Young Horse Raising

We have opened the fields at Hilltop Farm to those in the industry needing access to young horse raising services. Breeders, or owners of young horses seeking, a safe, natural environment for their young sport horse prospect during the rearing years are often limited in the situation they themselves can provide.  Traditional boarding facilities, or pastures with no other youngsters, do not offer the freedom and herd dynamics that young horses need to be exposed to for their optimal development.

At Hilltop Farm, our horses are raised in small herds, separated by age and gender.  They learn important herd dynamics that will stay with them throughout their lifetime. The strength and development gained by the growing horse on these rolling hills is unparalleled for building a strong and athletic foundation.

Each horse in our fields receives daily care and attention.  We feed in individual feed stalls so there is no competing for food. Grooming and handling lessons are included in the young horses education and the goal of the program is to nurture the young horses so they are confident and willing to work by the time they are ready to begin under saddle training. 

Hilltop Farm is proud of our staff of highly qualified horsemen, skilled and experienced in keeping a watchful eye on the health and ongoing development of horses.  Many additional aspects of care are available including sales, preparation for handling at breed shows and inspections, and twice yearly video/photo updates for our clients not close enough to visit. 

We are very proud of the accomplishments of the horses, both past and present, in our Program.  Just to name a few are the following:

Qredit (Quaterback-Dream of Glory)

2008 Oldenburg colt owned by Michelle and Chris Coursin and bred by Judy Yancey, was undefeated in his debut show season and topped off the year by winning the Grand Championship at Devon.

Chiquita HTF (Contucci-Cordoba)

2008 Hanoverian filly owned by Hilltop Farm, was  the inaugural Foal Champion, Reserve Champion Filly, and USDF East Coast Filly Final Champion at Devon in 2008.

Selten HW (Sandro Hit-Hohenstein)

The 2006 Reserve Grand Champion at Devon and under Hilltop Farm trainer Michael Bragdell was the 2008 USEF 4 Year Old Young Horse National Champion and was the USEF 5 Year Old National Champion in 2009 with owner Elizabeth Ball.

The Raising Program has seen tremendous growth in the past year and spaces in each age group are limited.  It is important to plan ahead and make reservations early.  Waiting lists are available for groups which are currently full.

Now accepting reservations for 2010 weanlings.

Please contact Megan Fischer at megan@hilltopfarminc.com for further details.

Client Testimonials:

“I moved my young gelding to Hilltop from a lovely breeder's farm and was initially concerned that he would receive the same level of attention.  He's been at Hilltop for several months now and I am ecstatic.  The daily handling and the beautiful hilly pastures have done wonders for his fitness and development.  The staff is knowledgeable and communicative.  I feel fortunate to have my youngster in their capable hands at such a beautiful facility.”  ~ Ginny Pitts, Norton, MA

"I have been extremely pleased with the care that the Hilltop Raising Staff has given my young filly.  I have experienced impressive professionalism, concern and attention to detail.  The Team never thinks of the horses in their care as a number, but always as an individual.  I am, for the first time in my 30 years of experience, comfortable with being an absentee owner.  I can rest assured that true horsemen are looking after my youngster.” ~  Kate Palmquist, Autumn Hill Farm, Rockbridge Baths, VA

“I found out about the Hilltop Raising Program shortly after I purchased my month old colt, Qredit.  I didn't know much about them other than the stallions they stood.  So I did a little research, emailed Megan to find out what the raising program included and what they did with the foals.  I was impressed with the professionalism and knowledge that she had and decided to send my boy to them.  I have never been disappointed.  Not only have they provided him a safe environment to grow up in but their handling and training has helped him overcome some issues he had with handling.  I'm so confident in the Hilltop Raising department that I sent my weanling colt, Regalia HM to them this year.  I know not to worry when I have this great group of horsemen and women watching over my boys.  I hope to have a long and lasting relationship with Hilltop!!” ~ Michelle Coursin, South Mills, NC