Olney Farm

10/02/2026

Today, the last horses have moved off Hilltop. The staff are finishing their final work days, and a stillness is settling over the farm.

There is sadness in closing the book on this remarkable story, but today I find myself trying to focus more on how wonderful it was to have been a part of something as unique and special as Hilltop. Before today, there have been more than 35 years filled with incredible horses, laughter, hard work, love, friendships, accomplishments, challenges, and so many people whose lives were touched by this very special place.

First and foremost, thank you to Jane, who built this miraculous farm and has always put the people and the horses at the top of her priorities. Her enthusiasm and love for this land, her staff, and her horses were evident in everything she did. Her generosity and desire to give back to the industry, including through the many educational events hosted at Hilltop, created an incredible foundation for all that this farm has done and meant to so many.

Thank you to every owner who entrusted a horse to us over the years, to the stallion owners who joined us in providing exceptional stallions to North American breeders, and to the thousands of breeders we have had the privilege of working with. The offspring of those stallions will carry a piece of the Hilltop legacy forward for generations to come.

And thank you to every member of the Hilltop staff, past and present, who made this farm what it became. I am especially grateful to our current staff, who have continued to show up, care deeply, and do their jobs with incredible professionalism right through the very last day, helping make this ending as seamless as possible. You each have been amazing!

The Hilltop era may be closing, but the foundation it created is not disappearing. We are excited to watch each of our staff members build their own new futures from all they have learned and accomplished here. In many ways, that is part of Jane's legacy too: creating a place where people and horses could grow, learn, and go on to do great things.

Tonight, the farm is quiet. But 35 years of Hilltop are anything but quiet. And while this chapter is ending, we hope that this beautiful property will find a new owner who will cherish it and give it its own next evolution.

The impact of Hilltop will carry forward in the horses, the people, the friendships, the breeders, and the many new chapters that began here. Cherish the great times, the people, and the horses that have come into your life because of Hilltop. We would love to hear your own happy memories, see your favorite Hilltop horses, and share in the moments that made this place special to you. Please share them in the comments below.

Thank you to all who have been a part of Hilltop, and thank you, Jane, for having this dream. ❤️

Photo credit: Rebecca Neff

09/09/2026

Another amazing year at Maryland State Fair on Shetland Day! Love hearing Bob Shirley say “Trr-rot your ponies please!” If you know, you know.

06/12/2026

We did it!!

DATA CENTERS BANNED

Tonight, we as a County Council unanimously passed Bill 26-011 which BANS data centers from Harford County.

As recently as March 13th, the County Executive had stated at a PAB meeting, through his head of Planning and Zoning, that he was not interested in addressing the issue of Data Centers until after the election was over.

Since then, the community has organized around this issue and the outcome of those efforts is evident.

It is thanks to you, the community, that we as a County Council have been able to accomplish this tremendous achievement.

The work is never finished, so please continue to be engaged and informed on this issue and all others that impact our community.

Politicians have the title, you have the power.

In Solidarity,

06/01/2026

It’s about time to name this naughty boy! Top 4 names suggested. Which one will it be? You can vote but only through instagram I think.

05/27/2026

I’ve struggled for days about writing this post. Thoughts and worries have swirled in my head day and night. Too many. People will say it’s only a pony, don’t be a dramatic. Smarty wasn’t just a pony. She was the kind of pony that children never forget. Not because she was perfect but because she was entirely herself. She moved around with the confidence of a queen and the attitude of someone fully aware that she was adored. There was always a touch of sass in her, a sass that made people laugh and one that taught nervous children to be brave. She taught timid riders to trust themselves. The kids who got to ride her always felt special, chosen, seen. She was magic. Smarty was part of the foundation that my girls and my niece’s childhoods were built upon. Tiny moments that become lifelong memories before they even realized they mattered. Ba****ck rides at night, races up the hill into the woods, silly games of broomball, countless races, hunter trials and pony shows, and more scratches, kisses and snuggles than you could count. She was one of those ponies that touch us on a soul level, she was magic, she was beautiful, she was so loved and she was a legend. We will always miss her. ❤️❤️❤️

05/17/2026

It’s “N” year! Suggestions welcome! Chanel had a c**t on May 16. He wasn’t the smartest little boy and had a little trouble figuring out how to nurse but he’s finally got it.

04/23/2026

Earth day feels like a good time to reflect on the land we share and the responsibility we all have to protect it.

I grew up on Olney Farm along with my three sisters and now I’m raising the next generation here. The farm was purchased by my great grandfather in the early 1800’s and the plan has always been to continue the traditions that it was built upon. To ensure that we could do that and protect the farm from development, my grandmother and parents put it in the Agricultural Land Preservation program in 1991.
But it has recently come to light that there is a real possibility of a large data center being built right across the street from our farm, on land that is zoned agricultural. Not only would this be devastating to Olney and our family, but also to all the neighbors that surround the golf course. It also doesn’t align with the agricultural heritage that is Harford County. Enormous industrial complexes, like the one proposed, put a massive strain on local resources, consume immense amounts of energy and drive up local demand and utility rates. On top of that, cooling units generate persistent, high noise levels, causing major concern among anyone who lives nearby. Some residents have reported hearing or feeling vibration up to 5 miles in quiet, rural areas. And the truth is, we don’t even know that true environmental impact yet! We do know that beyond carbon, data centers release localized pollutants that affect air quality and physical construction and operation of these facilities can directly harm local plants and animals.
This isn’t about just one project, it’s about the gradual pressure on the agricultural heritage and communities that Harford County was built on.
Earth day is about making choices that protect the land and the people who depend on it!
If Olney and keeping Harford County green matters to you, I hope you’ll pay attention and stay engaged. Join the page “Our Land. Our Home. Our Harford.” And sign the petition!

Happy Earth Day 🌎

Stop Data Centers in Harford County, MD

04/04/2026

Congratulations!!

04/04/2026

Congrats to the winners!!

03/22/2026

Sneak peak of one of our series end prizes!

If you attended one show already and are on the fence about attending the final show on the 28th, this is your sign to get your entry in!! Entries accepted through Thursday at midnight with a late fee.

https://docs.google.com/forms/u/3/d/e/1FAIpQLScAHMOm8qG6ZBQGMcNN1l_gDM7CF4U_H9RJUaM5FdddhBTW9A/viewform?pli=1