Rise to Fame and Recent Projects
Amanda shot to fame through the Channel 5 series Our Yorkshire Farm, which aired from 2018 to 2021, captivating audiences with the daily realities of farming life. More recently, a brand new series titled Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive and Kids premiered on More4 in 2024, continuing to document the family's adventures and challenges on Ravenseat farm.
