Top Bar Farm

01/17/2025

We teach adults too.. 😉

01/16/2025

That's the size of a horses heart next to a human heart

01/15/2025

01/14/2025

It’s time to start planning for summer camps!
I should have dates available soon, so keep your eyes open for updates.

Coming on here quick though to ask you guys for some help brainstorming ideas. This year I would like to try something new and offer some day camps in addition to our normal 4 day summer camps.

Camps will take place from 9 to 3pm, on the selected days. Each day camp will have its own topic or theme and will be around $80/day. We may do a discounted rate if you come to more than one daycamp or if you are a package member. 

Some of the ideas we currently have on the list are:
- Beginner and basics camp
- Confidence building camp
- Cowboy and cowgirl camp
- Show prep and practice camp

I wanted to open it up on here for anybody to drop some ideas on other suggestions on daycamp ideas that you’d like to see! This helps us better serve our clientele.

Feel free to comment below or send us a private message with any ideas you might have! We appreciate your help. 🫶

* These day camps are separate from our normal camps. We will still be having our riding camp in June, July and then we will have a leadership retreat in August for our advanced riders and counselors.

01/07/2025

If you are looking to be added to the list for snow removal today please call 717-961-9475 . Please do not message as we will not see messages while we are working. Thank you!

01/07/2025

People ask me why I do it..

Why I miss birthday parties, family dinners and other special occasions. Why I spend hundreds upon thousands of dollars. Why I choose to leave early or stay late just to squeeze in those last minute sun setting training sessions. Why I haul hours to the vet at the first sign of an issue when I won't spend the money or time to go to the ER myself. Why I wake up early and get in late at night. Why my horses eat on a strict schedule, while I eat anytime, anywhere I can. Why sometimes it seems I'm choosing horses over relationships, people, and everything else in my life.

Why do I do it? Why do I put myself, my family, my body, my finances through it?

The answer is simple but not understood by most everyone unless they live it. What I do is who I am. It's not meant to be understood by anyone. It's an addiction, a hobby, a lifestyle and a world only us horse people understand. You won't stop... no matter the circumstances, the bad luck, how much you spent and wasted, the time you can never get back, you cannot stop. You can take a break, sell out, lose faith, leave the horses standing in the pasture, But you never give it up. It's always there, in your every thought, memory and future dream. Goals will change but the desire never will. Months and years may shift how and when you go, how many horses you own and your level of interest. BUT, it never leaves. It's a God given passion to learn from and to use as a tool. When you ask me why.. my answer is WHY NOT? Why not live everyday like it's my last. WHY not be an example to my family and friends as someone who never gave up. WHY not give it my all and see just how far I can go and what I can achieve. Why NOT?

My only hope and prayer is that everyone will find their “why do you do it?"

01/03/2025

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY 🎉

As many of you know, our sweet Ellie (Jockey Club registered: What a Beaut) was supposed to compete in the 2024 Retired Racehorse Projects Thoroughbred Makeover however at the start of her training she sustained a significant leg wound in the field and ended up having to be on stall rest for months. With rehabbing that injury, she had to be withdrawn from the competition and was just recently cleared to go back to work.

After speaking to the show secretary, it has been confirmed that Ellie is still eligible for a second chance at the thoroughbred makeover this October in Lexington, Kentucky!

We have put thousands of dollars into this horse to rehab her and get her back on track. The love Hilary has for this horse is incredible. She has seen so much potential in this horse since the day she arrived. She even sold her dream horse to keep this one and finish her training. 

We are asking any of our clients that would be interested in sponsoring, to consider helping us see that Ellie gets her redemption at the makeover this year!

For sponsorship, please reach out to Hilary (717-701-2428) or email: [email protected]

12/26/2024

We have a winner!

Congrats, Justin N Shelby Brownawell!

Sorry, I forgot to screen record. The wheel being spun. I’m actually on my way to urgent care at the moment to try to get this sickness under control. However, we are still on for camp, see you guys tomorrow morning! 

🎄As always, I’m feeling generous this Christmas Season.. So why not give away another FREE spot at our Christmas Camp this year! ($250 value!!) 🎄

How to easily enter to win :
(You must complete all steps)
❄️ Like this post
❄️ Tag 2 friends in this post
❄️ Share this post!

Winner will be announced Thursday 12/26!

Below are additional details about the camp. Please also checkout or RSVP to our Facebook Event if you are already planning on having your child attend. Spots are limited and preregistration is required.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

We are excited to once again be offering a Christmas camp! Let’s get the kids out of the house and onto the farm this Christmas break. We will be doing activities both inside and outside to help expand their equine knowledge, as well as riding, barn work, crafts, team building games and so much more!

Camp runs 9am - 3pm
(early drop off/ late pickup available for additional fee)
• Lunch & Snacks provided both days
• Minimum of one riding lesson a day depending on weather
• Please dress accordingly and bring layers! We will be taking breaks inside as needed.
• Hot chocolate provided daily!

Cost is $250 for this camp, cheaper than our traditional camps! With lesson season slowing down this is a great way to get your child involved and to stay active with the farm!

Gift certificates are available for this camp which makes it a great present under the tree.. what a great surprise Christmas morning! 🎁

I am limiting this camp to a small group so please RSVP asap if you’re interested.

12/25/2024

John 3:16.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Merry Chriristmas to all!

📸 Hannah Westbrook Photography

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from our family (minus Kade because he was too cool for pictures) to yours! We appreciate each and every one of you who have supported us throughout this journey of growing Top Bar. Wrapping up another amazing year with great horses, great clients and even greater memories made along the way.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season. ❤️

12/23/2024

➡️ Why I Choose Horses for My Kid: Lessons Worth Every Penny

People often ask me, “Why do you spend so much money on horses for your kid? They’re just ‘money pits,’ emotional heart-breakers made of tissue paper that can kick your lights out. Why?”

The answer is simple: because horses teach kids more than any iPad, social media influencer, or textbook ever could.

Yes, you’re right—horses are relentless in every way. They demand your time, energy, and finances. They can test your patience, challenge your emotions, and consume you entirely. But look at what they give in return.

⚡️ Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Horses teach my child skills no technology, trendy outfit, or peer group could ever provide:

• Nonverbal Communication: Learning to “speak” with a 1,200-pound animal without words develops awareness, empathy, and understanding.

• Responsibility: Early mornings, late nights, and putting the needs of another being before their own teach kids accountability.

• Confidence: The triumphs and struggles in the saddle or barn instill self-belief and grit.

• Emotional Intelligence: Handling setbacks, managing fears, and celebrating successes alongside a horse build emotional resilience.

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: When something goes wrong, as it inevitably does, kids learn to think critically and act swiftly.

• Goal Setting & Consistency: Progress with horses comes through small, consistent efforts—a powerful life lesson. swiftly.

• Value of Networking & Mentorship: The horse industry molds kids to be coachable and open minded to collaboration with their peers. Success in this industry requires a network - they learn that quickly.

Beyond the tangible skills, horses bring kids closer to nature, science, and even spirituality. There’s something deeply humbling and awe-inspiring about working with these magnificent creatures. I know for a fact they bring you closer to God as well.

🔥The Physical and Mental Challenge

Many don’t believe equestrian activities qualify as a sport. To that, I can only say: spend a day in the barn. The physical demands of mucking stalls, lifting hay bales, and conditioning a horse are real. Riding itself is a full-body workout that requires balance, strength, and coordination. These kids spend more time practicing their skills than most athletes on the planet.

But the mental aspect is just as significant. Equestrianism teaches kids how to master pressure, manage performance anxiety, and handle adversity with grace. Those are skills they’ll carry into every aspect of life.

👉 A Priceless Investment

I would rather my child be so consumed by the living, breathing responsibilities of horses than searching for validation on social media, in peer groups, or, worse, through harmful substances.

Horses are an investment—not just in riding lessons, vet bills, and show fees—but in my child’s future. I’d rather spend my money on building her character, teaching her discipline, and giving her life skills than on fleeting trends or technology that will soon be outdated.

Yes, horses are expensive. Yes, they’re challenging. But they’re also one of the greatest gifts I can give my child. Because when I look at her, I don’t just see a rider—I see a confident, capable, compassionate human being. And for that, horses are worth every penny.



Shared from Blue Thunder A Unicorn Story

12/23/2024

🎄As always, I’m feeling generous this Christmas Season.. So why not give away another FREE spot at our Christmas Camp this year! ($250 value!!) 🎄

How to easily enter to win :
(You must complete all steps)
❄️ Like this post
❄️ Tag 2 friends in this post
❄️ Share this post!

Winner will be announced Thursday 12/26!

Below are additional details about the camp. Please also checkout or RSVP to our Facebook Event if you are already planning on having your child attend. Spots are limited and preregistration is required.

❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

We are excited to once again be offering a Christmas camp! Let’s get the kids out of the house and onto the farm this Christmas break. We will be doing activities both inside and outside to help expand their equine knowledge, as well as riding, barn work, crafts, team building games and so much more!

Camp runs 9am - 3pm
(early drop off/ late pickup available for additional fee)
• Lunch & Snacks provided both days
• Minimum of one riding lesson a day depending on weather
• Please dress accordingly and bring layers! We will be taking breaks inside as needed.
• Hot chocolate provided daily!

Cost is $250 for this camp, cheaper than our traditional camps! With lesson season slowing down this is a great way to get your child involved and to stay active with the farm!

Gift certificates are available for this camp which makes it a great present under the tree.. what a great surprise Christmas morning! 🎁

I am limiting this camp to a small group so please RSVP asap if you’re interested.

12/20/2024