and protect the land . Water is purposefully channeled to minimize mud and runoff . The pastures are soil tested , limed and mown to provide plenty of grass for the horses , and the barn has natural light and ventilation and newly installed LED lights . The horses are rotated among the five fields to let the pasture grow . Kim uses a simple three-pile method of composting her horses ’ manure and trades this natural nutrient with neighbors for their organic produce . Jay Frankenfield of the Soil and Water Conservation District was very helpful in finding cost share for new fencing and Jim Hilleary of Loudoun Extension provides valuable advice on soils and farm stewardship .
This small horse farm brings Kim great pleasure . The boundary creek is beautiful with lush vegetation , there are mature trees on the property , and it is home to song birds , turkeys , foxes , deer and squirrels , as well as the happy horses .
About eight miles away , Kelly and Phil Foltman ’ s historic Dunthorpe Farm was founded in 1790 , or 232 years ago . The Compher family built the substantial house and established a farm on about 300 acres with cattle , sheep , milk cows , wheat , hay and a variety of fruits and vegetables . The farm stayed in the Compher family until 1960 .
Today , the original house , barn and outbuildings are on fortyeight acres and under agricultural easement . Purchased in 2010 by the Foltmans , the farm was due for a major renovation . Kelly is an equine and small animal veterinarian whose practice revolves around her chiropractic and acupuncture services for animals . She is a serious dressage rider with two Hanovarians as well as a thirtyyear-old retired quarter horse and a ten-year old endurance Arabian .
The first step in renovation of the property was rescuing , reconstructing and repurposing the historic buildings . The house was modernized while maintaining its architectural integrity . The main barn was renovated with careful use of the original massive oak timbers to included four horse stalls , a veterinary office and exam room and storage space . A smaller barn was repurposed into a charming cottage which is available for short term rental .
The water on the farm comes from the sloping adjacent properties and flows off the farm into the North Fork of Catoctin Creek . All of the water courses through the farm are fenced off from livestock . This fencing was designed and partially financed with assistance from the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District ’ s Chris Van Vlack . Each of the water courses on the farm is now bounded by natural vegetation to slow the water down and filter it into the ground .
The horses live in the field , only coming into the barn during bad weather . The five fields and the paddock around a small barn are fenced with a combination of board , wire and braided electric wire . The electric wire is solar powered . Each field has automatic waterers with some using passive geothermal heat to keep from freezing . Kelly uses soil testing , overseeding , and mowing to maintain the pastures which are lightly used by her small horse herd . She has room for rotational grazing and additional livestock , including sheep-friendly fencing .
Dunthorpe Farm is now a wonderful home for the horses with beautifully renovated historic buildings . What ’ s next ? Kelly ’ s vision is to establish an orchard with heirloom varieties of pears
14 wander I spring • summer 2022