Kelly is President of the Loudoun County Equine Alliance .
“ As a Virginia landowner , I support the establishment of healthy pasture grass as it fixes carbon from the air and reduces run off pollution into streams . Fenced off water courses with native vegetation are an additional way to filter water , provide wildlife habitat and encourage pollinators .” and apples , a place for free-range chickens and a special home for farm-raised pigs . She is replacing invasive plants with native varieties and will establish an organic vegetable garden , making good use of composted horse manure .
Kelly sees the future of Dunthorpe Farm with local products using the best farm stewardship practices to maintain healthy soils , rich pastures , fruitful orchards , a variety of fine livestock , natural plantings and wildlife habitat . The guest cottage already brings people to the farm who appreciate the natural setting . The small barn and paddock are getting ready to receive visiting horses participating in local competitions , such as at the nearby Upperville show grounds .
Although these two farms are quite different , Magic Arch is in a suburban area and has a modern house and barn while Dunthorpe Farm is in a rural setting and includes the historic house and barn , they share common principles of high-quality farm stewardship .
Kim and Kelly are dedicated to upgrading their properties for the sake of the horses and to benefit the natural environment and its wildlife . They use the best science , available technical and financial assistance , common sense and consistent planning to manage their properties .
They are both engaged with their communities on issues of horse health , land use , zoning and
agricultural policies and practices .
Loudoun County is very fortunate to have these two lovers of horses and stewards of the land building horse farms they enjoy and that will be of value for generations to come .
Jane Thery is president and CEO of Green Horse Enterprises , LLC , a Maryland company with the mission of protecting and improving the health and comfort of horses and the environmental quality of equestrian lands . www . greenhorsellc . com
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