WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Some people thought Darin and Jim Dalatney were crazy when they decided to take over an old abandoned golf course, but that didn't stop them.
The couple has spent the past five years transforming a 150-acre property in Lima Township between Chelsea and Dexter into what is now known as Rebel Run.
Rebel Run, located at 555 Dancer Road, includes an equestrian park, wedding venue, event center, and will soon open a beer garden called Foxhole on St. Patrick's Day weekend, March 15-17.
Some may remember this location as the former Redman Farms Golf Club, which was destroyed in a 2017 fire. The clubhouse was destroyed in the fire, but some golf balls are still hidden in the grass.
Related: Fire destroys golf course clubhouse near Ann Arbor
Jim said Level Run's beer garden will be a family-friendly space where people can enjoy beer and hang out over cocktails named after horses.
The Fox Hall is open to the public on summer weekends and Thursdays, with indoor and outdoor activities, live music, and food trucks.
A beer garden is expected to open soon, while Rebel Run has hosted equestrian events and several weddings on-site.
The Dalatny family is no stranger to the equestrian world, having previously owned Cobblestone Farms, an equestrian and event center near Dexter.
The couple decided to sell their 20-year-old business in 2023 and “take it to the next level,” Darling said.
“A lot of land is being used for development, and we just wanted to provide an avenue for people to bring their horses and get outside and enjoy what they love to do,” Jim said.
Darling has been riding horses since childhood on her grandparents' farm in Hillsdale and has since shared her love with her four daughters.
Related: Teen Dexter, an equestrian athlete, has Olympic ambitions
The Dalatny family purchased the old golf course because of their family's passion for horseback riding.
Darling said when he saw it, it immediately reminded him of his childhood with his grandparents.
“(Equestrian) is a dying sport and it's really unusual to have so much wealth in one place,” she said. “So we really wanted to step it up and make this a destination.”
Eventually, the Rebel Run equestrian park was completed. Working with a certified course designer, we spent countless hours removing overgrown vegetation and filling sand traps.
Jim said that through their experience at Cobblestone Farms, the couple became known for hosting national “mixed horse racing” competitions, which are essentially triathlons for horses and riders.
Jim said people are invited to watch these shows at the Rebel Run, where competitors come from all over the country to compete, adding that they also host other smaller horse racing shows throughout the year.
The Level Run is also a place where people can bring their horses to ride and train, as there are various levels of obstacles on site. The clinic is open to anyone who is interested.
In addition to horses, Rebel Run is also home to a number of weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, fundraisers, and other events each year.
The on-site event space is known as “The Overlook” and the barn is known as “The Silo.” Some people may like to hit it during a golf game, Jim said.
Jim said he wants people to just “enjoy the moment” no matter what they decide to do with Rebel Run.
The process of completing Rebel Run wasn't always easy, but the Dalatny family is excited to share their mission and 150 acres of land with others.
“Sometimes it can be so overwhelming, but when I see the sunrise or sunset on this property, that's why I do it. It's really beautiful,” Darling said. “We’re so happy and lucky to be able to keep this open for everyone to enjoy.”
Rebel Run hours at The Foxhole are currently Fridays from 4pm to 10pm, Saturdays from noon to 10pm, and Sundays from noon to 8pm. Learn more online, on social media, or by phone at 734-395-2633.
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