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CONTACT Epoch Farm 13701 Hanover Pike Reisterstown, MD 21136 USA 410-429-0993 E mail: info at epochfarm.com Please use the @ symbol for email. Trying to cut down on spam. © Copyright 2005 EpochFarm.com All Rights Reserved |
| History |
History
When the farm was purchased in July of 1997, there was tremendous work ahead. The bank barn, which was built in 1888, was in need of restoration. The old fencing, which consisted of a mangled mixture of boards and barbed wire, needed to be removed. The fields were overgrown and outcroppings of trees had taken over what once was open space. The task was daunting but we dug in and began to build our idea of the perfect horse facility.
We began the project by clearing the trees and underbrush that had taken over the land. The biggest chore ahead was the restoration of the bank barn. The walls and foundation had been invaded by trees, which threatened to render the building unsafe. Removal of the trees was a difficult undertaking. Many steps were taken to avoid further damage to the structure. Once the area was cleared, plans were made to convert the cow barn into an efficient horse barn. We gutted the entire barn and replaced beams that had rotted away through years of exposure to the weather. Block walls were constructed to replace the steel uprights that had once supported the cross member beams. The barn siding was patched and repaired.
Soon after the barn was repainted, a gentleman stopped by the farm and asked if he could look around for a minute. He explained that he had worked on the farm during World War II when it was a dairy operation. The majority of the land was used for cow pastures while only a small portion was planted with crops. He began to take us on a tour through his memory of how the farm existed when he was younger. The tree that he climbed each day to eat lunch was now much bigger. We learned through further research that the dairy farm was sold in 1960 and only remained in operation for a short period of time. When the working dairy ceased to exist, the farm was leased out to various people for row crop farming. Subsequently, the out buildings became neglected and rundown.The visitor commented on all of the changes that were currently taking place and was excited to see the property being restored once again to a working farm.
Completed Projects
Projects from 1997:
Over grown land was cleared of old barbed wire fence and debris.
Bank barn was renovated.
Soil was tested and fields were fertilized.
Two fields were fenced.
Other fields were planted in wheat.
Projects from 1998:
Woods were cleaned and trails were put in.
Soil was tested and fields were fertilized.
Some fields were planted in crops.
Hay fields were started.
Two separate turf gallops were put in, a 1-mile and a ¾ mile.
One field was fenced.
Two paddocks were fenced.
Projects from 1999:
More fencing was done.
More crops were planted.
All weather outdoor ring was built: 120-ft. X 240-ft.
Preparations were made for a big year in 2000.
Projects from 2000:
Fencing was continued.
Existing fenced fields were re-seeded with grass.
Crop fields were seeded with grass.
Stadium jumps were built.
First annual Epoch Farm combined test was held.
Isolation stall was built.
Shavings storage building was erected with a lounge and bathroom.
Shop building for machinery storage and equipment repair was built.
The 20-stall barn was started.
The 100-ft. X 215-ft. indoor ring was started.
Projects from 2001:
Fencing completed (more planned for 2002).
The 20 stall Training barn was completed.
The 100ft.x215ft. indoor ring was completed.
Two manure storage areas were put in.
In November the 20 stall training barn with attached indoor ring was officially opened.
Projects from 2002:
* Two small paddocks were put in for individual turnout or lay-ups.
* The decision was made to host a Dressage Schooling Show for the Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA)
in 2003.
* A Blok Arena was purchased, which are used at many top-level dressage competitions,
including the Atlanta Olympics.
* Maintenance of the trails and farm structures continue.
We have many plans and projects for the future all centered around making Epoch Farm THE place horses want to be!
Old bank barn before, summer 1997
Old bank barn's milkhouse, summer 1997
Bank barn reborn!
Training barn under construction
