The farm is currently home to Cleveland Bay Horses, a flock of Corriedale sheep, a very large brood of chickens, a tribe of Spanish Goats, a single nigeran dwarf goat, 5 working livestock guard dogs, and a drift of pigs which includes Berkshires and Large Black Hogs. We work the farm and care for all the animals ourselves as a small human family of four. Often times the dog number more than doubles when we have a litter of pups we are looking after. Who knows what the number will jump to once little piglets begin to arrive!
We have arranged our farm so that our animals can all live out naturally on pasture with access to plenty of forage and field shelter. The barn is usually only occupied during early spring foaling, lambing and pups or on the rare occasion of injury. Our chickens free range on pasture as well. The theme of the homestead is unmistakeable with it’s bright red paint with white trim on the house, barn and all outbuildings. Our home is a small New England style reproduction salt box noticeably smaller than the barn that sits less than 100 yards away. The property has been a work in progress since we purchased it as raw land in April of 2004.
Early in 2003 we began our Cleveland Bay breeding program. We searched long and hard to find just the right breed. As we became more focused on the Cleveland Bay we took a trip to Wales, UK late in 2002. It was at this time, after meeting some very gracious Cleveland Bay people and their amazing horses, we knew more than ever that this was definitely the breed for us.
Now, just about 8 years later, we are pleased with the strides and accomplishments we have made with the breed and the friendships we have developed with those who solidified our interest and have encouraged us along the way. Now home to eight (8) pure bred Cleveland Bay Horses (more in the spring once foals arrive), two (2) Thoroughbred mares and a Cleveland Bay Sport horses we are committed to pursuing our commitment to help preserve this critically endangered breed.
In the autumn of 2005 we introduced Corriedale Sheep to our farm. The introduction the Corries was primarily to give our Anatolian Shepherd Dogs a job to do. We now raise a flock of Corries, for both wool and meat. We acquired our first Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Leeloo in 2004. She was followed by the addition of our breeding male, Mosby in 2005. Then, in 2007 added a breeding female, Kamille. We now have 5 Anatolian Shepherd Dogs that work the farm in guarding our livestock and home.
Now as we enter 2010 we are looking forward to a year on the farm, which for the first time will include kidding in addition to the usual foaling, lambing and whelping. We are anxious to have our Large Black Hogs and Berkshire Pigs join the farm this year. The addition of the Pure Spanish Goats, the Large Black Hogs and the Berkshire Pigs add some new heritage breeds to our farm.
Visitors to the farm are always welcome, simply give us a call or contact us to arrange a visit.
Member Cleveland Bay Horse Society - UK
Member Cleveland Bay Horse Society of North America
Member American Correidale Association
Member Loudoun Valley Sheep Producers Association
Spanish Goat Association
