SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. — Monnington Farm in Simpsonville, Kentucky is known for training and breeding Saddlebreds but what you might not know is the owners unique backstory, one that's now being shaped by the pandemic.

For Lionel and Georgia Ferreira, their love for horses is what brought them together. With roots from South Africa, Lionel traveled to England to train at Georgia's parents' farm.

They never thought when they came to Kentucky they’d have to deal with not seeing their family for so long. 

“I just grew up enjoying horses like everyone does and then realizing it was a great place to start our farm so that's why we moved to Kentucky,” Georgia said.

In 2010, the couple opened Monnington Farm in Simpsonville, home to Marc of Charm, the people's horse and now Breyer horse. Lionel’s first ever Saddlebred to be crowned with the title.

“Just the one, I think that will be it. People don't even get one,” Lionel said. “I think for our breed as a Saddlebred industry, being a Breyer horse gets the sport bigger, more people get into it, especially the children. To me, the future of any equine breed is the children.”

The family tries to visit home as much as they can, but with the new omicron coronavirus variant, traveling can be tricky – especially to South Africa.

“Human nature is to be around family especially this time of year,” Lionel said. “For grandparents, not being able to see their grandkids is really difficult, especially when they're young. They grow up fast. The last time my parents saw my kids physically was when they were 4 and they're now 7.”

The Ferreira family posing for pictures with relatives from South Africa. (Georgia Ferreira)

As of Tuesday, the United States and 33 other countries have issued new travel restrictions due to the new variant called omicron. Including Britain, all travelers who arrive in England will have to take a COVID-19 test before boarding.

“I saw people around me with the wrong tests and the wrong paperwork and they're getting pulled off, that's the stressful part,” Georgia said.

In July, Georgia traveled back to England and had to quarantine for 10 days but this next trip she’s thankful for the changes.

“Since this new variant has come into play, they have now put those rules back into place so I do have to quarantine when I arrive in England. But it's only a two day quarantine at this point, so that's not too bad and doesn't affect my trip,” Georgia said.

Following advice from the CDC, the U.S. has temporarily restricted travel from South Africa, and a number of other countries in Africa.